Nipples come in all shapes and sizes, and it’s not related to breast size. If you are using a nipple shield it is important that you are using the right size. The correct size should be a close but comfortable fit around the widest part at the base of your nipple. And there should be NO forcing or pinching. But it’s hard to know what size to buy….. I bet you never had to know your nipple size before.
The vast majority of women are size M, but if you are unsure you can use my tips to measure.
Nipple Measuring Technique
Step 1: Find a piece of string. I suggest you use a piece of string to help determine your size, at is too difficult to measure your nipple diameter with a ruler.
Step 2: Wrap the string around the base of your nipple, where it joins to the areola. Like in this image below – only measuring around the base of the nipple part that pokes out. We are not measuring around the wider areola.
Step 3: Put your string measurement against a rule to give a total length in millimetres. This is the circumference.
Step 4: We’ll use some maths now to work out the diameter. Circumference divided by PIE (3.1417) = diameter.
Size Chart
Diameter up to 16mm – Shop for Size S
Diameter up to 20mm – shop for size M
Diameter up to 24mm – shop for size L
If you are not sure about which size, then I suggest you opt for the larger option because you don’t want your nipple to be squeezed to tight or rub on the sides.
Fact Sheet
Alternatively, here is the fact sheet from our friends Medela along with a scale that you can actually print out, cut, and poke your nipple through to get your size. (or alternatively use my easier method described above)
Print this out (without adjusting the page layout) and it will give a scale to measure your nipple size. PDF Nipple Shield Sizing Guide
Store Products
We have the medela nipple shields in stock at Breastmates here: Nipple Shields
