Freemie

Breast Flange size (and correct bra fit) matter when using Freemie Cups. You won't be comfortable without the right size, and you won't get all or any of your milk expressed. If you're only getting a little bit of milk or not emptying fully, in most cases it is either the wrong flange size, or your bra is not doing a good job. Cup assembly is another common issue when you have low suction or output.

Comfort is key, but finding the right flange size is a lot like finding the right bra size — they vary between brands, some brands don't feel as good as others, and you may not know if you have the right size. 

Size can change so check your flange fit regularly. Turn on you pump, hold the cups and observe:

1. Is the nipple rubbing or sticking against the side of the flange?
2. Are there skin flakes on the flange after pumping?
3. Does it feel painful?

If yes to any of the above, you probably need another size. 

Use the sizing guide below to help you find your perfect fit!

Freemie products usually come with size 25mm and 28mm as a starting point. If you need another size, Fitmie inserts are available in sizes 15mm to 26mm.

• Soft silicone
• Durable comfort
• Choice of 12 sizes

If you feel certain you have the right breast flange size, review bra fit and Cup positioning here. 

Keep in mind that some moms simply need to watch their milk to letdown. Changing from hands-on holding bottles/flanges and shirt open and watching is a very different experience than hands-free and concealed pumping with Freemie. For some, it can take more time and experimentation to adjust to unconventional pumping.

As with any breast pump product, results can vary. No one product can guarantee a mom's milk supply as every woman's body is unique. Moms all respond differently to different tools. Some moms need to experiment with a lot of different tools and have great difficulty finding the right ones. Other moms easily get their milk with any tool. There are also many hacks and Internet-facts that can help or hinder your efforts. When it comes to the very personal endeavor of lactation and low output, or really any lactation issues, it may be necessary to consult a IBCLC professional or physician. 

It is important to remember that the release of breast milk is a conditioned response. This means that there are many factors that affect the release of milk. The medical literature has shown that mothers of babies in intensive care units make more milk during or after holding their babies against their skin than when pumping in adjacent rooms, or at home.[2] Stress, fatigue, dehydration, feeling hurried or self-conscious can affect the pumping session. Some breastfeeding professionals recommend bringing a photo of your baby or a piece of clothing from your baby to help stimulate your senses and help your body release your milk while pumping.[3]

“Conditioned responses” may also include factors like the specific rhythm of the pump you have become used to. Different pumps may all pull the same peak amount of vacuum, but their mechanisms can be different. So the pattern of the suction cycles may vary. For two pumps that both measure the same maximum vacuum strength, one’s suction pattern may increase rapidly while the other’s suction pattern may rise more slowly. The Freemie Cups are designed and tested to transmit very similar vacuum as the traditional collection bottles and horns when used with your compatible pump. And the Freemie Pumps pulls up to 280mm-Hg peak vacuum, which also is very similar to the strongest pumps on the market. If you’re changing from one pump setup to another, it may take a little time to get used to the rhythm and suction characteristics of a new pump—or simply the feeling of being hands free with your clothes on—to be able to fully appreciate and benefit from the revolutionary experience of the Freemie system.

Lactation is a very personal endeavor, and only you can decide which tools work best for you. It is important to understand that the Freemie system is just one tool—but it is the tool that is compatible with mothers’ modern day lives. It may not be right for every woman in every setting, every time she is pumping. However, it is certainly the right tool if your circumstances (no time and/or place to undress) would otherwise cause you to skip a much-needed pumping session.

You may worry that you can’t pump around others, because you think you will feel too self-conscious. But let me share a little secret with you; most of the people around you will probably be completely unaware of what is happening. And even if they do know, so what? You have a new baby at home that needs you. Additionally, society is changing. The importance of breast milk is now widely understood. You will probably find that you have the support of your friends, family, and co-workers if you are willing to make the extra effort to continue providing breast milk for your baby, while you also keep up with the rest of your world and do what you need to do.