Breast Shields
About Breast Shields
Are you a pumping mum? Then having a breast shield will make your life easier. However, when shopping for this device online, it’s essential to know the right size that will give you a smooth and stress-free pumping experience. If it’s your first time to shop for this device, we will provide you with the guidance you need to make an informed decision.
So, what exactly are these shields? Well, you could also call them flanges. A flange or a breast shield is typically a device that you can fit over your nipple when pumping milk for your little munchkins. You cannot use breast pumps without these shields. So, we can confidently conclude that they are an integral part of pumping. These breast flanges create a seal around your areola. This creates the vacuum that draws your nipple into the pump’s tunnel. However, the important thing here is that your nipple needs to perfectly fit the flanges to carry out the process smoothly. Only, then you’ll feel comfortable while expressing milk. You’ll find several different sizes of shield sizes. But you need to pick the right one to ensure their efficiency. In this article, we shall highlight the importance of the sizes and how you can quickly check out their dimensions.
All you know about the breast shields for breastfeeding
Having the correct shield fit is not just for comfort, but also for efficient pumping and milk production. If you are using shields that are too small or too large, it can significantly reduce the amount of milk you can pump. This, in turn, leads to discomfort. It is also worth noting that even if you’ve been pumping breast milk for a while, your flange size is still subject to change. By being aware of these, you can make the necessary adjustments along the way. Below we’ve listed out a few essential things you should know and understand about the sizing of your flanges. This is a paramount factor to consider before you set out to buy the best nipple shield for breastfeeding .
The breast shield for nursing Vs Nipple shields
As you browse your way through the various types of breast shields to purchase one, you’ll quite often see that nipple shields and breast shields are used interchangeably. But take note that they are two different accessories each with specific functions. A nipple shield pertains to a flexible silicone that you wear over the nipple when breastfeeding your newborn baby. It’s a device designed to solve latch problems by providing a bigger target for suckling. What’s more, it corrects flat or inverted nipples and protects them while they heal from sores. On the other hand, you mainly use breast shields for breast pumping. These serve as the interface between you and the pump.
Understanding your size
Indeed, you’ll find a wide variety of breast shields on the market today. However, even before you explore their types, you need to understand that their sizes very important. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for all nursing mothers, as every woman is unique. Take note that the breast shield size depends on a number of factors including skin elasticity and breast tissue. Apart from that, it could change during the pumping session. This is why it’s advisable to have two different sizes or one for each breast. Well, most brands offer you various sizes of shields. By the way, you can easily measure your size by using your nipple diameter as a guide.
Getting to know Medela breast shield sizes
Use the 24 mm breast shields that come with your pump. You can check their size by holding one against your breast. Keep in mind not to press them too hard when pumping. Doing so will block your milk duct, and this isn’t something you want. Make sure that you adjust the vacuum of your breast pump to attain optimum suction level. You could turn the vacuum up until it’s slightly uncomfortable. One of the indications that your breast shield fits perfectly is when you centre the nipple in the breast shield. Moreover, if you do so, you can carry out the pumping process easily, plus your nipples will move in the shield tunnel freely when pumping.
Tell-tale signs that you’re using the wrong size of Avent breast shields
You can quickly tell that you’re using the wrong breast shields size when you notice that your areolar tissue draws into the breast shield tunnel. Not only that, in such cases, your nipple rubs up against the breast shield’s side tunnel, and it causes slight pain too. Apart from that, you’ll see some redness in your areolar tissue or the nipple. In some instances, your areolar or nipple turns white. Also, sometimes you’ll feel that there’s still unexpressed milk left out in your breast. So, you see, with all these signs you can easily find out whether you’re using the right or wrong size.
Tips on how to buy Breast Shields online
Indeed, the size is a crucial factor to consider when you set out to buy online nipple shield in UAE. However, remember that when purchasing a breast shield, it is vital to make sure that the breast shield not only works for expressing milk, but it also meets your needs and lifestyles. There are a few more significant factors you must consider when buying them. We’ve listed out those fundamental elements that you mustn’t forego when purchasing them. Check them out below.
- Understand your options – The first and foremost thing to do is to make sure you’re well aware of their types from various brands. Know their features and characteristics. This way you’ll have adequate knowledge about the product you intend to buy. Also, remember you can find many different types of breast shields out there in the market. However, pick only the ones that make you feel comfortable.
- Look out for the size – Indeed, as seen earlier in the article, size is one of the significant factors that you mustn’t miss out to check when buying the breast shields. That’s because any incorrect sized shields will cause irritation and discomfort to you. Apart from that, you’ll also get pain that’ll eventually hinder the pumping process. Well, this isn’t good for neither you nor the baby.
- Check out the quality – Indeed, the price is an essential factor to consider. However, it should never be at the cost of quality. In other words, you must never compromise on quality to save just a few bucks. Just like the baby products must be of good quality, the product you use for yourself must also be efficient and of premium quality. This ensures both yours and your baby’s safe health.
- Assess the material – It is imperative to consider the material as it is going to have skin to skin contact. Make sure that the breast shield material that you choose feels comfortable to your skin and doesn’t irritate you. This is essential to express milk from your breasts smoothly. Also, make sure that the material sits right on your bosoms.
- Look out for durability – Usual wear and tear are common, however, make sure that the product is worth the money you pay. You do not want to replace them often and shed a lot of money on it. Therefore, when you buy them, make sure to check out their durability. This way, you’ll have a breast shield that lasts long and gives you an excellent performance.
Of course, no one becomes an expert in one shot. However, you’ll gradually become an expert in choosing the breast shields once you get the hang of it. We hope the above tips and tricks will surely guide you towards the right product. Make sure you take time to carefully observe the various aspects of each breast shield and then make an informed decision. This way, you’ll have an ideal breast shield that’ll work efficiently.
Question & Answer
Can breast shields cause mastitis?
Yes, in some cases the breast shields may cause mastitis. However, this happens only if you do not latch the shields properly or have a history of this in your family. So, mastitis is an inflammation of the breast tissue. This may sometimes accompany infection, breast pain, swelling and even warmth. One of the best ways to avoid this is to feed your baby before your breast fills up with the milk. You could also apply a cold compress.
Are breast shields effective?
Yes, indeed, breast shields are effective devices. They help you comfortably feed your baby or express milk using breast pumps. However, remember that to do that you need to purchase good quality breast shields that fit you perfectly. Any misplacement or incorrect size may cause discomfort to both you and your baby. Therefore if you are new to the product, consult your doctor or experts before making a purchase.
Why use breast shields?
Breast shields are an excellent device that helps you pump or feed your baby efficiently. This is especially true if your baby has trouble latching on, or if you have sore or cracked nipples. The breast shields are thin pieces of silicone that you can place on your breasts and feed your baby directly with them on. You could also express milk through the pumping technique. And as breast milk is really important for your newborn, using these shields can help you train the baby and provide all the needed nutrition.
What if the breast shield is too big?
Your breast shield is too big if you have too much areolar in the tunnel. This isn’t a good thing as too broad flanges will suck in excess breast tissue that compresses against the walls of the shield. Moreover, it will pinch the milk ducts, and this strangulation effect causes flow and drainage to be suboptimal. Therefore, it is best to stick to the right size of shields. Brands like Medela, Suavinex, Nuk, Ardo, Pigeon, Chicco, Farlin, Haakaa, Philips Avent, Tommee Tippee, Bebeconfort, and Lansinoh offer a variety of models in different sizes.
Where to buy breast shields?
When it comes to buying baby & toddler products, trusted brands are a must to consider. In such cases, there is nothing like local make or cheap products. Always choose reliable brands that offer high-quality products. From breast shields for Medela pump to breast shield for Avent pump, you’ll get them all on Shops.ae. You could even buy Medela nipple shields online on our product search engine . What’s more, you get to shop them all from over 500 online stores.