Dr. Laurie Jones weighs in on who has elastic nipples, their effect on breastfeeding, and how to handle this common postpartum symptom.
Before having children, it’s possible that you’d never heard of the term “elastic nipples.” Some seasoned moms might still find the phrase unfamiliar. But according to Dr. Laurie Jones, IBCLC and breastfeeding expert, every postpartum person has elastic nipples, to some degree––whether they realize it or not!
Elastic nipples are, simply put, when the nipple tissue becomes stretchier in the postpartum period to accommodate baby’s feeding demands. Whether pumping, nursing, or both, the nipples will stretch to either the end of the flange or to the back of the baby’s soft palate for an easier feeding experience. This is good and normal, but it can create some trial and error when it comes to finding the perfect breast pump fit. Here’s what you need to know.
Who has elastic nipples?
“Everyone who goes through pregnancy and delivers a baby (no matter how they feed) will have elastic nipples. That’s 100% of people!” says Dr. Jones. “Because estrogen, progestin, and relaxin hormones together will change the nipple to stretch easily to prepare for breastfeeding.” She explains that it’s not unusual or unique, but rather a predetermined outcome of pregnancy and lactation. “It’s a factory setting! Validation that your nipples have changed!”
Factors that affect nipple elasticity
Even though everyone has elastic nipples, there are certain factors that can make them particularly elastic, therefore making pumping more challenging (especially if you’re pumping with a device that doesn’t work for your body, or with a flange that’s too short––more on that later!).
Genetics and ethnicity can play a role in nipple elasticity, but for the general population, there are a few specific factors that affect how elastic your nipples may be. What’s particularly rare is a disorder called Ehlers-Danlos, which can lead to very elastic nipples. If you think you may have this, be sure to connect with your doctor.
What causes more elastic nipples?
More elastic nipples means they may stretch further without the ability to “bounce back.” This can increase pumping discomfort if your breast pump is not properly fitted for how much your nipples have stretched. A few factors that influence this are:
- Sun exposure of chest and upper breast
- Smoking
- Age
- Number of pregnancies (with each pregnancy, our nipples can become more elastic than the previous one)
How to know if elastic nipples are affecting your pumping experience
Dr. Jones says to ask yourself if pumping is uncomfortable. “If not, then don’t let the label of ‘elastic nipples” predetermine your outcome. A pain free pump fit that allows good breast emptying is your goal no matter what type of skin stretchiness you have.” She says you may not be in pain, but if you have deep indentation marks on your breasts, or red or purple marks, this could mean your pump isn’t adequately fitted. She also explains that if your pump is not emptying you––if you know you’re making more than the pump is removing, or if your breast still feels full after pumping––that you may need to reevaluate your breast pump fit.
“Pay attention to your comfort and milk output. Your nipples change in elasticity over time,” she says. “The key is to find solutions for discomfort and pain, because discomfort impacts milk extraction and production.” Consider, for example, if you’ve been pumping and breastfeeding for a year or two: You might lose weight and suddenly your breast and nipple fits differently in your pump, which is a potential issue at any point. “If you are experiencing pain, stop and ask why. Maybe something has changed?”
What to do if pumping is painful
As our bodies change over time, we reevaluate our clothes, we evolve our bras––why not refit our breast pump? Your body, breasts, and nipples may change according to the day, week, or month. “If you are experiencing pain or low output, re-measure your nipples and resize accordingly. Flange inserts are an excellent solution for this.” Willow’s inserts are unique because, unlike other flange inserts, they are made with a second skin–inspired matte finish and soft, scalloped edges to better mimic baby.
You should also consider replacing your pump parts every 90 days to get the most out of your pump performance. Dr. Jones says “Needing replacement parts is the #1 reason when pumping becomes painful or ineffective."
Shop Willow Go and Willow 360 replacement parts.
What to look for in a pump
There are a variety of reasons why you may choose the breast pump you do, including insurance coverage, convenience, and customer service options. But if you’re reading this before a purchase, Dr. Jones recommends a few specific design traits to consider.
Focus on the flange
First and foremost, Dr. Jones stresses looking for a pump with a longer flange tunnel that can accommodate a variety of nipples sizes, including elastic nipples. She also suggests considering a flange with a smooth design, as hard edges can irritate nipples.
“Everyone's elasticity is a little different,” she explains. “Baby will pull 1.5–2 inches, all the way back to the soft palate. A good pump will be able to accommodate your nipples stretching that far.” She emphasizes using inserts, but also encourages looking at which brands offer sizing support.
Research which pumps offer support and customization
Dr. Jones says that sometimes she hears moms blame painful pumping on their elastic nipples, but the reality is that just because a device works (i.e extracts breast milk), doesn’t mean it's designed for comfort. “They may work, but aren’t designed for common ranges of nipple elasticity or varying nipple shapes and sizes, so they hurt,” she says.
Willow pumps are designed to accommodate all moms
The Willow Go is the only hands-free, in-bra, app-connected wearable that’s been uniquely engineered for maximum comfort and output––because moms shouldn’t have to sacrifice one for the other. Willow 360 is the only in-bra, Apple watch-connected wearable that’s 100% leak-proof and features a continuous latch suction unlike any other pump. Each is designed to accommodate all nipple shapes and sizes (and elasticities!).
Not only do Willow pumps feature an internal circular motor for better alignment (which means better fit!), it’s their long flange tunnel that makes them so accommodating to elastic nipples. As mentioned, this can avoid “nipple crashing," which can be painful and affect long-term supply.
Regardless of which you choose, Willow pumps are highly customizable, even allowing moms to tailor suction per breast, making these wearables an easy choice for freedom, convenience, and output.
