Power Pumping - A strategy to increase your milk supply
Power pumping is often recommended for women looking to increase their milk supply. It has advantages such as not needing extra supplements or medications, being a low-risk strategy to try, and being accessible to everyone.
Here's a simple guide with all you need to know.
What is power pumping? How can it increase milk supply?
Power pumping aims to replicate cluster feeding, but with a breast pump, sometimes referred to as "cluster pumping."
During cluster feeding, a nursing baby stays at the breast, nursing intermittently to stimulate more milk intake. This often occurs in the early evenings when babies prepare for a longer sleep and when breastfeeding mothers typically experience lower milk supply. Growth spurts can also trigger cluster feeding, indicating an increased need for milk.
Since breast milk production operates on a supply and demand basis, with more demand resulting in increased production, a baby's cluster feeding signals to the body that more milk is needed, leading to a boost in production.
Power pumping involves using a breast pump to mimic this process, where the pump stays at the breast, imitating the baby's attempt to extract more milk. This signals to the body the increased demand for milk, prompting a potential boost in milk production.
What is the process for power pumping to boost milk supply?
To power pump, sit down and pump intermittently for about an hour, mimicking the cluster feeding pattern of a baby.
You have flexibility in choosing the intervals that suit you, such as 20 minutes of pumping followed by 10 minutes of either pumping or resting. Alternatively, you can try intervals like 12 minutes on and 8 off, 15 and 5, and so on. The exact timing is not crucial, as cluster-feeding babies do not adhere to specific timeframes.
The example for power pumping is:
Pump for 20 minutes
Rest for 10 minutes
Pump for 10 minutes
Rest for 10 minutes
Pump for 10 minutes
It's worth mentioning the aim is to have your first letdown before transitioning to a rest period, and if you're in the midst of a letdown while pumping, continue until the letdown finishes.
That's essentially all you need to do!
A single power pumping session replaces one of your regular pumping sessions, so pump at your usual time but for a longer duration and with intervals. Keep in mind that if you're power pumping and experiencing no milk flow, continue pumping for stimulation as your aim is to trigger another letdown, which results in increased milk production.
How frequently should I engage in power pumping?
Doing it at least once a day is an excellent plan!
If you decide to do it twice and find it manageable, that's okay too. However, be cautious not to overdo it to the point of feeling burnt out and miserable. Remember, your wellbeing is more valuable to your baby than gaining a few extra mLs of breast milk.
There are different options:
For one week – This approach is effective for mothers who are both breastfeeding and pumping. Engaging in power pumping sessions for a week can significantly contribute to increasing your milk supply, getting those few more mLs... Repeat as necessary.
Once a week – If you exclusively pump, incorporating power pumping into your routine once a week can be a good way of proactively addressing potential supply decreases and substitute for instances when a baby may have a period of time cluster feeding.
In both scenarios, continue pumping even if there is no milk being expressed. Sustained breast stimulation communicates to your body the increased demand for milk.
Is there a better time of day for power pumping?
Any time when you can allocate an hour for pumping is suitable.
Some breastfeeding Mothers opt to power pump in the early evening after putting their baby to bed. This is convenient as it's easier to pump while the baby is asleep, and it aligns with the common occurrence of cluster feeding during that time.
Can I power pump with a manual pump?
Yep!
When power pumping with a manual pump, you have the option to pump each side for 12 minutes and then alternate between sides for 8 minutes. This means each side takes turns resting instead of resting completely. If your hand becomes fatigued, it's also acceptable to take a few minutes of complete rest between sides.
Additionally, you can experiment with using a Silicone Pump/Haakaa on one side while manually pumping on the other.
What outcome can i expect from power pumping? does it effectively increase milk supply?
Immediate results shouldn't be anticipated with power pumping. It typically takes a few days for your body's milk supply to adjust to the heightened demand from the breast pump. Commit to power pumping for at least four consecutive days, or even up to a week and then assess the impact.
Dr. Fiona Jardine, whose pHD research concentrated on the experiences of parents exclusively pumping, discovered that among 1714 survey participants, nearly 60% had experimented with power pumping. Those who had attempted it rated it as highly effective, with only 17% expressing uncertainty about the results. Less than 1% reported that it adversely affected their milk supply.
According to Dr. Jardine, "It's a risk-free method to try and boost your milk supply, with a relatively high success rate."
Tips for successful power pumping sessions
Make power pumping more enjoyable by incorporating activities you like! Choose a time when you can relax a bit (with your breast pump, of course) and engage in activities such as watching a favourite show, reading a book, or scrolling through TikTok.
Stay well hydrated. Water is essential for breastfeeding and pumping mothers, as well as for overall health. Keep a water bottle within reach to maintain fluid intake while pumping. Up your hydration with an electrolyte drink such as Hydramama
Ensure a proper flange size. Using an incorrect flange size can significantly affect milk production. Refer to this flange sizing guide to confirm that you are using the appropriate size.
Watch and adapt. If your body doesn't experience a letdown within the first 8-10 minutes, consider prolonging the power pumping sessions. If you notice a decrease in milk supply later in the day, experiment with power pumping in the afternoon to stimulate additional letdowns and gather extra milk. Variations in production are typical because your breastmilk is dynamic and changes composition throughout the day, so focus on observing broader trends rather than individual pump sessions or days.
Ensure you have a well-equipped pumping station with all necessary items (a.k.a. your favourite, indulgent snacks!), as you'll be spending some time there and comfort is essential.
Invest in a hands-free pumping bra to make the experience more convenient; no one wants to spend an hour holding flanges to their breasts.
If possible, avoid multitasking with baby care while power pumping. It's best to reserve this time for when your baby is asleep or when you have assistance.
If you have genuine concerns about your milk supply please get in touch with an Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant who can assess your individual situation and investigate the root cause of decreasing supply. I offer affordable phone, virtual or in person consultations for these types of concerns.
If your baby is losing or not gaining weight, is lethargic, is generally unwell or you have concerns please seek a medical review by a Doctor.
Best of luck!
