All About Power Pumping

Looking for a way to increase your milk supply? With Power Pumping, you can replace one of your regular pumping sessions with a 60-minute marathon session, similar to when your baby is cluster feeding.

What is Power Pumping?

Looking for a way to increase your milk supply? With Power Pumping, you can replace one of your regular pumping sessions with a 60-minute marathon session, similar to when your baby is cluster feeding. Try it once a day for 3-7 days to see results.

Why You Might Try Power Pumping?

• Your lactation consultant suggested it
• You need to store extra milk because you will be going on a trip or having surgery
• Your supply has suffered because your older baby is fidgety at the breast and nursing less
• You have returned to work, and being away from your baby has affected your supply
• Your period has returned or you have been sick, and your supply has dipped temporarily

What Not to do When Power Pumping

• DO NOT assume your supply is low! Your baby may becoming more efficient at eating, and changes in output are normal. If unsure about your supply, check with a lactation consultant
• DO NOT power pump when you don’t need to. This can cause oversupply (which can lead to engorgement and infection)
• DO NOT turn the suction up too high. This can be painful and won’t make you pump more milk
• DO NOT do it more than once a day

How to Make Power Pumping Effective

• Make it fun! Use it as a time to catch up on your favorite shows, or listen to music
• Check that your pump is working properly. Low supply may be due to tubes that have leaks or a motor going bad
• Check your pump’s valves. Valves that are on incorrectly or damaged may cause suction loss in the breast pump
• Check your flange size. The right flange size can increase output
• Stay hydrated and get lots of rest!

Check out our infographic below to get this information on what Power Pumping is, how to do it effectively, and some pitfalls to watch out for. (Click on the image to see a larger size)