What is Power Pumping?

If you have concerns about your milk supply, you may have heard about power pumping and wondered if it could help. Power pumping is a technique where you pump more frequently in short, focused bursts to stimulate your milk production, mimicking the way your baby might nurse during growth spurts. While it’s not an instant fix, with regular practice, power pumping may help boost your supply over time. It takes patience and consistency, but many mothers find it effective when combined with other strategies to increase milk production. Keep reading for more information about power pumping and how it may help:

Why Power Pumping May Help Boost Milk Supply

Power pumping works by simulating the cluster feeding that often occurs during your baby’s growth spurts. When you power pump, your breasts are emptied more frequently and your body gets the message to produce more milk. Over time, this increased stimulation may help increase your overall milk production. If you’ve noticed a drop in your milk supply or are trying to increase your milk production for any reason, power pumping might help!

How to Power Pump: The Step-by-Step Process

There are many versions of power pumping, but here is one of the most common:

• Pump for 20 minutes.
  Start by pumping as you normally would for 20 minutes. 
• Rest for 10 minutes.
  After the first 20 minutes, take a 10-minute break. During this time, relax and hydrate—this is your time to recharge.
• Pump for 10 minutes.
  Start your second pumping session, which will last for 10 minutes.
• Rest for 10 minutes.
  Take another 10-minute break to rest and rehydrate.
• Pump for 10 minutes.
  For your final session, pump for another 10 minutes.

When and How Often to Power Pump

• For the best results, try to power pump once or twice per day. 
• The most effective time for power pumping is early in the morning when your milk supply tends to be higher. Another good time is right before bed, when you may have more time and less distractions. 
• For optimal results, try to be consistent and power pump for at least several days in a row (up to a week) and then reevaluate how well it is working for you.
• If you’re exclusively pumping, incorporating power pumping into your regular pumping schedule can help boost your supply. You don’t need to add an extra pump session, just make one or two of your regular pumps a power pump. 
• It may take a little time before you see an increase in milk supply, so be patient and gentle with yourself.

Tips for Success with Power Pumping

• Relax: Try to stay as relaxed as possible while pumping. Use relaxation techniques like deep breathing or listening to calming music.
• Comfort is Key: Make sure your pump flanges fit properly. Ill-fitting flanges can cause discomfort and affect milk output. 
• Use Breast Massage or Warm Compresses: Before pumping, try massaging your breasts gently or using a warm compress to stimulate milk flow. This can help you express more milk during your sessions.
• Use Hands-on Pumping: Using breast massage and compressions throughout your pumping session may help to empty the breast more completely, cueing your body to refill faster and make more milk. 
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water during and after your power pumping session. Hydration plays an important role in milk production. 
• Eat a Balanced Diet: A well-rounded diet rich in nutrients can help support milk production. Include foods high in protein, healthy fats, and whole grains.

What to Expect from Power Pumping

It’s important to have realistic expectations when power pumping. While it’s effective for many mothers, results may vary depending on your body, how long you’ve been pumping, and how consistently you do it. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Results Aren’t Instant: You may not notice an immediate increase in supply. Power pumping works over time by providing consistent stimulation to your breasts.
• Don’t Overdo It: Power pumping is a demanding technique so limit it to just once or twice per day.
• Celebrate Small Wins: Even a small increase in your supply is progress! Take the time to celebrate the effort you’re putting into caring for yourself and your baby.

When to Seek Help

What If I Have Questions?

If you are interested in learning more, these Aeroflow classes expand on some of the topics discussed above:

• Pumping 101
• How to Fit Your Flange Size
• Ultimate Breastfeeding Prep

Want More Info?

For a directory of Aeroflow’s other Care Guides offering information on pregnancy, baby care, and more, browse our comprehensive list of titles:

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