How to Power Pump: A Simple Guide for New Moms
As a new mom, you're probably juggling a lot — from late-night feedings to figuring out a pumping routine. One technique you might have heard of is "power pumping," a strategy that can help increase your milk supply. If you're feeling overwhelmed by the idea of adding one more thing to your to-do list, don’t worry! We’re here to break it down in a simple and approachable way so you can give your milk supply a boost without stress.
What Is Power Pumping?
Power pumping is essentially mimicking the cluster feeding behavior of a baby — when they nurse more often, especially during growth spurts, to signal to your body to produce more milk. The idea is to pump in short, frequent bursts to stimulate your breasts and increase your milk output.
Think of it as a way to “trick” your body into thinking that your baby is going through a growth spurt, which helps encourage milk production.
When Should You Power Pump?
Power pumping is typically recommended if you're trying to increase your milk supply or you're pumping exclusively and not seeing enough output. It’s best to power pump once a day, and many moms find it most effective when done in the morning, as that's when milk supply tends to be highest. However, you can do it at any time that works for you, as long as you’re consistent.
How to Power Pump: Step-by-Step
Now, let’s break it down into simple steps. You’ll need a breast pump (preferably a double electric pump for efficiency) and around an hour to spare.
(1) Set Yourself Up for Comfort
Before you start, make sure you’re in a comfy, quiet spot. Grab a glass of water and a snack if you’d like (it helps to stay hydrated and fueled during this process). You may want to have your phone or some entertainment nearby — power pumping can take a little while!
(2) Pump for 20 Minutes
Start by pumping for 20 minutes at a comfortable suction level. This is the first "pumping" phase. You may not see a lot of milk, and that’s okay! We don’t want you to worry about the volume you get with each pump. What matters is that you’re signaling your body to increase milk production.
(3) Take a 10-Minute Break
Once the first 20 minutes are up, take a 10-minute break. You can do a quick stretch, massage your breasts, or just relax. Again - try not to get discouraged if your output isn’t huge after the first round. This is all part of the process.
(4) Pump for Another 10-15 Minutes
After your break, start pumping again for 10-15 minutes. You may notice that milk flow starts to slow down, which is normal. But keep going until you’ve reached the full time. Some moms find that their milk continues to flow even after the second round of pumping.
(5) Rest Again for 10 Minutes
Now take another 10-minute break. It might feel like a lot of time spent pumping, but remember: the goal is to send a signal to your body to produce more milk.
(6) Pump for 10-15 More Minutes
Finally, you’ll do your last pumping session, for about 10-15 minutes. At this point, milk flow might be slower or even stop, but don’t worry — the goal is to maximize stimulation and let your body know it needs to produce more.
A few tips for successful power pumping
Stay Consistent: Power pumping isn’t a one-time fix. To see results, you’ll want to aim for about 3-4 times a week, especially if you’re trying to boost supply.
Hydrate and Eat Well: Your body needs extra energy to produce milk, so make sure you’re drinking plenty of water and eating nutritious foods.
Relax and Be Patient: Power pumping may not give you instant results, and that’s totally okay. Every mom’s body is different. If you don’t see a significant change right away, don’t give up — keep going, and your body may catch up soon.
Use the Right Pump: If you find that your pump isn't effective, you may want to consider upgrading to a hospital-grade or more powerful pump.
Use the Right Flange Size: Using the right flange size for your nipples is crucial because it ensures a proper seal, reduces discomfort, and helps maximize milk output by allowing your breast to empty effectively during pumping.
What to expect
Power pumping can take some time to see results, but many moms notice a boost in milk supply within 2-3 days of consistent power pumping. That said, remember that everyone’s body is different, and some may take longer or need to try other methods in addition to power pumping.
When should you not power pump?
If you’re already over-supplying milk and struggling with engorgement or discomfort, power pumping might make things worse.
If you’re feeling burnt out or stressed, don’t feel like you have to do it every day. It’s okay to take a break and try again later.
If you’re unsure whether power pumping is right for you, always check with a lactation consultant or your pediatrician for personalized advice.
final thoughts
Power pumping might feel like a lot of work at first, but remember, it's just a tool in your breastfeeding toolkit. You don’t need to do it every day or for hours on end — consistency is key, but it’s also important to be kind to yourself. Every mom's breastfeeding journey is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.
If power pumping is right for you, take it one step at a time and don’t be afraid to reach out for help if you need it. Working with a lactation consultant can provide personalized guidance and support to help you overcome challenges and achieve your feeding goals. You’ve got this, mama!
