Motif Aura Glow Tips for Flange Sizing

By Jacque Ordner
Jul 24, 2025

IN THIS ARTICLE:

Why Does Flange Sizing Matter?

The Motif Aura Glow is an incredible wearable pump that delivers convenience plus effectiveness. Our Team is sharing incredible tips that help make pumping with this wonderful wearable even more successful. Thankfully, the Motif Aura Glow comes with a handy Nipple Measurement Tool as well as FIVE flange sizing options right in the box! Follow along to learn more about why flange sizing matters, how to know if you have the wrong size, how to measure your nipples, and how to determine your correct flange size, as well as other tips for getting the most out of your Motif Aura Glow experience.

A proper flange fit is important for comfortable and effective pumping. A poorly fitted flange can cause pain, clogged ducts (ductal narrowing), inadequate milk removal, and even low milk supply. When it comes to wearable pumps, the Motif Aura Glow, flange sizing can make or break your pumping experience! Remember that just like nursing at the breast, pumping shouldn’t hurt.

Signs You Have the Wrong Flange Size

Pain during or after pumping
Discoloration, bruising, blisters, blebs, or cracks on your nipples
Excessive nipple swelling
Aerola is being pulled into the flange tunnel
Feeling like your breasts aren’t adequately drained after pumping
Only seeing milk drips, not sprays, when pumping (once your milk has “come in”)
Milk leaks at the bottom of your flange when pumping
You hear slurping or sucking noises when pumping
You can only tolerate Massage Mode

Signs You Have the Right Flange Size

Pumping is comfortable
Your nipples don’t change color or become excessively swollen
Only your nipple enters the flange tunnel
Your breasts feel adequately drained after pumping
You see sprays of milk when pumping (once your milk has “come in”)
No milk leaks from the flange when you are pumping
There is no loss of suction when pumping

How to Measure Your Nipples

When to measure

If you’re pregnant, wait until 38+ weeks to measure. Keep in mind that your nipple size could change once your milk comes in. Recheck your measurement after two weeks postpartum just to be sure!

If your baby has arrived, you’ll get the most accurate measurement after 2 weeks postpartum because this will allow time for any initial engorgement to subside.
- Wait 2-3 hours after pumping before measuring. This is recommended because pumping with the wrong flange size can cause swollen nipples and an inaccurate measurement. Waiting 2-3 hours after pumping allows time for the majority of swelling to subside.

Stimulate your nipples

Gently roll your nipples between your thumb and forefinger to help them evert or poke outward. Stimulating your nipples makes it easier to determine where your areolae stop and your nipples begin.

If you have flat or inverted nipples that don’t work with rolling, consider pumping for 2-3 minutes to draw them out just before measuring. There are also specialized nipple everter tools available that use gentle suction to draw out nipple tissue. If pumping or using a tool doesn’t help your nipples come out, you can still measure across the base.

Measure your nipples

Use the nipple measurement tool that is included with your Motif Aura Glow. You can use the circular cutouts or the ruler markings.

If you don’t have a nipple measurement tool, you can use a seamstress tape or a ruler to get your nipple measurement in millimeters.

You can also use these common household items.
- AAA Battery = 11mm
- AA Battery = 15mm
- Dime = 18mm
- Penny = 20mm
- Nickel = 22mm
- Quarter = 24mm

Be sure to measure your nipple base only, not the areola. Measure both sides as right and left aren't always the same.

Motif Aura Glow Wearable Breast Pump

The Motif Aura Glow, our newest wearable breast pump designed for convenience and comfort! Glow with a built-in nightlight: Shine a spotlight on your milk output with the collection container's built-in nightlight, making it easy to monitor at any time, day or night.

The Motif Aura Glow comes with everything you need, including a nipple ruler, bra strap adjusters, cleaning brush, 24 mm breast shields with 15 mm, 17 mm, 19 mm and 21 mm inserts for the perfect fit.

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How Do You Find Your Fit?

When to measure

Most mothers find that adding 0-3mm to their nipple measurement results in a comfortable and effective flange fit. Keep in mind that nipple elasticity also affects which size will fit best. You may need to choose a smaller size if you have extra elasticity or a larger size if you have less elasticity. It’s important to try multiple sizes in your sizing range to determine which size gives you the best results. Refer to the Signs You Have the Right Flange Size section above as a reminder of what a good fit should look and feel like.

Your Flange Size Can Change

As your breasts change during the postpartum period, your nipple size can also change. It’s a good idea to reassess your flange size any time pumping becomes uncomfortable or less effective.

Smaller Might Be Better

For decades, pump manufacturers have included 24mm flanges with their pumps and called it the “standard size”. Now that we know better, we can do better! New information about flange sizing indicates that most women actually have nipples that are smaller than 24mm.

That’s why we’ve included 15mm, 17mm, 19mm, and 21mm flange sizing inserts right in the box with Motif Aura Glow. These flange sizing inserts fit perfectly in Aura Glow’s included 24mm silicone breast shield. If you find that you need a different size, 11mm, 12mm, 13mm, and 14mm inserts are available, as well as 28mm silicone breast shields.

It’s important that you find your ideal size in order to get the most out of each pumping session.

Additional Tips

Bra fit is important - It’s important that your bra is tight enough to hold the pumps in place, but not so tight that your breast tissue is being compressed. Any shifting can cause poor suction and even pain. Aura Glow comes with two bra strap adjusters to help make it easier to get the right fit.
High suction doesn’t necessarily mean more milk - While it might be tempting to crank the suction all the way up, just keep in mind that more suction can actually work against you. Applying too much suction to your nipples can cause pain and irritation, which can result in lower milk output. Only increase the suction to a comfortable level. If pumping is uncomfortable even at very low levels of suction, reach out to an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) to help troubleshoot.

You might need a primary pump - A primary pump is a double electric breast pump that uses traditional flanges and provides hospital strength and performance to effectively and efficiently express milk. While wearable pumps like the Motif Aura Glow are super convenient, it is recommended to pair them with a primary pump such as the Motif Luna. This is because, for most people, a primary pump is a bit more effective at removing milk. If you are exclusively pumping, regularly pumping while away at work, or looking to boost your milk supply, you will likely benefit from using a primary pump for at least some of your pumping sessions each day.

Motif Aura Glow & Motif Luna Breast Pumps

If, after trying the tips above, you’re still struggling to find the right flange size or if pumping just isn’t comfortable and effective for you, reach out to an experienced IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant). There could be an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. A pumping savvy IBCLC can help identify potential causes and create a plan to help you meet your personal pumping and feeding goals.