Best Breast Pump for Small Breasts: Top Choices for Comfort and Efficiency

Finding the right breast pump can be challenging for mothers with smaller breasts. Many standard pumps aren’t designed with different breast sizes in mind, which can lead to discomfort, inefficient milk extraction, and even pain during pumping sessions. The good news is that there are excellent options specifically suited for smaller-breasted women.

Understanding the Challenges of Pumping with Small Breasts

When you have smaller breasts, standard breast pump flanges (the funnel-shaped parts that go over your nipples) often don’t fit correctly. This poor fit can lead to several issues:

• Discomfort or pain during pumping
• Reduced milk output
• Nipple damage
• Difficulty maintaining a proper seal

Lisa from Exclusive Pumping explains: “Many women with small breasts struggle to find flanges that fit properly. The standard 24mm or 28mm flanges that come with most pumps are often too large, causing the areola to be pulled into the tunnel, which can be painful and reduce milk output.”

This is why finding a pump with correctly sized flanges is crucial for your comfort and pumping success.

Key Features to Look for in Breast Pumps for Small Breasts

Before we dive into specific recommendations, let’s discuss what features are most important when selecting a breast pump if you have smaller breasts:

Flange Size Options

The most critical feature is having access to smaller flange sizes. Many women with small breasts need flanges in the 15mm-21mm range, rather than the standard 24mm or larger that come with most pumps.

According to lactation consultants, your nipple should move freely in the tunnel without excessive areola being pulled in. Your nipple should not rub against the sides of the tunnel, as this can cause friction and pain.

Adjustable Suction Levels

Women with smaller breasts sometimes need different suction patterns to effectively empty their breasts. Pumps with multiple adjustable settings allow you to find the perfect balance between comfort and efficiency.

Comfort Features

Look for pumps with soft silicone flanges or cushioned inserts that can create a more comfortable seal against smaller breasts.

As one mother shared on a parenting forum: “The silicone cushions made all the difference for me. With my small breasts, hard plastic flanges never created a good seal, and pumping was always uncomfortable until I found flanges with soft edges.”

Top Breast Pump Choices for Small Breasts

S1 Plus/S2 Plus

The Spectra pumps consistently receive high ratings from mothers with smaller breasts, largely due to their customization options and gentler pumping action.

Why it’s great for small breasts:

• Compatible with smaller flanges (20mm and 24mm included; smaller sizes available separately)
• Closed system for better hygiene
• Adjustable suction levels and cycle speeds
• Gentle drawing action that many small-breasted mothers find more comfortable

One mother with AA cup size wrote: “The Spectra was a game-changer for me. After struggling with another popular brand, switching to the Spectra with 20mm flanges made pumping so much more comfortable and effective. I was able to pump nearly twice as much milk with far less discomfort.”

The Spectra S1 Plus is rechargeable, making it portable, while the S2 Plus needs to be plugged in but is slightly more affordable. You can find the Spectra S1 Plus here on Amazon.

Pump in Style with MaxFlow

Medela is one of the most recognized breast pump brands, and their Pump in Style model offers options that work well for smaller breasts.

Why it’s great for small breasts:

• PersonalFit Flex breast shields that come in multiple sizes (21mm and 24mm included)
• Overflow protection (closed system)
• 2-Phase Expression technology mimics natural nursing patterns
• Compatible with even smaller flange sizes available separately

A lactation consultant I spoke with mentioned: “For my clients with smaller breasts, I often recommend Medela with their 21mm flanges as a starting point. The flexible shields contour better to smaller breasts than rigid options, and Medela’s 2-Phase technology tends to work well for women who need gentler stimulation.”

You can find the Medela Pump in Style here on Amazon.

Pump

The Elvie Pump is a wearable, wireless option that sits inside your bra, making it nearly invisible under clothes.

Why it’s great for small breasts:

• Comes with 24mm and 28mm flanges, with 21mm available separately
• Wearable design works well for smaller breasts
• Lightweight and discreet
• App connectivity to track pumping sessions

Many small-breasted mothers report that the Elvie’s design actually works better for them than for those with larger breasts. As one user shared: “As someone with small breasts, finding a pump that worked was always a struggle until I tried the Elvie. It sits perfectly in my bra without any awkward gapping or leaking that some of my larger-breasted friends experience.”

The compact design makes it an excellent choice for those wanting discretion and portability. Check out the Elvie Pump here.

Double Electric Breast Pump

For those on a budget, the Bellababy offers impressive features at a fraction of the cost of premium models.

Why it’s great for small breasts:

• Comes with 25mm flanges but compatible with smaller sizes
• Closed system for hygiene
• Touchscreen interface with adjustable modes and suction levels
• Portable and rechargeable

While it doesn’t come with the smallest flange sizes, the Bellababy is compatible with various flange adapters, making it customizable for smaller breasts. Its gentle operation and multiple settings allow most users to find a comfortable configuration.

The affordability makes it a good entry-level option for those unsure about which features will work best for their needs.

Finding the Right Flange Size: A Critical Step

Regardless of which pump you choose, finding the correct flange size is arguably the most important factor for successful pumping with small breasts.

How to Measure Your Nipple Diameter

To determine your ideal flange size:

1. Measure the diameter of your nipple in millimeters (not including the areola)
2. Add 2-3mm to this measurement
3. The result is your approximate flange size

For example, if your nipple measures 16mm across, you’ll likely need a 19mm or 20mm flange.

A lactation specialist from Lactation Connection advises: “Many women are using flanges that are too large. Your nipple should move freely in the tunnel without touching the sides, and minimal areola should be drawn in. If you see a lot of areola being pulled into the tunnel or experience pain, your flanges are likely too large.”

Third-Party Flange Options

If your breast pump doesn’t offer small enough flanges, several companies make compatible inserts or replacement flanges:

• Maymom: Offers flanges as small as 13mm for most major pump brands
• Pumpin Pal: Makes angled flanges that many small-breasted women find more comfortable
• BeauGen: Produces cushion inserts that effectively reduce flange size while adding comfort

One mother shared her experience: “I was ready to give up on pumping because it was so painful until I discovered I needed 17mm flanges. None of the major brands carried that size, but I found Maymom inserts online that transformed my pumping experience completely.”

Pumping Techniques for Small Breasts

Beyond having the right equipment, certain techniques can improve your pumping experience if you have smaller breasts:

Breast Massage Before and During Pumping

Massage can be particularly helpful for smaller breasts by:

• Stimulating milk ducts
• Improving milk flow
• Preventing clogged ducts

Try gentle circular motions starting from the chest wall and moving toward the nipple before and during pumping sessions.

Hands-On Pumping

Many women with smaller breasts benefit from hands-on pumping techniques:

• Apply gentle pressure to the breast while pumping
• Compress different areas of the breast during the session
• Use a warm compress before pumping to improve flow

As one lactation consultant explains: “Women with smaller breast tissue often benefit more from hands-on techniques because they can more easily manipulate their breast tissue to ensure all ducts are emptied. This can significantly increase output compared to passive pumping.”

Common Issues and Solutions for Small-Breasted Pumpers

Pain During Pumping

Possible causes:

• Flanges too large or too small
• Suction level too high
• Pumping for too long

Solutions:

• Experiment with different flange sizes
• Start with lower suction and gradually increase
• Limit sessions to 15-20 minutes
• Try silicone inserts for more comfort

Low Milk Output

Possible causes:

• Poor flange fit
• Ineffective emptying
• Stress or dehydration

Solutions:

• Ensure proper flange fit
• Try hands-on pumping techniques
• Stay hydrated and manage stress
• Consider power pumping sessions to increase supply

Remember that breast size is not correlated with milk production capacity. Women with smaller breasts can produce just as much milk as those with larger breasts—the difference is in the amount of fatty tissue, not milk-producing tissue.

Final Thoughts: Finding Your Perfect Pump

Finding the right breast pump when you have smaller breasts may take some trial and error, but it’s absolutely possible to find a comfortable and efficient solution. The most important factors are proper flange sizing, adjustable settings, and comfort features.

Don’t hesitate to work with a lactation consultant who can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific needs. Many insurance plans cover consultations with these specialists, and their expertise can save you significant time, money, and discomfort.

Remember that your pumping journey is unique, and what works for someone else might not work for you. Be patient with yourself as you find the right equipment and techniques for your body. With the right pump and proper fit, pumping can be a comfortable and successful experience, regardless of your breast size.