- The idea behind power pumping is to trick your body into producing more milk by rapidly emptying the breasts.
- Power pumping replicates what babies do when they are cluster feeding, which is when a baby is on and off the breast often so as to signal to your body to increase supply.
- Power pumping isn’t meant to replace your regular pumping routine, but to increase your milk supply within an established routine.
Let’s explore how power pumping can support both you and your baby on your feeding journey.
What is Power Pumping?
Power pumping is a technique used to increase milk supply by mimicking a baby’s cluster feeding by using short, intentional pumping intervals.
As a breastfeeding and pumping mama, you know that your milk supply is a supply-and-demand system. When your baby nurses frequently within a short window—feeding, pausing, and feeding again—your body recognizes the higher demand and responds by building up your milk supply.
How Does Power Pumping Help Boost Milk Supply?
Power pumping increases your milk supply by mimicking a baby's "cluster feeding," a pattern of frequent, short feedings that signal your body to produce more milk. Here’s how it works:
Mimics Cluster Feeding
Power pumping mimics cluster feedings, when a baby feeds frequently for a sustained period. Common causes include growth spurts, developmental milestones, and an increased need for calories.
Stimulates Prolactin Production
Power pumping can trigger a surge in prolactin, the milk-making hormone, telling your body to increase milk production.
Empties the Breasts
Power pumping works by rapidly and thoroughly emptying the breasts, another signal to your body to make more milk.
What is the Best Power Pumping Schedule?
Try to find an uninterrupted hour to power pump in your morning when your milk supply is typically at its highest. Within that hour, use this pumping pattern to increase your supply:
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First cycle: Pump for 20 minutes, then rest for 10 minutes
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Second cycle: Pump for 10 minutes, then rest for 10 minutes
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Final cycle: Pump for 10 minutes
Throughout the rest of the day, pump as you normally would, ideally mirroring the baby’s feeding schedule, for example, pumping for 15 minutes every 3 hours.
Remember – most moms only need to power pump for 2-3 days before seeing a result. Then you can return to your normal pumping routine until you feel like it needs another little kickstart.
When Should I Start Power Pumping?
Power pumping is not for everyone, but you could consider power pumping if:
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You are concerned about your milk supply
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You want to increase your milk supply
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You are noticing less milk during pumping over several days
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You want to prepare a freezer stash for returning to work or time away
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Your baby is experiencing a growth spurt and is hungrier than usual
It’s always good idea to check in with your healthcare provider to make sure you have a supply issue. Many moms are concerned that they have low supply even when they are actually producing a healthy amount of breastmilk.
A certified lactation counselor can provide guidance on whether power pumping is a good option for you. Sometimes, what feels like low supply is a normal adjustment or fluctuation in your body’s rhythm.
What is the Best Breast Pump for Power Pumping?
The ideal breast pump for power pumping is one that can provide consistent, hospital strength suction and comfortable stimulation over longer sessions. A breast pump that mimics the natural sensations of a baby’s feeding, like Lansinoh’s NaturalWave® Double Electric Breast Pump, will stimulate more let-downs and help you fully and comfortably empty your breasts.
Resources that provide breastfeeding support include healthcare providers, lactation consultants, and mom-to-mom groups.
Our team of moms and certified lactation consultants is here to help. Connect with us directly through our chat for personalized breastfeeding, pumping, and product support.
You’ve got this, mama!
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