Our silicone flanges (Small pink and X-Small blue) can be used in two ways. Whether lubrication should be used them or not depends on which of the two reasons you need them:
For the smaller angled flange size — If you don't need to control for elasticity, you can eliminate friction by using just a little edible oil like coconut or olive oils (too much and the flange gets too slippery). Dish soaps like Dapple and Babyganics or any with an anti-spotting ingredient will leave a lubricating film on silicone that can also help but may make the flange fall out of the bottle adapter too easily.
- To control elasticity (stretching too far that closes off the milk ducts) — If you're using them to control elasticity, you need to eliminate lubrication completely so the tacky silicone can hold the nipples in place to keep the milk ducts open. When there's no lubrication, only the very end of the nipple will move during pumping so there's no friction and you're totally comfortable.
See Lubrication Sources for a checklist of sneaky lubrication sources.
Reviewed by Diana West, IBCLC
June 24, 2021