Power Pumping: What It Is and How It Can Help Your Supply
You may have seen power pumping mentioned on a random blog or a TikTok video and wondered if it actually works. Basically, it’s a way to give your milk supply a short-term boost by mimicking a baby’s cluster feeding. It’s not something you do all the time, just a little trick for when your supply needs a lift.
So, what is it really?
Power pumping is just setting aside about an hour to pump more intensely. A typical session might look like this:
Pump for 20 minutes
Take a 10-minute break
Pump for 10 minutes
Take a 10-minute break
Pump for 10 minutes
That adds up to about 40 minutes of pumping in an hour. The repeated stimulation tells your body, “Hey, baby’s feeding a lot, let’s make more milk!”
Why it works
Milk supply is all about prolactin, the hormone that tells your breasts to produce milk. Nipple stimulation, whether from your baby or a pump, boosts prolactin. Power pumping gives your prolactin levels a little workout, which can help increase milk production.
What it isn’t
It’s not a replacement for regular breastfeeding or pumping.
It’s not meant to be your daily routine forever. Think of it as a short-term boost, like during a growth spurt.
Power pumping is not a solution for low milk supply. If your supply feels low, it’s important to reach out to an IBCLC to figure out the cause and create a personalized plan.
Tips for Success
Make sure you’re using the correct pump flange size. Using a flange that’s too small or too large can reduce milk output and even cause nipple discomfort.
Stay hydrated, get rest, and take care of yourself, your body needs that too.
Takeaways:
Power pumping can help increase supply by mimicking cluster feeding.
It works by boosting prolactin with repeated stimulation.
It’s temporary, just use it when you need a little extra milk.
Using the correct pump flange is key for comfort and effectiveness.
If your milk supply is low, reach out to an IBCLC. The source of low supply needs to be evaluated and a plan can be created just for you.
Power pumping is a simple trick to give your supply a little boost. Every breastfeeding journey is different, and sometimes a small tweak like this can make a big difference.
