• 0Shopping Cart
Spectra Baby USA
  • About
    • Home
    • About Spectra
    • Want to Collaborate?
    • Spectra News
    • Product Testing Panel
  • Need Help Pumping?
    • Lactation Assistance
    • Mama Blog
    • Flange Sizing Guide
    • Spectra Education
  • Shop
  • Support
    • Contact
    • Instruction Manuals
    • Instruction Videos
    • Learning Library
    • Warranty Information
    • Insurance Coverage?
    • FAQ’s
    • Authorized Dealers
  • Login
    • My Account
    • Vendor Login
    • Become a Vendor
  • Search
  • Menu
  • 0 items

What is Power Pumping?

May 11, 2021/0 Comments/in Breast Pumping, Breastfeeding, Exclusively Pumping /by Melissa Portunato

By Melissa Portunato MPH, IBCLC, RLC

Power pumping is a strategy used to increase milk supply by mimicking a baby cluster feeding at the breast. Cluster feeding is normal newborn behavior associated with short, frequent feeding patterns at the breast. Power pumping is intended to recreate this behavior, stimulating healthy milk production. 

Do I really have a low milk supply? 

Before starting power pumping, first, evaluate if you truly have a low milk supply. The average milk output for mothers exclusively pumping is 25-30 ounces per day, and if baby is brought to the breast as well, expect about half the amount. Working closely with an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant can determine the root cause and help you successfully meet your breastfeeding goals.

When’s the best time to power pump?

Most mothers find the evening is a great time! Baby is sleeping, you have extra hands on deck ready to soothe baby if needed, and you can relax. Ideally, find the time that works best for you when you can have an uninterrupted full hour of on and off pumping. 

How often should I power pump?

It’s not recommended to power pump long term but rather 1-2x a day for four consecutive days. There’re many different ways to power pump, but the main idea is on and off breast stimulation for one full hour. In most cases, it should be done in addition to your regular pumping sessions, even though sometimes it can be used to replace a pump session mostly for moms exclusively pumping. Remember, every mom is different, but power pumping every 3-4 weeks can be an easy tool to apply and kick start milk production. 

Power Pumping Quick Guide 

Power pumping can be done on one breast or both breasts with a hospital strength electric pump or a manual hand pump. See the easy-to-follow guides below to get started. 

Single breast power pumping:

  • Pump left breast for 10 minutes
  • Pump right breast for 10 minutes
  • Pump left breast for 10 minutes
  • Pump right breast for 10 minutes
  • Pump left breast for 10 minutes
  • Pump right breast for 10 minutes

Double breast power pumping:

  • Pump 20 minutes
  • Rest 10 minutes
  • Pump 10 minutes
  • Rest 10 minutes
  • Pump 10 minutes

Don’t watch the clock as much as letting your body take the lead. If you have a letdown, wait before stopping again to rest. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see an increase right away. The extra stimulation is signaling your body to make more milk. Be patient. It can take about a week after you have stopped power pumping to see an increase. 

Do you have more questions about power pumping? 

Spectra Baby USA is happy to help! Schedule a virtual consultation with one of our IBCLCs today and get the support you need to meet your breastfeeding goals successfully! We’re here for you, and we support you! 

Sources: 

Mohrbacher, N. (2012, November 27). How Much Milk Should You Expect to Pump? Retrieved July 27, 2020, from http://www.nancymohrbacher.com/articles/2012/11/27/how-much-milk-should-you-expect-to-pump.html 

Bonyata, K. (2018, January 3). Cluster Feeding and Fussy Evenings • KellyMom.com. KellyMom.com. https://kellymom.com/parenting/parenting-faq/fussy-evening/. 

 

Tags: best breast pump, breast pumping, breastfeeding at work, cluster feeding, exclusively breast pumping, IBCLC, working moms
Share this entry
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Twitter
  • Share by Mail
You might also like
5 Quick Tips for Pumping at Work
The Benefits of Breastfeeding & How to Make a Good Supply
breastfeeding on couch Storing Breastmilk: Tips and Guidelines
To Sleep Or Not To Sleep?
Returning to Work: Planning and Pumping
breastfeeding on couch Everything You Need To Know About Biting and Breastfeeding
0 replies

Leave a Reply

Want to join the discussion?
Feel free to contribute!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent Posts

  • Breastfeeding Must-Haves
  • Stress-free Breast Pumping During the Holidays
  • Breastfeeding: The First Week
  • What Is Breast Gymnastics?
  • How to Pump, Store & Feed Breast Milk

Products

  • S1 Plus Electric Breast Pump with Tote & Cooler $245.00
  • two spectra air caps Spectra Air Caps $4.99
  • Simple-store-replacement-milk-bags-thumbnail Simple Store Replacement Bags - 30ct $17.49
  • breast shield adapter for milk bottles Small To Wide Neck Bottle Cap Adapter $7.59
NEED HELP PUMPING?

MOM SUPPORT

  • Flange Sizing Guide
  • Lactation Assistance
  • Instruction Videos
  • Mama Blog

CONTACT

  • Customer Care
  • Warranty Support
  • Mom Support Line
  • Spectra Education

SIGN UP

  • My Account
  • Vendor Login
  • Become a Vendor
  • Authorized Dealers
  • Avoid Fraud

SERVICE

  • Careers
  • Return Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Shipping Policy
Facebook Instagram Pinterest Envelope
Top Breastfeeding Challenges and How to Overcome Them Hands on Pumping
Scroll to top