Power Pumping Your Milk Supply
Power pumping is a technique aimed at increasing breast milk production by mimicking the natural behavior of cluster feeding. During cluster feeding, babies nurse more frequently and for shorter durations, which signals the mother’s body to produce more milk to meet the increased demand.
To practice power pumping, mothers usually pump in a focused way, typically over a set period each day. This could involve pumping for a specific pattern, such as pumping for 20 minutes, then resting for 10 minutes, and repeating this cycle for about an hour. By following this routine, the body responds by enhancing milk supply.
While there are various methods to boost milk production, power pumping can often yield quicker results, sometimes within a few days. It has the added benefit of avoiding potential side effects that could accompany supplements and medications, which can include sleeplessness, headaches, or gastrointestinal discomfort.
It’s essential to note that power pumping is primarily recommended for those who need to increase their milk supply. Mothers with sufficient milk production should continue with their existing routines, as overproduction can also present challenges. Therefore, it’s crucial to assess individual needs before deciding to implement this technique.
Milk supply can decrease for many reasons. Some mothers find their supply drops when they return to work and can’t breastfeed often. Skipping breastfeeding sessions can also reduce supply, especially when babies start solid foods, take longer naps, or become more active and less interested in nursing. Illness or menstruation can affect supply as well, and some women may notice a decrease when using hormonal birth control or certain medications. If your milk supply decreases, power pumping can naturally help boost milk production and improve your pumping routine.
How to Power Pump
Power pumping involves increasing the frequency of pumping sessions to boost milk supply. There's no strict schedule, but plan for at least an hour each day for about a week. Some mothers power pump for up to two hours.
Take breaks to avoid soreness. Here’s a common schedule:
Pump for 20 minutes
Rest for 10 minutes
Pump for 10 minutes
Rest for 10 minutes
Pump for 10 minutes
Repeat this once or twice daily.
Another option is:
Pump for 5 minutes
Rest for 5 minutes
Pump for 5 minutes
Rest for 5 minutes
Pump for 5 minutes
This can be done up to five or six times a day.
Results vary by person; some may see improvements with one hour sessions, while others might need two hours daily for a week. An electric pump is often more effective, as a manual pump can tire your hands. Hands-on double pumping is the most effective way to express your milk.
