There's a trick to getting the flange unfolded without snapping back or popping forward. Once it's touching the areola (after the pump draws the nipple into the tunnel), move both hands so they're on the outer side of the flange with your pointer (index) fingers on top of the top of the tunnel where it meets the wide part and your middle fingers are on at the bottom of the tunnel where it meets the wide part, like this:
Press inward firmly with all four fingers and slowly spread your index fingers to the edge of the flange. It may help to watch our video and practice against your shoulder while binging Netflix. :)
Reviewed by Diana West, IBCLC
June 10, 2021