I am just trying to catch up with all those Lactnets since the
Hurricane. Hope you all don't mind me commenting on some past posts.  I
was interested in the post from Rob about the mother whose baby wouldn't
nurse after she had used a pump and various posts in response to Rob's
post.  I believe that it is another example of the risks of "our
technology."  What can be a wonderful device that can keep breastfeeding
alive until things get better can be the thing that ends breastfeeding.
I would like to see some LCs design a better breast flange than is being
currently used by various pump companies.  First, though, I'd like to
know how companies decide on the size of the nipple opening on their
flanges.  Am I living in an unusal area where alot of women have
large-sized nipples? Is the 3/4" to 1" opening average-sized?  I have
seen more women that don't fit into that sized nipple opening.  It seems
like the slant into the bottle is wrong, too.  If the mother doesn't
lean over, her milk slops around the flange instead of into the bottle.
I also think that if a mother spends $250-$300 on a pump, she shouldn't
have to spend more money to get a proper fitting flange.  Pump companies
should have the nipple opening size on the package and show mothers how
to size their nipples for a correct fit.  Flat nipples can surprise
everyone by being wider than they look.  Oh well, maybe someday things
will change.  Valerie W. McClain, IBCLC

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