A woman is sitting on a sofa with a baby on her lap. The baby is holding a blue toy. Next to her is a breast pump and accessories. The room has large windows with light curtains and a view of a brick wall outside. A woman is sitting on a sofa with a baby on her lap. The baby is holding a blue toy. Next to her is a breast pump and accessories. The room has large windows with light curtains and a view of a brick wall outside.

Power Pumping Q&A: Boosting your Milk Supply

Leana Thompson, RN, BSN, IBCLC

This blog was written in paid partnership with Dr. Brown's.

What Is Power Pumping?

Power pumping is an intensive pumping technique that mimics cluster feeding to signal the body to produce more milk. Power pumping helps to increase supply in a comparable way to when a baby nurses in shorter, more frequent spurts to tell mother's body to produce more milk. Why does it work? Your milk supply is driven by supply and demand. When you demand your body by nursing or nipple stimulation with a pump you make more milk.

When Should You Consider Power Pumping?

Power pumping might be beneficial when your milk supply has recently dipped (e.g., after an illness, during your menstrual cycle, through times of increased stress) or if your pediatrician or International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) finds that baby is not gaining enough weight from breast milk only. Another time to consider power pumping is if you are preparing to go back to work. Having a small "freezer stash" of stored milk can help make heading back to work a little less stressful knowing you have extra milk for baby while you're away from each other. Power pumping isn't necessary for everyone and works best when combined with other strategies like frequent breastfeeding or regular pumping.

How to Power Pump: A Schedule to Follow

Ever wonder what a power pumping schedule should look like? An example of a power pumping schedule can be as follows:

  • 20 minutes pump
  • 10 minutes rest
  • 10 minutes pump
  • 10 minutes rest
  • 10 minutes pump

Power pumping mimics cluster feeding and can be done once or twice a day. You ideally need a full hour to complete a power pumping session. Pick a time when you can relax, and when you will not be interrupted. Also remember that it is okay if your milk output is low during the session—it is the stimulation that is important.

Practical Tips for Successful Power Pumping

Choosing the right equipment can be one of the most important parts of pumping. I strongly suggest the Dr. Brown's Customflow Double Electric Breast Pump, Hands Free Pumping Bra and the proper flange size. Be sure to have all pump parts clean, dry and ready to go. To help stay comfortable and pass the time during a power pumping session, I suggest having a water bottle, snacks, a cozy spot and some entertainment. Also remember to be consistent! Be aware that you do not always see instant results with power pumping, you may need to try it a few days in a row to see an increase in your supply.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

It can be discouraging to not have an immediate increase in output during power pumping. However, it's important to remember that more stimulation through extra pumping sessions will gradually increase your supply over time. Try this by finding ways to fit power pumping into your busy schedule. This could be in the morning during baby's nap or in the evening when more help is around to care for baby while you pump. If you ever experience pain or discomfort while pumping, please contact an IBCLC to assess your set up and ensure your technique and equipment is set up to maximize your output. Pumping (or nursing!) should NOT be painful. In the meantime, if issues like nipple pain arise -- try adjusting the suction levels on your breast pump or re-measuring your nipples to ensure you have the correct flange size.

When to Expect Results and What's Normal

Some patients may see results within a few days, while for others, it may take a week or more. Power pumping is most effective when paired with other milk-boosting practices like regular skin-to-skin with baby, hands on/massaging breast during pumping, frequent breastfeeding and proper nutrition and hydration. Try not to compare yourself to others as every feeding journey is different and there are many variables that can impact volume and frequency.

When to Seek Help From an IBCLC

Please reach out to a local IBCLC if power pumping isn't working as expected, if you are feeling overwhelmed or if you need personal guidance. You may also be able to find telemedicine help through IBCLC’s that offer virtual consultations. An IBCLC can assess overall breastfeeding and pumping management to help improve your results. This could include a proper flange size fitting, checking your pump settings and reviewing your daily schedule.

Final Thoughts

Power pumping is just one of many tools to help boost milk supply. Consistency and patience are key. Power pumping is worth a try but what's most important is that you do what is best for you and your baby!

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