Hi, Pumping Friend!
Looking for a way to give your milk supply a little boost? Maybe you’ve heard of power pumping, but what is it? And does it work?
Short answer: Yes! Power pumping is a highly effective way to encourage increased milk production by mimicking your baby’s natural cluster feeding patterns.
Cluster feeding is when a baby nurses frequently for a short period to signal your body to produce more milk. Because we know milk production works on a demand and supply system, power pumping has the same effect as cluster feeding (but with a breast pump!).
So How Do You Do It?
A typical power pumping session takes 45 minutes to an hour and looks like this:
🍼 10 minutes pumping
⏳ 5-minute break
🍼 10 minutes pumping
⏳ 5-minute break
🍼 10 minutes pumping
While this is the classic structure, there’s flexibility! Many busy parents won’t have time for this full power pump session, so you can try a mini-session too. That might look something like:
🍼 15 minutes pumping
⏳ 5-minute break
🍼 10 minutes pumping
And you can do this a couple of times a day, rather than being tied down for a full hour at once. Either way, be ready with yummy snacks, trashy TV or your favorite podcast to keep you entertained—you deserve it!
💡Pro Tip: Use BabyBuddha’s Express Cups to power pump if you want to be extra mobile! 💃
When Should You Try Power Pumping?
Power pumping is most often utilized once your milk supply has been established (around 4-5 weeks postpartum) as a way to encourage increased production. In some cases, it’s appropriate to introduce power pumping sooner but should be supervised by an IBCLC to minimize potential complications.
It’s most commonly used by moms who:
- Are exclusively pumping and want to boost their output.
- Have noticed a dip in their milk supply and want to recover lost ounces.
- Are preparing for a return to work or a trip and need extra milk for their stash.
Have a baby in the NICU and want to quickly ramp up their supply.
How Long Does It Take to See Results?
We know it’s hard, Mom, but patience is key!
Power pumping isn’t an instant fix—it typically takes 7-10 days of consistent effort to see a noticeable increase in supply.
But, if you’re doing daily power pumping sessions but haven’t seen results after a week or two, it’s a good idea to check in with a lactation consultant (preferably a Pumpologist 😉) to rule out underlying issues.
Is It Possible to Power Pump Too Much?
More isn’t always better! Overdoing power pumping can lead to oversupply, clogged ducts, and even mastitis. 😖
🚨 Here are some warning signs to look out for:
- Consistently making 10+ extra ounces per day beyond what your baby needs.
- Experiencing frequent clogs or engorgement.
- Baby is struggling with forceful letdowns or excessive milk flow.
☝️Any of these would also be reasons to seek advice from your IBCLC, as there could be something deeper going on.
Power pumping should be used as a temporary tool—not a long-term strategy. Once you see that supply increase, you should return to a normal pumping schedule to avoid creating any unintentional issues.
Still have questions? If you’re a BabyBuddha customer, you can schedule an appointment with a member of our lactation team for assistance! Reach out to support@babybuddhaproducts.com to get started!
✨ Follow along with our Pumpologist posts for more expert tips on making pumping work for you.
