Elastic nipples is a buzzy term I'm seeing a lot on social media. What is it? How do you know if your nipples are elastic? Read on for more.

So, there's a lot of variation in women's breasts, nipple shape, color, size, length, and even elasticity. The nipple is meant to stretch to fill your baby's mouth. This helps form your baby's palate and provides necessary sensory information to the interior of the mouth. However, there are some nipples that stretch wayyyy more than the average woman. These are "elastic nipples".

How much should my nipples stretch?!

You might have elastic nipples if you don't get a lot of milk when you pump, you experience pain with pumping, but the #1 way to know if your nipples are elastic is your nipple stretches all the way down the flange tube and even sometimes hits the back of the flange/backflow protector!

Is it bad to have elastic nipples?

No, it's not a problem to have elastic nipples as long as you are having a comfortable and productive pumping experience. Elastic nipples are usually never an issue for exclusively breastfeeding babies.

Here's some tips to work through if you're having pain, poor output, and your nipple is stretching like a rubber band:

#1) Measure to correct your flange size

Your nipple CAN touch the sides of the flange, and if they're truly elastic they WILL. You can add a little bit of coconut oil to help lubricate if this is the case. If your nipple is rubbing the sizes and there's discoloration of the skin that's a good sign that the flange is too small. If your areola is being pulled in or you're left with a ring on your skin when you're done, then your flange is too large. There's a little bit of trial and error with elastic nipples. You may need to order a few sizes. Also, keep in mind each breast may be different sizes.

#2) Alter your vacuum strength

This goes for non-elastic mamas too, please only vacuum up to your comfort tolerance! Pumping should never be uncomfortable. If your elastic nipples are consistently hitting the backflow protector you will get skin breakdown and soreness. So, back off of the level 15 vacuum strength!  

#3) Silicone Inserts

There are some products being targeted to women who have elastic nipples called silicone inserts. They are softer than the typical hard plastic and slightly tacky to hold your breast tissue in place. They usually come in several size packs to find which fits you best. They can be difficult to put on and aren't guaranteed to work but if you've tried different hard flange sizes, playing with your pump settings, lubrication/hand expression, and still are having pain then they're worth a shot!

You're doing amazing!!!!

-Jenna