The real question is where the nipple is in the tunnel
The following three nipple position factors have a direct effect on how much milk can be removed:
1) How deep is the nipple in the tunnel?
The nipple should be past the opening of the tunnel as shown in the picture to the right but It shouldn't go past the top of the collar ring. We don't want to see an airspace around the base of the nipple or areola and the silicone.
If you're not getting your nipple in that far, try rolling back the flange another quarter inch as you put it on and also turn up the vacuum a bit. See also Getting Deeper in Silicone Flanges.
2) How much is the nipple moving?
The nipple should be deep in the flange tunnel, there should be minimal space around the nipple if any. It's ok if the nipple makes contact with the sides of the tunnel, but, there should not be any uncomfortable rubbing. We are looking for comfort and fit. Everyone is unique and we welcome fitting/sizing questions.
3) How much is the nipple stretching in the tunnel?
The angled design makes it hard to tell where the tunnel starts, so it can look like too much areola being pulled into the flange.
If you're using our silicone flanges to control elasticity, your areola should remain in contact with the side of the flanges. If you are seeing the areola rub back and forth, the flange could be too large, you may not be in deep enough, or you may want to look for sources of lubrication Lubrication Source Checklist.
If you're using lubrication because you're not controlling for stretching but your nipples are stretching significantly past the collar ring, working away from using lubrication may control the stretching, be more comfortable and possibly result in more milk.
See also Skin Pulled Over the Nipple
Reviewed by Jenn Foster, IBCLC & Lori Shad, IBCLC
March 8, 2022