Sorry for the unsolicited advice but I recently got a massive uptick in my average pump by doing two things:

1. Buying one of these to correctly size my nipples… I just couldn’t do it with any other method: RZDEAL Circle Round Stencil... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077RTHQ8K?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
2. Buying the Pumpables liquid flange kit (I use it with both my Spectra Gold and my GenieAdvanced).

I went from pumping 2-3 oz to about 6-8 with those changes!

Also if you can try to figure out the flange sizes before you have to start using it. There's different tools such as this, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077RTHQ8K/ref=cm_sw_r_api_i_8VA9C65M0F0NKX4HSQ4C_2 you can even find printable ones online that you can cut out.

I started with the biggest flange that came with my pump 24mm when I needed to be using 15/18mm!!!!!! So pumping in the beginning was ROUGH, if you figure out your size it will go sooo much smoother

You can print out templates to measure from maymom (there is a margin of error if you printer setting stretch things) or you can use a circle template like this:

RZDEAL Circle Round Stencil Template Artist Design Drawing Aid Tool (Diameter from 1 mm to 37 mm) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077RTHQ8K/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_8NVEJYN7W9KM76P2TQMF

If you use the template you generally want to add to 2-3 mm to whichever circle fits you nipples best. (You may need a different size flange for each breast).

If you experience discomfort still I recommend beaugen cushions or lacteck flanges. Beaugen cushions need to be replaced monthly so I'd try the flanges first.

Getting the right size of flange has been so challenging for me. Let me share my experience in case it is of help to you:

• my nipples are 2 different sizes so I need different flanges for each side
• measuring with a round stencil tool was the most accurate for me
• most IBCLCs that I saw were NOT knowledgeable about pumping so make sure to check in advance. I saw pumpwithpurpose who I found through IG and she really helped me
• not everyone responds well to hard flanges. I find silicone flanges more comfortable. I use Lacteck but I have heard good things about Pumpables too. Silicone sizing can be different.
• Silverettes have really helped my nipple discomfort as I worked through finding the right sizes

When I was in the hospital the LC sized me for the hospital pump and told me what size to use with my home pump. Warning, your nip size can change during the pumping journey so you may have to change down the line. I bought a cheap ruleron Amazon to size myself with and double checked based on the pump instructions to make sure I was using the correct size. It’s very common not to need the default sizes that come with pumps and there are companies like maymom that sell a larger range of flange sizes, and others that do inserts to help the flanges fit better.

try to order a diameter circle stencil from amazon. fit your nipple in it then measure it. RZDEAL Circle Round Stencil Template Artist Design Drawing Aid Tool (Diameter from 1 mm to 37 mm) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077RTHQ8K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_11E6H5Z4GRSWJ3S43ASV

I bought this circle stencil , measured my own nipples, and then was able to pick the correct size insert. Find the hole that snugly fits at the base of your nipple with no areola showing through. Your flange size will be 2-4mm (whichever feels most comfortable to you in that range) larger than your nipple size.

I got this ruler off Amazon and added a few mm to my nipple size to get the correct flange inserts. RZDEAL Circle Round Stencil... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077RTHQ8K?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Make sure to size yourself when you’re not breastfeeding or after pumping. You want to find their size before they’ve been put to work. I measured at 17mm but the 19mm was a little too tight, so even though the 21mm might be a smidge too big for me it feels much better.

I bought this stencil to measure my nipples for proper sizing:

RZDEAL Circle Round Stencil Template Artist Design Drawing Aid Tool (Diameter from 1 mm to 37 mm) https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B077RTHQ8K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_MC7DRBXZHR832J5HVKNN?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Yeah! One of the best tools for measuring is one of These circle stencils. It's more accurate than just using a ruler. You need a full circumference measurement of your nipple to get the right size.

You'll find the hole that fits your nipple most snugly without being too tight, but without any areola showing through. That will be your nipple size. Your flange size will be 2-4mm larger than that, whatever feels most comfortable. I feel most comfortable at 2mm

1) get the right flange size. I live far from an LC and don’t want to drive unless absolutely necessary. Someone recommended using this to measure and it worked! RZDEAL Circle Round Stencil... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077RTHQ8K?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

2) I started off by pumping one side simultaneously to baby eating the other side. For the first 6 weeks I only fed at the breast and one side per session (so left one for 30 min then 2-3 hrs later right one for 30 min). I now get about 1.5-2 oz per pump every 2/3 hours. (Started off at .5 when I started pumping at 6 wks)

3) lactation cookies, hydration, eating oatmeal, and even lactation sweets/water additives. I’ve eating the homemade cookies the entire time (they’re delicious) but do the sweets and water additives every other day or so. I’m paranoid about losing my supply or it going down when I go to work so I’m trying to up it.

4) join r/humanspumpingmilk as it’s a great resource!

Yes! I used this circle stencil tool to find my nipple size. You'll need to stimulate the nipple to get it raised and then find the hole that best fits your nipple. You'll want it to be snug around the base with no areola coming through, but not so tight as to feel like it's pinching your nipple. That will be your nipple size. Your flange size will be 2-4mm larger than that. I measure at 15mm, so I use 17mm. 19mm would also be acceptable, but 17 just feels best to me.

Don't measure right after you pump. Wait at least 2 hours after you pump to measure. Pumping makes the breast tissue swell, so you won't get an accurate measurement.

Having the correct flange size saves you from nipple damage, It will help increase your output, and it just feels so much better

I exclusively pumped for 11 months. Here's my tips.

Before pumping, make sure you're getting your correct flange size

-to do this, you'll need a circle stencil like this. Find the hole that best fits your lightly stimulated nipple. You shouldn't see any areola, but it should be able to slide all the way to the base of your nipple without pinching. This is your nipple size. Your flange size will be 2-4mm larger. So if you measure at 15mm, you'll need a 17-19mm flange. It all depends on what feels more comfortable to you. You can get flange inserts on Amazon from maymom. If you use an elvie, you'll need shorter flanges inserts like these inserts here.

finding your flange size is critical to your pumping success.

-you'll often see people say that pumping didn't work for them, but it's most likely they were using the incorrect flange size.

1. Invest in a portable pump. You genuinely can't exclusively pump without one. You have set times that you'll need to pump during the day and your life can't wait while you attach yourself to a wall outlet for 20 minutes every 2 hours.

2. Use the pitcher method. You pool all your milk into a big pitcher to be used for the next day. You'll have to formula feed the first day to get things rolling.

3. Whatever is left in your serving pitcher at the end of a day goes into a bag to be frozen for your stash. Don't feel bad if you don't have anything leftover. That's normal. Feed your baby not your freezer. BUT pumping is fucking taxing and exhausting. It's all the downsides of bottle feeding (washing endless bottles PLUS PUMP PARTS) and all the physically taxing and time consuming aspects of breastfeeding. If you save a large enough stash you can fucking quit before a year and still be able to feed baby from your stash. I was able to save a small amount each time and quit at 11 months.

4. Invest in multiple extras for your pump parts. The fridge hack is fine, but it's cold on your boobs and often your parts are wet and it just...sucks. I spent more time cleaning dried milk off my elvies using the fridge hack than actually pumping. I bought 3 extra sets of flanges and 1 million duck bills+membranes so i could just change them out each pump time and wash everything at the end of the day.

I ordered this to help me realize I was a 17mm nipple so went with a 19mm flange.

RZDEAL Circle Round Stencil... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077RTHQ8K?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Your wife needs her nipples sized! Hospital LCs almost NEVER do this! Pumping with the incorrect size will hurt, damage your supply, and damage your nipples

You can ask a lactation consultant. However, I never had any luck with LCs or IBCLCs actually knowing anything about pumping.

To do it yourself, get a circle stencil like this one. Find the hole that fits your nipple most accurately after light stimulation. It should be snug enough that you can't see any areola, but not tight enough that it's difficult to slide the stencil off. This is your nipple size. Your flange size will be 2-4mm larger than that. I felt most comfortable at only 2mm larger than my nipple size. My nipples measured at 15mm, so I used 17mm flange inserts. Most pumps only come with the standard 24mm/28mm flange sizes, which do not fit most women's nipples. I do not know why these are the only sizes offered. maymom offers a variety of flange inserts . If you have an elvie, or other portable pumps, you'll want to get shorter flange inserts or else your pump wont suction properly. I used these shorter flange inserts for my elvie and they worked great

I suffered from chronic low supply and was on the brink of giving up at 4 months pp until I did research about flange sizing. Got my correct size, and was able to TRIPLE my output. Continued to pump until 11 months pp.

r/exclusivepumping is a great resource for pumping moms

I also really love lilmillenial on tiktok. She is a lactation consultant that specializes in pumping. here's an example of flange sizing featured on her channel

You can ask a lactation consultant. However, I never had any luck with LCs or IBCLCs actually knowing anything about pumping.

To do it yourself, get a circle stencil like this one. Find the hole that fits your nipple most accurately after light stimulation. It should be snug enough that you can't see any areola, but not tight enough that it's difficult to slide the stencil off. This is your nipple size. Your flange size will be 2-4mm larger than that. I felt most comfortable at only 2mm larger than my nipple size. My nipples measured at 15mm, so I used 17mm flange inserts. Most pumps only come with the standard 24mm/28mm flange sizes, which do not fit most women's nipples. I do not know why these are the only sizes offered. maymom offers a variety of flange inserts . If you have an elvie, or other portable pumps, you'll want to get shorter flange inserts or else your pump wont suction properly. I used these shorter flange inserts for my elvie and they worked great

I suffered from chronic low supply and was on the brink of giving up at 4 months pp until I did research about flange sizing. Got my correct size, and was able to TRIPLE my output. Continued to pump until 11 months pp.

On Amazon searchNipple Sizer

This I used to help me size myself. Before pumping. Hope this helps!!

Gotta find the right flange size. I ordered a circle stencil from Amazon . You find the hole that fits your nipple most snugly without showing any areola underneath, but without being too tight that it feels uncomfortable. That is your nipple Size. To find your flange size, go 2-4mm larger than your nipple size. I always found 2mm to be far more comfortable than 4mm larger personally. You can buy flange inserts from maymom or this store if you have a pump with shorter flange tunnels (like an elvie)

Hey, don't EVER feel guilty about using formula. Tell FIL you won't have him babysit then if he's going to be such a weirdo. Why is he asking anyway???

IF you want to keep trying to pump, you need to have the right flange size. Idk why the 24mm flanges come standard with every pump. Very few people use a size 24mm flange. If you get this circle stencil you'll have the best luck measuring your nipples. Find the hole that best fits your nipple, just the nipple with no areola showing through. That is your nipple size. Your flange size will be 2mm larger than that. So if your nipples measure 15mm, you'll use a 17mm flange. You can buy inserts for your flanges from the maymom store. Using the wrong flange size can prevent proper output and damage your nipples, so having the right size will help you alot! Lactation consultants are garbage and constantly recommend pumping without having any education on it. Once you have the right flange size, pump every 2 hours for 15 minutes to 20 minutes.

But DONT feel pressured to pump at all if you don't want to! If you want to give it a shot, you can try this, but formula is great!!

I'm glad I could be of assistance :) My PC is in my bedroom, I wanted to make these so I could play at night while my gf slept behind me If I was staying up late so I understand. If you don't want to make them yourself, there are sanwa/seimitsu premade silencers on focus attacks website.

https://focusattack.com/silencer-sanwa-seimitsu-30mm-foam-washers-pack-of-8/

Cheap and an exact fit for 30mm buttons. So if you are ordering a custom hitbox style with 30mm buttons for your actions then they will work. However If you are ordering the original official hitbox these won't work as that uses 24mm buttons for movement and action aside from the 30mm thumb button

If you need to make them custom for 24mm buttons then I would suggest a stencil with mm measurements. Not necessary by any means but I wish I had one when making mine, something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/RZDEAL-Stencil-Template-Drawing-Diameter/dp/B077RTHQ8K/ref=sr_1_2?crid=39ZT78E2884IU&dchild=1&keywords=millimeter+circle+template&qid=1628616649&sprefix=millimeter+circle+%2Carts-crafts%2C157&sr=8-2