I’m no stranger to exclusive pumping. I dedicatedly pumped for my now 6-year-old son for a solid 6 months prior to returning to work. At the time, I found it very challenging pumping and working. Being a mom with a limited milk supply and prone to nipple pain and mastitis, I was on a mission to find the perfect flange that would not only provide comfort but also maximize my milk production. At the time, my lactation consultant suggested PumpinPals for their ingenious angled design. Not only did it offer unparalleled comfort, but it also significantly boosted my overall output.
New Baby, New Flange:
Fast forward five years, and I found myself facing new challenges with my second child. My daughter was born tongue-tied and struggled to latch efficiently. I tried the new Medela flanges with silicone edges that came with my pump, hoping they would be less painful than the originals. Unfortunately, they didn’t provide the relief I was looking for.
So, I returned to my trusted PumpinPals, but this time was different. My nipples had changed, again varying in size but seeming more elastic. They pulled all the way into the flange, causing discomfort and affecting my milk supply. Feeling stressed, I revisited the PumpinPals website and discovered silicone flanges designed to address elastic nipples. The only sizes available (XS and Small) were too small for me so I discussed the issue with my lactation consultant. This time, she recommended trying silicone flanges by LacTeck. Their BabyMotion Flange is “developed based on biomechanical studies of nursing babies. It compresses the nipple and areola during pumping to maximize milk expression, like a baby.” Intrigued, I gave them a shot, eager for any assistance I could get.
LacTeck BabyMotion Flange:
The flange was heavier than I anticipated, requiring some adjustments to my hands-free bras. However, I turned on the pump and waited expectantly. Initially, the compression of the nipple felt strange but not painful, and surprisingly, my nipples were comfortable. The flange’s material and thickness posed quite a challenge in observing the milk flow. As someone with a low milk supply, I found peace in witnessing the sheer force with which the milk was being expressed. It served as a reassuring sign that I was indeed producing enough milk and acted as a driving force to persist on my pumping journey. However, due to the challenging visibility, I had no choice but to solely rely on the sound of the milk being expressed, cueing the anxiety. I didn’t notice a significant change in output during my first use. Upon discussing the flanges with my lactation consultant, she recommended switching to a smaller size, which proved to be a game-changer. My milk output increased, and I found myself falling in love with these new flanges. While I wasn’t producing gallons, it certainly made a noticeable difference.
I discovered the hard way that the flanges, because of their weight, can tip over when connected to the pump, causing me to lose some precious milk. As a result, I quickly realized the importance of ensuring that the bottles were properly balanced before releasing them. Those who claim there’s no use crying over spilled milk have never experienced the challenges of being an exclusive pumper! (They do mention this issue on their website BTW but I clearly didn’t read that!)
Price:
- Pairs (4th Generation, 12mm-27mm): $25.99
- Single (4th Generation, 12mm-27mm): $13.99
- Pairs (3rd Generation, 24mm-27mm): $24.99
PROS:
- Compatible with many major pump brands (Click here to see if there is a hack for your brand pump)
- Works seamlessly with Medela pumps
- Sold in pairs or as singles ( Great for women with different size breasts)
- Many sizes available for 4th generation option (12mm-27mm)
- Pricing comparable to other flanges on the market
- Soft and Comfortable
- Compressed nipples but didn’t irritate them
- Less blocked milk ducts
- Stimulated 2 let-downs during pumping sessions
- Improved overall output
CONS:
- Difficult to see through them. (This may be a PRO for some to improve privacy)
- They are heavy!
- Attaching the flange to the connector can be challenging (Need to twist them into the connector to get a tight seal)
Suggestions to prevent bottles from tipping:
- Remove the flange from the connector before placing the bottles down.
- If you power pump removing the flanges between each pump will be annoying so I suggest you have two mugs or a bin next to your pumping station to place the bottles in between pump sessions to prevent tipping.
More Tips:
It is not suggested to refrigerate flanges in between pumping sessions due to potential issues with the flange slipping out of the connector while pumping. I put mine in the refrigerator all the time without an issue. I was pumping 9-12 times per day so there was no way I was cleaning pump parts between each pump session.
The LacTeck Website advises that you might have to boost the pump’s speed as the flange absorbs some of the vacuum. However, I personally didn’t encounter this problem with the Medela Symphony. I opted to rent this breast pump due to my low milk supply, as the Medela Pump In Style with Max Flow had disappointing suction (I strongly discourage using this pump). When I traveled, I relied on my trusty 6-year-old Medela Pump In Style Advanced, which necessitated a speed increase.
Overall, I highly recommend these flanges. They are particularly beneficial if your current pump flanges are causing discomfort, and if you have elastic nipples. It is crucial to consult with your medical provider or lactation consultant before making any changes to your pumping routine. I hope you found this review useful and I wish you abundant love and success on your pumping journey. Happy pumping!
Check out my review of PumpinPal flanges
Transparency: This is my honest review of the LacTeck BabyMotion flange. This review is not endorsed by LacTeck nor did I receive compensation to write this review.
