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We are told that breastfeeding is natural. We often forget to say that it is sometimes a technical battle.
I created LUPA because I myself had to deconstruct everything to succeed. Between a particular body shape, elastic nipples, and the exhausting journey of triple feeding due to my son's tongue tie, I understood one thing:
In most cases, if you're not expressing milk correctly, the problem lies with the flange size. An ill-fitting flange doesn't drain properly. It's not a matter of tolerating discomfort; it's a matter of fit.
This guide is based on the many cases we've observed in the field through the Madame Tire-Lait program. Having the right equipment is the first step. Knowing how to use it is what makes all the difference. Madame Tire-Lait's Breast Pumping Keys is here for that.
How to measure your nipple correctly
The measurement is taken at rest, before feeding or pumping.
Stimulation
Gently stimulate your nipple so that it protrudes naturally. If your nipple is inverted or umbilical, this step is essential to get your true measurement.
The two measures
Place your ruler at the base of the nipple, where it meets the areola. Measure once at the base, and a second time at the tip. Some nipples are tapered, wider at the base than at the tip, or vice versa.
Which measurement to keep?
Do not measure the areola. Do not add "safety" millimeters. While the market offers 21 or 24mm by default, LUPA offers 8 to 18mm - because that's what we learned in the field.
In practice, we rarely see sizes that are too small (it's often the opposite), but it's crucial to identify the signals.
The feeling:
You feel pain right from the start of the draw.
There is little to no movement in the tunnel.
A pulling sensation, no smooth suction.
Observation:
The nipple is compressed or constricted in the tunnel.
It may "pop" out of the tunnel and create an air leak.
Signs:
Very little milk despite high settings.
Very delayed milk ejection reflex (after 10–15 min).
Nipple turns white or purple at the end of the session.
This is the most common mistake: confusing space and comfort. A tunnel that is too wide does not drain better.
Suction:
The areola is drawn into the tunnel, which can cause edema.
Unstable suction sensation, never truly effective.
Instability:
Frequent loss of suction, persistent air bubbles.
The nipple does not remain centered; it moves to one side.
After a few minutes of pumping, the fit drifts.
What we're looking for: We're looking for a "second skin." The nipple should fit like a puzzle piece. The silicone is there to support movement, not to let the nipple float.
Why do most mothers use a size that is too large?
Because for a long time, it was advised to systematically add 2 to 3 mm. Because space and comfort were confused.
Across over 3,000 checks, one reality emerges: breast shapes vary, and asymmetry is the norm. Your left breast might be 12 mm and your right 15 mm; this is common, not an anomaly.
Your body isn't the problem. The tool needs to adapt to your reality.
That's why at LUPA, breast shields are sold individually. Because a standard pair is a standard solution, and your body isn't standard.
Finding your size is a key step, but it is part of a comprehensive approach to hands-free pumping.
Training:
To deeply understand the mechanisms of pumping and physiology, "The Keys to Pumping" training by Madame Tire-Lait is a comprehensive and serious resource.
Support:
If you would like personalized advice, please consult a trained professional. A good fit is ideally validated in a real-world setting, to observe nipple behavior in the breast shield under pumping conditions.
To find a pharmacy or a partner equipped with a LUPA test kit near you, click here