What is Power Pumping?
Power pumping is a technique used to mimic cluster feeding which generally increases milk supply. Although cluster feeding often occurs near baby’s periods of growth spurts, power pumping may be beneficial at other times when moms notice supply dips unrelated to the baby’s growth. While there are many different ways to practice power pumping and achieve the same result, power pumping often involves pumping for 15 minutes, pausing for 10 minutes, then pumping again for 10 minutes. The pumps and pauses are repeated for 10 minutes each up to an hour total. It is best to start with replacing only one of your pumping sessions with a power pumping session and only replace one more session when you are comfortable. Since cluster feeding occurs in the evening hours when the milk supply is lower, power pumping may be helpful at this time to follow the baby’s feeding schedule. On the other hand, moms may only have time to power pump in the early morning before the baby wakes, which takes advantage of the higher milk volume at this time. You may begin to see the results of power pumping anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
How does power pumping increase milk supply?
Milk production runs on a supply and demand basis, regulated by the hormones oxytocin and prolactin. Oxytocin is the “let-down” hormone, signaling the body to release milk from the milk ducts. Prolactin is involved in milk production, telling the body to refill the milk ducts when milk is released. Once your milk supply is established, your body will regulate to produce enough milk to account for that which is removed. It is important to understand that an increase in milk production isn’t achieved by pumping longer each pump session, but by pumping more frequently. As milk is removed via nursing, pumping, or hand expression, levels of prolactin rise. Frequent milk removal helps to maintain elevated prolactin levels and can lead to an increase in milk production. If the time between milk removal is continuously too long, the body downregulates the supply due to the lower prolactin levels and the milk not being removed from the breasts. In general, moms should pump at least 8-12 times a day to maintain milk supply, although the space in between pumps may lengthen as babies age.
Power pumping tips:
- Meet with your IBCLC to determine the correct flange size for you. Note that flange size can change throughout your breastfeeding journey and differ between breasts. Flanges are based on the size of the nipple alone, not including the areola, and the flange should allow the nipple to easily move back and forth without damaging the nipple or areola. A proper flange size impacts both the milk production and the comfort of pumping. While most pumps include larger sizes like the 24 and 27 mm flanges, the majority of women need sizes like 13 mm- 21mm. If your pump does not come with the correct size, your IBCLC with Arkansas Lactation can advise you on purchasing flange inserts that fit inside the pump flange or an alternative flange.
- Sore and damaged nipples can make power pumping difficult. To soothe and heal, apply breast milk or coconut oil on your nipple and areola. If the nipple is cracked and bleeding, MediHoney could be used as well. Ensure that anything applied to the nipple and/or areola has had time to dry before covering.
- Try massaging your breasts during pumping sessions as it can maximize milk production. Hands-on pumping both improves milk flow and increases the fat content of the breast milk. Breast massage should be gentle and light as any digging into breast tissue can restrict milk flow.
- Keep snacks and drinks handy when power pumping or cluster feeding. Snacks should include both carbohydrates (like fruits) for energy and proteins/fats (like nuts, seeds, cheese) for satisfying hunger. Greek yogurt, trail mix, and smoothies are great snacks for lactating moms. Ensure that you are drinking at least 100-120 ounces a day while making milk as well.
- Try to relax! Oxytocin, the key to milk production, is released more readily when you’re not stressed out. Listen to soothing music, watch a funny show, or look at cute pictures of your baby while pumping. Although many moms need to pump at work, try to limit stressful work emails or conversations while pumping.
- Talk to your IBCLC about the possibility of implementing supplements. It is important to have supplements reviewed by a qualified professional as some on the market are contraindicated for particular conditions, and they could have negative side effects for people with other diseases or medicines. Additionally, some supplements may also decrease milk supply.
- Find the root cause: It is important to know how to address a dip in supply while understanding why it happened. Supply changes may be more common with the infant sleeping longer at night or after illness, travel, stressful life events, return to work, or a return of the menstrual cycle. If this occurs, work with your IBCLC for suggested changes or strategies to regulate the supply. For example, your lactation consultant can help make a schedule for returning to work or travel or discuss navigating illness and menstrual cycles.
- Power pumping is a supplement: Power pumping is not meant to replace nursing times or an effective latch. If you are pumping due to the baby nursing inadequately, work with your consultant on improving breastfeeding as well. For many moms, pumping after feeds is a short-term solution while babies gain weight or improve their oral function.
- Don’t overdo it: Power pumping too much can cause an oversupply as well as other challenges. Additionally, too much pumping can be mentally and physically stressful; therefore, it could be more damaging to the supply if done in excess. Some online blogs or influencers have promoted power pumping up to six times a day, and this is not likely to be sustainable for the average mom.
- Be patient: Don’t get discouraged if there is a minimal increase at first. Power pumping, like cluster feeding, is about sending signals to your body that you need more milk; your body has to adjust to its new demands.
Power pumping is a great tool to use when you need a little boost in supply. Remember that this technique is meant to supplement your supply rather than replace nursing times or an effective latch.
If you need extra support in boosting your milk supply, our team of IBCLCs is here to offer personalized guidance and encouragement.
