Hellobee Boards Topic: How do you know what sized breastshield to get?

Hellobee Boards Topic: How do you know what sized breastshield to get? https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Tue, 07 Apr 2026 15:44:44 +0000 anbanan15 on "How do you know what sized breastshield to get?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-know-what-sized-breastshield-to-get#post-74043 Mon, 13 Feb 2012 22:08:12 +0000 anbanan15 74043@https://boards.hellobee.com/ I had been using the standard size for months with great success, until I suddenly noticed a decrease in my pumping outputs and sore nipples. After doing some research I determined my shields were actually too large and I needed to go DOWN a size (the smaller shields are not usually sold in stores, so the company sent me out a free pair, next day air). After a day or two my outputs were back to normal, so in my experience, shield size does matter. banana on "How do you know what sized breastshield to get?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-know-what-sized-breastshield-to-get#post-72471 Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:05:25 +0000 banana 72471@https://boards.hellobee.com/ My breasts are on the smaller side (B cup?) but i have large nipples and had to go up a size. So like Mrs.Bee said, the shield depends on your nipple size, not breast. Mrs. Bee on "How do you know what sized breastshield to get?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-know-what-sized-breastshield-to-get#post-72450 Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:53:05 +0000 Mrs. Bee 72450@https://boards.hellobee.com/ anecdotally most women seem to have to go up a size. the shield you should use depends on the size of your nipples and not your breast size. owlmom on "How do you know what sized breastshield to get?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-know-what-sized-breastshield-to-get#post-72439 Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:37:55 +0000 owlmom 72439@https://boards.hellobee.com/ You won't be able to try them at the store or return a set you've opened, but they're pretty cheap, so it really doesn't hurt to buy a couple sizes. Breast size doesn't have anything to do with what size you'll need, so it's almost impossible to know what you need without using them. pelikila on "How do you know what sized breastshield to get?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-know-what-sized-breastshield-to-get#post-72357 Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:16:23 +0000 pelikila 72357@https://boards.hellobee.com/ Depending on the day I would change shield size so I'd say try a few sizes and if you have access to a lactation consultant, definitely get their opinion. Downward Dog on "How do you know what sized breastshield to get?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-know-what-sized-breastshield-to-get#post-72342 Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:59:05 +0000 Downward Dog 72342@https://boards.hellobee.com/ An LC told me that when the pump extends your nipples, they should not be touching the sides of the tube. Otherwise, the friction can make you sore. My pump came with two sizes and I tried them both. banana on "How do you know what sized breastshield to get?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-know-what-sized-breastshield-to-get#post-72322 Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:40:29 +0000 banana 72322@https://boards.hellobee.com/ I used the standard one that same with the pump and after a few weeks of pumping, I noticed my nipples getting sore and milk didn't come out as much as when I first started. So I went to a local baby supply store and bought one size up (it as only around $6 for a pair) and it made a HUGE difference. So I would suggest just buying another size up to try. Lozza on "How do you know what sized breastshield to get?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-know-what-sized-breastshield-to-get#post-72285 Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:08:04 +0000 Lozza 72285@https://boards.hellobee.com/ Yeah, I second the idea of checking with a lactation consultant, and quite possibly trying more than one size and seeing which you like better. shellio on "How do you know what sized breastshield to get?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-know-what-sized-breastshield-to-get#post-72277 Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:02:50 +0000 shellio 72277@https://boards.hellobee.com/ I am a B cup pre-pregnancy, and I was just using the size the nurses handed me in the hospital, which was 24mm. The lactation consultant had me start using 27mm and I seemed to get a little more milk with that one. I would recommend asking for the lactation consultant while in the hospital, and asking them to bring you the hospital grade pump while you're there. This way, the LC can show you how to use the parts, and they will give you the kit which will likely give you extra parts for your home kit. (Depending on the brands of the pumps.) Also, if your milk is slow to come in like mine was, you can pump regularly to try and get it going. winniebee on "How do you know what sized breastshield to get?" https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-know-what-sized-breastshield-to-get#post-72258 Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:37:43 +0000 winniebee 72258@https://boards.hellobee.com/ The guide on HB says "Having the proper size shield can have a big impact on your comfort while pumping, and your milk production. The standard size the comes with the pump is definitely not one size fits all." So my question is how do you know what size you are? Can you like try on a shield in the store? Thanks : )