proper fit of breastshield

[@llli*lidarln]

bump and here's the new link with illustrations

http://www.ameda.com/breast-pumping/...w-can-i-get-it

[@llli*firefly]

Ok, so I have a question in the opposite direction. Anyone have a good handle on what things look like if the shields are actually too big? I've been suspecting this for awhile, but I haven't been able to find much good info on it since the vast majority of shield-fit problems seem to be that it's too small.

Here's what I know:

- my nipples are about the size of a pencil eraser, maybe slightly bigger

- when I pump, they and part of my areola get sucked into the tube. It's kind of hard to describe, but my areolar tissue swells behind the nipple, and it's almost like the whole thing becomes one big, weird nipple.

- I have to be really careful to center the nipple when I first begin pumping, because when the suction comes on, it'll rub up against the side (any old side - top, bottom, whatever) that it's closest to...there's a fair bit of room around it when it's centered. It's like the whole thing gets pulled in whatever direction it's pointing.

- after I pump, my nipples and areolar tissue are pretty blanched. This doesn't hurt and usually resolves quickly.

Am I crazy and a) that's all normal sounding, or b) I'm super crazy and need a larger size or something?

Any info appreciated, since I'm running up against what seems to be a dearth of info - or info that's limited and vague at best.

[@llli*jeno]

You pretty much just described my breasts. I considered gettin the smaller shields at one point, but my output is really good and so I've stuck with the 24mm. I figure if it starts hurting or my supply starts being affected I may buy them.

It's weird too, b/c the girls are so big, but my actual nipple is like you said, about the diameter of a pencil eraser. I see people talking on here about being the size of a dime or bigger and I'm all 0.o

[@llli*dmrugg15]

Elizabeth - those are the problems I'm having, and pain too. I've lost my baby weight, so I have a hard time thinking that at this point I need bigger ones.

[@llli*dmrugg15]

Looking at this: http://www.medelabreastfeedingus.com...ng%20Image.pdf

I think mine is the image on the right, so my shields are too big.

[@llli*firefly]

Yeah, I'm definitely on the right, too. Actually, I think I've got even more room around my own nipples than the photo shows. Guess I'll give the smaller size a shot but, like pp, I don't seem to have too many problems with output (not entirely true, but I think it's a letdown issue and I'm getting a handle on it )

[@llli*lidarln]

bump, here's the link taht works

http://www.ameda.com/breast-pumping/...w-can-i-get-it

[@llli*lidarln]

bump http://www.ameda.com/breast-pumping/...w-can-i-get-it

[@llli*lidarln]

bump http://www.ameda.com/breast-pumping/...w-can-i-get-it

[@llli*lidarln]

bump and a updated link

here's the most awesome link serena gave me
http://www.ameda.com/breast-pumping/...w-can-i-get-it

=fixed that link