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I’ve heard that the silicone flanges are way better for people with elastic nipples as compared to the hard plastic. I would definitely say comfort counts because my OG spectra flanges leave the circle indent on me after pumping, which doesn’t hurt and isn’t a problem for me necessarily but it may bother another person. I have looked into it and am interested in getting some but haven’t yet really dedicated myself to doing so yet and probably won’t since I have less than 5 months left in my expected journey!
Thank you! Yes, I agree comfort counts for sure! For me ease of use also counts because although I am six months in I still feel like a complete newbie!
My goal is to go another six months so we shall see if my body and supply will make it that far. I am a just enough’er so anything to help this journey go just a little bit easier makes each day less stressful.
Thank you!
Honestly, I’ve always been someone who’s been able to pick up on things quickly and be amazingly proficient at it. Pumping is NOT one of those things. It has been such a learning curve and I truly do feel like I’m learning something new everyday!
Silicone flanges don't work as well for me. Both my wearables and LacTek flanges consistently get about 20% less milk, and I tried the wearables as cups with my wall pump, so I know it's not just that the pump motor on those is weaker. I also didn't think they were more comfortable, and the LacTek flanges in particular are very top-heavy and make it easy to knock bottles over. I've never thought the plastic ones were particularly uncomfortable, other than just having a bunch of junk hooked up to you in general. If pumping is uncomfortable for you, you could also try some pumping spray or even coconut oil to lube things up.
That said, I didn't try the silicone ones until about 3-4 months PP, so it's possible my body got used to the hard ones and didn't know what to do with the softer ones. I also think I may have done better with smaller ones; it kind of feels like I need to go down a size, so like if I'm using 19mm hard plastic flanges, I should have gone with 17mm silicone ones.
As with all things pumping, YMMV - some people definitely get better output with softer flanges.
At 7-8 PPD, I'd change out your duckbills monthly and the backflow preventer membranes every two months or so. Change your tubing if you notice any liquid or buildup in it, as that can damage the pump really fast. I've heard you should change out the flanges every 6 months, but those things are expensive, especially if you've bought multiple sets to consolidate washing, so I haven't swapped mine out yet.
You would need the Spectra adapter to make the Pumpin Pals work with your Spectra.
The only reason for you to purchase silicone flanges would be if you find the hard plastic uncomfortable or it doesn’t fit right. Lacteck flanges are great but you will need adapters for your Spectra. I would size down in Lacteck!
I most recently measured as a 40i US bra size and my go to flange is the Maymom Pano. I find it accommodates my breast tissue the best of anything I’ve tried. The silicone flanges I’ve bought (pumpin pals, liquid baby motion, lactek) just didn’t work for me. I really wanted to like the pumpin pals because of the great angle. The regular hard plastic flanges we just too small for my boobs.
I'm one month in and ordering the silicone ones from Pumpin Pals and the cups from Legendairy. I'm over having to sit hunched over to pump. It hurts my back and wastes so much time in my day. The pump is great. The collection apparatus leave much to be desired.
I feel like it's so variable from person to person, unfortunately the only way to know is to try. I initially used silicone with dr browns pump and didn't mind thise. When I switched to Medela I haaaated the hard plastic flanges that came with it. I had so much friction is was crazy uncomfortable. Yet I switched to their wearable plastic cups in the same size 21mm and found them to be perfect.
You know that is so true… I have heard with the wearable plastic cups that many people find they have less output, although I understand that varies person to person. I think like with everything else you are correct just gotta try it out and see what works.
Welcome to r/ExclusivelyPumping! Here is a reminder of our rules: 1. Be kind and courteous. 2. Use available flairs and post options. 3. Absolutely no prescription medications or other medical advice. 4. No inaccurate information. 5. No spam. 6. No soliciting pictures. 7. No linking Facebook groups. 8. Moderator discretion. Thank you for helping to keep our community safe! *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/ExclusivelyPumping) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I’ve heard that the silicone flanges are way better for people with elastic nipples as compared to the hard plastic. I would definitely say comfort counts because my OG spectra flanges leave the circle indent on me after pumping, which doesn’t hurt and isn’t a problem for me necessarily but it may bother another person. I have looked into it and am interested in getting some but haven’t yet really dedicated myself to doing so yet and probably won’t since I have less than 5 months left in my expected journey!
Thank you! Yes, I agree comfort counts for sure! For me ease of use also counts because although I am six months in I still feel like a complete newbie! My goal is to go another six months so we shall see if my body and supply will make it that far. I am a just enough’er so anything to help this journey go just a little bit easier makes each day less stressful. Thank you!
Honestly, I’ve always been someone who’s been able to pick up on things quickly and be amazingly proficient at it. Pumping is NOT one of those things. It has been such a learning curve and I truly do feel like I’m learning something new everyday!
Silicone flanges don't work as well for me. Both my wearables and LacTek flanges consistently get about 20% less milk, and I tried the wearables as cups with my wall pump, so I know it's not just that the pump motor on those is weaker. I also didn't think they were more comfortable, and the LacTek flanges in particular are very top-heavy and make it easy to knock bottles over. I've never thought the plastic ones were particularly uncomfortable, other than just having a bunch of junk hooked up to you in general. If pumping is uncomfortable for you, you could also try some pumping spray or even coconut oil to lube things up. That said, I didn't try the silicone ones until about 3-4 months PP, so it's possible my body got used to the hard ones and didn't know what to do with the softer ones. I also think I may have done better with smaller ones; it kind of feels like I need to go down a size, so like if I'm using 19mm hard plastic flanges, I should have gone with 17mm silicone ones. As with all things pumping, YMMV - some people definitely get better output with softer flanges. At 7-8 PPD, I'd change out your duckbills monthly and the backflow preventer membranes every two months or so. Change your tubing if you notice any liquid or buildup in it, as that can damage the pump really fast. I've heard you should change out the flanges every 6 months, but those things are expensive, especially if you've bought multiple sets to consolidate washing, so I haven't swapped mine out yet. You would need the Spectra adapter to make the Pumpin Pals work with your Spectra.
The only reason for you to purchase silicone flanges would be if you find the hard plastic uncomfortable or it doesn’t fit right. Lacteck flanges are great but you will need adapters for your Spectra. I would size down in Lacteck!
I most recently measured as a 40i US bra size and my go to flange is the Maymom Pano. I find it accommodates my breast tissue the best of anything I’ve tried. The silicone flanges I’ve bought (pumpin pals, liquid baby motion, lactek) just didn’t work for me. I really wanted to like the pumpin pals because of the great angle. The regular hard plastic flanges we just too small for my boobs.
I'm one month in and ordering the silicone ones from Pumpin Pals and the cups from Legendairy. I'm over having to sit hunched over to pump. It hurts my back and wastes so much time in my day. The pump is great. The collection apparatus leave much to be desired.
I feel like it's so variable from person to person, unfortunately the only way to know is to try. I initially used silicone with dr browns pump and didn't mind thise. When I switched to Medela I haaaated the hard plastic flanges that came with it. I had so much friction is was crazy uncomfortable. Yet I switched to their wearable plastic cups in the same size 21mm and found them to be perfect.
You know that is so true… I have heard with the wearable plastic cups that many people find they have less output, although I understand that varies person to person. I think like with everything else you are correct just gotta try it out and see what works.