Why Is Milk Leaking From Flange When Pumping?

If you are a breastfeeding mother and you use a breast pump regularly, you are probably familiar with this problem of milk leaking from the flange when pumping.

Many new mothers find themselves struggling with pumping and using breast pumps properly at one time or the other. Milk leakage is a problem that may cause some frustration and anxiety for new mothers while using a breast pump.

In this article, we will explore the basics of breast pumps including their benefits, disadvantages, and common problems with using a breast pump, including milk leaking from the flange when pumping.

Breast Pump Basics

A breast pump is a device that nursing mothers use to maintain or increase their supply of milk. The device can be manual or electric and can be designed for pumping one breast at a time (single expression pump) or pumping both breasts at the same time (double expression pump).

Additionally, breast pumps might have an open or closed system. Pumps with closed systems employ a barrier to stop spilled milk from entering the system. It is not totally closed, however, since there is still room for some air to enter and exit in order for the pump to perform its vacuuming function.

The barrier in the closed system helps make the whole system hygienic. An open system, on the other hand, does not have a barrier like the closed system breast pump.

When choosing a breast pump, it is important to make sure that the flange (also known as the breast shield) fits properly. The flange is the part of the breast pump that connects the breast to the pump.

The milk pumped passes down the breast shield tunnel to the bottle or collection device. The wrong size of the breast pump flange can cause breast soreness, and injury and can reduce the amount of milk produced.

Benefits of a Breast Pump

A breast pump is most beneficial for nursing mothers whose babies are having trouble breastfeeding. Some babies might find it difficult to latch on and suck from their mother’s breasts. This can prevent the mother’s milk supply from increasing the way that it needs to.

The breast pump helps maintain their supply of breast milk by keeping it flowing. A breast pump is also helpful for mothers who are going back to work or have any planned separation from their babies. Some nursing mothers may develop sore nipples while nursing and therefore, need a break from breastfeeding.

A breast pump allows them to still provide breast milk for the baby. For some mothers, using a breast pump is a personal choice and an alternative for when they would like to provide breast milk for their babies, but for some reason, do not want to breastfeed directly.

Disadvantages of Using Breast Pumps

Regardless of their convenience and other benefits, breast pumps can have disadvantages. Continuous use of a breast pump can reduce milk supply, this is because the baby latching on to the mother’s nipple and sucking is what stimulates milk production.

When the baby does not do this, milk production reduces. Frequent use of breast pumps can also cause nipple and breast tissue damage. When breast milk is pumped, it may have to be stored by freezing. Even though breast milk can be frozen for more than three months, thawing and reheating can cause a depletion of its nutrients.

Breast pumps can also cause painful engorgement of the breasts because the pumping action leads to the release of too many hormones which will cause the breast to swell and fill with too much milk.

Breast pumps do not give the mother and baby the opportunity to bond as well as they would have if there was direct breastfeeding. There’s also the risk of contamination from the breast pumps or bottles if they are not properly cleaned and sterilized. Direct breastfeeding causes the release of the hormone oxytocin which helps the uterus contract and reduces post-partum bleeding.

This process allows the uterus to return to its normal size much quicker- in a period of about six weeks. When a mother does not breastfeed but uses a breast pump instead, this process of uterine contraction is delayed and may take up to ten weeks.

Common Problems With Using A Breast Pump

There are some problems that can occur when using a breast pump. They include:

Low milk supply

Low milk supply can be a result of pumping too soon after the breastfeeding journey, not pumping enough, or not breastfeeding between pumping sessions. If you use the wrong type of breast pump, or you are not pumping long enough, or are dehydrated, you can also have a low milk supply.

This problem can be fixed by pumping at a minimum of once every three to four hours. Also aim to pump at least one hour before nursing to make sure the baby gets what they need

Pain while pumping

This can be caused by using the wrong breast pump flange size, a breast pump with suction that is too strong, or sore nipples

Difficulty with letting down milk while pumping

When the milk refuses to flow despite the fact that your breasts feel full, there might be a problem with the let-down reflex. Oxytocin is the hormone that triggers the let-down reflex and it is released when your baby tries to nurse. When this does not happen, it can be difficult to maintain the milk supply.

Problems with milk storage

Sometimes it is difficult to have access to cold storage or refrigeration for breast milk, for instance in the workplace

Expensive pumping accessories

The high cost of breast pump accessories can be a deterrent for many mothers

Milk leaking from the flange

This is caused by an improperly placed flange. To avoid this problem, try to properly place the nipple into the flange, ensuring that it gets into the tunnel of the flange and there is an airtight seal before you begin pumping.

How to determine whether the flange size is correct

The “COMFY” test is generally advised by lactation consultants as a way to choose the proper flange size. The acronym stands for the following five principal principles:

Free movement of the center nipples

Your nipple should be able to freely enter and exit the tunnel without touching the walls and without experiencing any pain or redness.

You should only insert a small amount of areola tissue into the tunnel

With each pumping cycle, you should see a small amount of areola moving into the tunnel, but not a lot or none at all.

Your breast moves rhythmically and gently

Every time the pump moves, your breasts should also move back and forth, but gently.

Feels at ease breastfeeding

Pain and tenderness shouldn’t be brought on by your breast pump.

Well-drained breasts are produced

To maintain your milk production, your pump must remove the majority of your milk from your breasts. After your session, your breasts should feel noticeably lighter and softer.

What makes flange size crucial?

You can express as much breast milk as effectively as possible with the aid of the proper flange fit. Your skin elasticity and breast tissue generally determine the size of your flange.

Your breasts will be constricted if your flange is too tight, which may lead to clogged milk ducts that don’t release milk as quickly.

However, if your flange is too loose, you won’t be able to drain your breast of all the milk, which can reduce your milk production. Additionally, it might injure your nipple or just cause unneeded nipple pain.

Your milk supply may be hampered if pumping hurts. Additionally, you’re less likely to persevere.

Conclusion:

Breast pumps are designed to help women produce more milk than they would naturally. However, some women find that their milk supply isn’t what they expected. If you’re having trouble producing enough milk, talk to your doctor about other options.