Pump Flange Lubrication: What to Use, When to Use It, & Why It Matters
If pumping feels pinchy, tuggy, or just kind of wrong, the fix might be simpler than you think: pump flange lubrication.
Yep—just a little lubrication inside your flange can make a huge difference. It reduces friction, prevents stuck skin, and can even help with output by making things smoother overall.
In this post, I’ll show you when to use it, how to apply it, and which lubricants are safe for different types of flanges. Plus, I’ll share one key trick that helps lube actually stay where you want it.
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For most people, the ideal pump flange is about the same size as your nipple—because you don’t want your areola being pulled into the tunnel. But once the pump turns on and your nipple starts to fill with milk, it can rub against the inside of the flange. That rubbing causes chafing, especially if you're using silicone inserts.
Silicone is great—but it’s also grippy. And that grip can create friction.
Lubricating the inside of your flange helps your nipple glide more easily, so you can use a smaller, better-fitting flange without irritating your skin.
When to Use Lubrication in your Flange
If pumping is pinching or hurting you, it’s okay to try lubrication. But first—make sure your flange actually fits your body.
If your nipple is being damaged because the size is off, lubrication might make it feel better in the moment—but it won’t solve the real issue. You want a flange that fits well and feels good.
You can use lubrication with any kind of flange, but it’s especially helpful if you’re using silicone inserts or flanges. Because silicone is grippier than hard plastic, it creates more friction as your nipple moves in the tunnel—especially if you’re using a size that matches your nipple diameter.
If your flange has a tapered shape that blends more gradually into your areola, lubrication might not help as much. There’s less of a defined tunnel for your nipple to move through, so the separation between nipple and areola isn’t as clear as it is in a standard flange shape.
Tapered Flange Shape: The pump flange gets gradually narrower from the top to the bottom.
Tapered Flange Shape: The pump flange gets gradually narrower from the top to the bottom.
Traditional Flange Shape: The top of the flange is wide, and has an abrupt transition to a narrowed neck.
What Kind of Pump Flange Lubrication to Use
If you're using a hard plastic flange: You’ve got lots of natural options. Any nipple-safe oil or balm can help reduce friction and protect sensitive skin:
Coconut oil
Olive oil
Nipple balm (check for clean ingredients)
These are especially helpful if your nipples are healing or starting to feel sore from rubbing.
If you're using silicone flanges or inserts: Stick with water-based lubricants to avoid long-term wear on the material. A few gentle, natural options:
KY Jelly
100% aloe vera gel (with no added oils or alcohols)
100% pure vegetable glycerin (olive-derived is a great choice!)
Oil-based products like coconut oil won’t ruin silicone instantly—but over time, they can build up and make the surface feel tacky, wear out the material faster, or cause discoloration. If you’re using silicone inserts regularly, switching to water-based options can help them last longer.
Helpful Tip: Vegetable glycerin is made from oils, but it’s not an oil—it’s a water-soluble, sugar-based compound that’s safe for silicone and naturally slippery. Just check that it’s 100% pure and not mixed with anything else.
How much do you need? Just 1–2 drops. A light swipe inside the flange tunnel is plenty—just enough to help your nipple glide smoothly without dragging or rubbing.
Keeping Things From Getting Messy
When you're in a hurry, lubricant can get messy fast—especially if you have small nipples and your fingers don’t even fit inside your flange.
Here’s my favorite hack for quick, sanitary lubrication: a dental sponge.
They're officially called “Oral Care Swabs.” They’re:
Inexpensive
Disposable and sterile
Small enough to fit inside even the tiniest flange
You can buy them online in multipacks—and many are individually wrapped, so they're easy to toss in your bag or keep on hand for travel.
Helpful Tip: Use one sponge throughout the day—just refrigerate between uses and toss it at night.
Lubrication Setup: Oil or other lubricant, oral care sponge, and pump flange makes an ideal setup to lubricate your flange.
Adding Lubrication: Add just a drop or two of your preferred lubricant to the sponge you are using.
Lubrication Setup: Oil or other lubricant, oral care sponge, and pump flange makes an ideal setup to lubricate your flange.
Adding Lubrication: Add just a drop or two of your preferred lubricant to the sponge you are using.
Lubricate the Flange: Use the sponge to lubricate the inside of your pump flange without touching anything else.
What to Do Next
If pumping has been uncomfortable or you’ve been second-guessing your flange size, using pump flange lubrication can absolutely help—but it’s not a replacement for getting the fit right.
So start simple: try a bit of lubrication and see if that improves comfort. And if you’re not sure your flange is the right size for your body, take a look at this step-by-step sizing guide to walk you through it:
You deserve a setup that works well and feels good. A little troubleshooting goes a long way toward making pumping more comfortable and sustainable—especially if you're pumping often.
You don’t need to add breastmilk as lubrication—your nipple will naturally be coated as you pump. And while breastmilk is wonderful, it doesn’t reduce friction the same way an oil or glycerin-based product does. If your nipple is rubbing or feeling sore, using a lubricant made for glide will help more than milk alone.
Nope! If your flange feels comfortable, isn’t causing any damage, and is removing milk well—then you’re all set. No need to change a thing.
Yes—unless you or your baby has a coconut allergy (which is rare), it’s safe for incidental contact with milk.
You can also use small amounts of any nipple ointment you’re already using. Even if it contains things like calendula, aloe, or other soothing herbs, those are safe too.
Lanolin is another common option, especially in hospitals. It’s safe, but does have a slightly higher allergy risk than coconut or olive oil.
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Meet Avery. The voice behind Nourished Young.
Hi there! I’m an IBCLC and educator with over twenty-five years of experience supporting families.
I built this space to share the kind of guidance I wish I had as a new parent—answers grounded in real-world experience, not guesswork. The kind that reflect real babies, real bodies, and the real challenges that don’t always fit the textbook.Â
Because when you understand why something is happening, it’s so much easier to feel confident about what to do next.
