Breast shield flange
Emy Pump

Emy nipple shields are made of soft, flexible silicone to provide better comfort during use.

To determine your nipple shield size, you can use our nipple sizing guide to find the best fit.

Measure the size of your nipple at rest. The appropriate shield is usually 1 to 2 mm larger than the measured diameter, so your nipple is centered and can move freely.

You can also try different nipple shield sizes to find the one that suits you best. Start with the smallest size and gradually increase until you find the most comfortable one. A shield that is too small may cause irritation or pain during pumping if your nipple rubs against the side of the adapter. Conversely, a shield that is too large may cause discomfort or milk leakage.

The required nipple shield size may change over the course of your breastfeeding and may also differ from one breast to the other. Don’t hesitate to get support from a lactation consultant or breastfeeding specialist. They can help you identify the most suitable shield size for your breast and give advice for comfortable use of the Emy Pump.

A nipple shield that fits your nipple size properly is essential for effective milk expression.

To measure your nipple size, use a ruler or measuring tape. Place it perpendicular against your breast at the level of your nipple. Then stimulate your nipple with your fingers so that it protrudes and becomes firm.

Next, measure the width of your nipple—that is, the distance from its base to the top of the nipple. Do not include the areola in your measurement. According to a recent study, nipple size usually ranges between 10 and 20 mm for most women.

To determine your correct nipple shield size, you generally just need to add 1 to 2 mm to this measurement. For example, if you measured a relaxed nipple at 19 mm, your suitable nipple shield size would be between 19 and 21 mm.

Don’t forget to repeat the process on your other breast, as the size of both nipples can be different!

If during pumping your nipple rubs against the walls of the tunnel, the size of your nipple shield is very likely too small. In this case, we recommend trying a larger nipple shield.

Using a nipple shield that is too small can compress the milk ducts located under the areola, making milk flow difficult and reducing pumping efficiency. Additionally, friction between the nipple and the shield walls can cause breastfeeding discomfort, such as cracks or soreness.

If during pumping part of your areola is drawn into the shield and rubs against the walls, it is likely that the nipple shield is too large.

Pain, redness, or irritation during or after pumping can also be a sign that your nipple shield is too big. Additionally, if you feel that you are not expressing enough milk, this may also be due to an improper fit of the nipple shield. Try pumping with a smaller size.

If your nipple shield is too large, it compresses the milk ducts near the nipple and prevents efficient milk ejection. When milk is not properly expressed and remains in the breast, it sends a signal to your body and brain to reduce milk production.

The shape of your breasts and nipples can differ between your left and right breast. While it is possible that your nipples are the same size on both sides, to maximize your chances and optimize your pumping, always (re)measure both nipples carefully!

A good breast shield size is essential for efficient and comfortable milk expression. This is why you need to remeasure the size of your nipples after a few months. Because in fact, it will evolve over time and as your milky adventure progresses. We know, for example, that the volume of the nipple sometimes tends to decrease over time. Therefore, it is completely normal to change breast shield size during breastfeeding. When you choose your breast pump, the ideal is to opt for a model that provides several different sizes of breast shields like the Emy Pump breast pump which includes 6 different sizes ranging from 15 to 28 mm!