The Comfiest Flanges – Made by a Pumping Mom for Pumping Moms

Pumping is personal — what works for me might not work for you, and vice versa. But when I find something that makes my life easier and my pumping sessions more comfortable, I have to share.

Today, I’m reviewing the BareShield Flanges from Bare Motherhood, created by Dr. Casey Mercado. I’ve been exclusively pumping for 12 months, and these have completely replaced my plastic flanges. Even though these were gifted to me, you’re getting my 100% honest review.

Things to Know Before We Dive In

BareShield Flanges: Pros & Cons

Here’s a quick snapshot about me so you can put my experience into context:

• EP experience: Exclusively pumping for 12 months at the time of this review
• Sessions per day: 4
• Output: Overproducer
• Flange size: 15mm
• Cup size: Small C cup
• Daily pumps: Baby Buddha 2.0 + Pumpables Genie Advanced (use code THATMILLENNIALMOM at both websites for a 10% discount)

Common Flange Styles You Might See on the Market:

Materials you’ll see:

• Traditional Hard Plastic: Standard style that comes with most pumps, tapered from the cup to the tunnel
• Silicone Cushioned: Plastic base with soft silicone insert (like what comes with the Baby Buddha or Pumpables)
• Full Silicone (like BareShield): Entire flange made from soft, flexible silicone

Styles:

• Pano: Wide tunnel opening, more open on the breast, kind of oval in shape
• Crater: Deep, rounded bowl-like interior
• “Comfy” Fit: Narrow base with flared edges for comfort

How I Found Them

I discovered Dr. Casey Mercado on Instagram early in my pumping journey and followed her for months before she reached out asking if I wanted to try the BareShield flanges. I immediately said yes — and I honestly haven’t looked back since.

Why I Switched for Good

I used to rotate the BareShields with my plastic flanges, but eventually stopped because… these are just so much more comfortable. Now, they’re all I use.

The fact that I hand-wash them every single night before bed says a lot. If you’re an exclusively pumping mom, you know that means they’re worth it — because nobody washes a so-so flange daily without complaining about it.

Product Details

• Sold in a set of two
• Made from 100% FDA-approved food-grade silicone
• Available sizes: 24mm, 21mm, 18mm, 15mm, 12mm
• Slightly different sizing than traditional flanges — use Bare Motherhood’s sizing guide before purchasing
• Silicone design helps minimize friction and discomfort
• Compatible with most pumps (I use mine with the Baby Buddha and Pumpables Genie Advanced with no issues)

How to Use Them

They do take a little getting used to, but once you have the technique down, it’s easy:

1. Slide the flange into your bra and fold it back.
2. Center the opening over your nipple.
3. Fold the flange back over your breast.
4. Let it suction in place.
5. Attach your pump, turn it on, and realign if needed.
6. Pro tip: I use my phone flashlight to check nipple alignment through the tunnel.

(In the photos below, I’m wearing the Davin & Adley Amelia Bralette — you can use code THATMILLENNIALMOM for 10% off on the D&A website.) You can watch a video of me putting them on here

Comfort + Output

Comfort was my #1 reason for switching, but I was pleasantly surprised to see an increase in output. I think it’s because the soft silicone doesn’t cut off ducts on the underside of my breast like hard plastic does.

Of course, this is just my experience — you might not see the same increase, but for me, it was a game-changer.

Before You Buy

• You’ll need a flange connector to attach them to most pumps (I use a wide-mouth connector).
• Order the size closest to your nipple diameter (I measure 13mm but prefer the 12mm over the 15mm).
• At $34.99 per set, the price can make it tricky to buy multiples — but they’re worth it.
• Discount code: CAIT10 for 10% off.
• If I wasn’t nearing the end of my pumping journey, I’d invest in an extra set or two so I wasn’t washing nightly.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend these enough. They:

• Fit closer to your true nipple size
• Don’t dig in anywhere
• Work with most pumps
• Feel so much more comfortable than hard plastic

On my next pumping journey, these will be my go-to from day one!

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