Want to make a power pumping schedule to increase the breast milk supply? If you’re facing concerns about low milk supply and finding ways to increase milk production, no matter whether you’re a new mom struggling to produce enough milk or you’re just looking to build a freezer stash, power pumping might be an efficient method that could help.
Power pumping is often recommended as a step to boosting milk supply since it doesn’t require any new tools or supplements and is pretty low-risk. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about power pumps, including how they work, how to create an effective power pumping schedule, and tips for success.
What is Power Pumping
Power pumping is not a new idea but is accepted by more and more moms, who are planning this way to boost their milk supply. The basic idea behind power pumping is to empty your breasts frequently in a short period – typically in one hour, which sends a signal to your brain that more milk is needed.
So the power pumping schedule is not meant to replace your normal pumping routine; instead, it’s designed to increase your milk supply within an established routine for moms who may have a dip in supply or help to build a workable pumping routine for new moms.
If you’re interested in power pumping and want to try it out, move on to read some helpful tips and find the best time for it, how to power pump in a more efficient way, and tips for successfully power pumping.
How to power pump
Power pumping is like regular pumping. The only difference between them is that the schedule for power pumping is different. Regular pumping is that you’ll pump for a whole 15 minutes or 30 minutes every three hours or so. But for power pumping, you’ll need to pump for a few minutes take a break for minutes, and repeat this cycle for one hour or 30 minutes.
You don’t need a power pump for every three or four hours. Adding one or two times of power pumping within your regular schedule is enough.
The key to successful power pumping is consistency. Your body needs 5-7 days to adjust to the increased demand, so it’s important to stick with the power pumping schedule and be patient.
Best time to power pump
Power pumping can be tailored to fit your specific needs and lifestyle.
To achieve a successful power pumping, you’d better make a schedule and regularly pump sticking it for 5-7 days. It’s strongly recommended to find a time that you won’t be disturbed by other things so that you can have enough time for power pumping.
What’s the best time for power pumping? Whenever you can. According to the consultants’ saying, it’s best to follow both your and your baby’s needs. But to achieve peak milk production, find the time when your milk supply is highest. Most moms have a relatively higher supply in the morning. So if you’re planning a power pumping schedule, find a time right after the first morning feed and try to find the best results.
Sample power pumping schedule – 60 Minutes
A typical power pumping session lasts for a 60-minute power pumping schedule:
Begin by pumping for 20 minutes. Take a 10-minute break. Then, pump for another 10 minutes, followed by another 10-minute break, and finish with a final 10-minute pumping session.
To make it clear for you to plan your own power pumping schedule, list the cycle below:
Pump for 20 minutes, break for 10 minutes
Pump for 10 minutes, break for 10 minutes
Pump for 10 minutes
See? The total pumping time sums up to 40 minutes. That’s a good sign to send your brain that you’ll need to increase milk supply.
Here’s an example of a power pumping schedule in the early morning:
– 7:00 AM: Pump for 20 minutes
– 7:20 AM: Break for 10 minutes
– 7:30 AM: Pump for 10 minutes
– 7:40 AM: Break for 10 minutes
– 7:50 AM: Pump for 10 minutes
If you don’t want to waste the whole hour while pumping, try to use a double electric wearable breast pump, with which you can still prepare breakfast during the power pumping session.
Sample power pumping schedule – 30 Minutes
If you’re really busy and feel an hour too long, you can also try a shorter version by reducing the half-time for both pumping and rest. Follow the 30-minute power pumping schedule like this:
- Pump for 10 minutes, break for 5 minutes
Pump for 5 minutes, break for 5 minutes
Pump for 5 minutes
If so, it’s better to take the other 30-minute power pumping when you have time. The sample schedule would be like this:
In the morning:
– 7:00 AM: Pump for 10 minutes
– 7:10 AM: Break for 5 minutes
– 7:15 AM: Pump for 5 minutes
– 7:20 AM: Break for 5 minutes
– 7:25 AM: Pump for 5 minutes
In the evening:
– 9:00 PM: Pump for 10 minutes
– 9:10 PM: Break for 5 minutes
– 9:15 PM: Pump for 5 minutes
– 9:20 PM: Break for 5 minutes
– 9:25 PM: Pump for 5 minutes
4 signs why you need to power pump
Knowing when to start power pumping is crucial to its effectiveness. It’s not always necessary for every breastfeeding mom, some moms might have good milk supply and they do not need power pumping to increase milk supply. But if you notice any of the following signs, it might be time to give power pumping a try:
Low Milk Supply
If you’re not producing enough milk to satisfy your baby or to maintain a healthy breastfeeding routine, power pumping can help increase your supply. Signs of low milk supply include your baby not gaining weight as expected, fewer wet diapers, or your breasts not feeling as full as they used to.
Returning to Work
Returning to work can be a stressful time for both breastfeeding moms and exclusive pumping moms. If you’re worried about maintaining your supply while away from your baby, power pumping can help you keep up with the demand and prevent your supply from dropping.
Preparing for a Growth Spurt
Babies go through several growth spurts during their first year, and during these times, they tend to nurse more frequently. Power pumping can help you prepare for these periods by boosting your supply in advance.
Building a Freezer Stash
If you’re planning to return to work or simply want to have extra milk on hand, power pumping can help you build up a freezer stash. This can be especially helpful if you need to be away from your baby for an extended period.
11 tips for successful power pumping
1. Stay hydrated
Hydration is the majority component of milk and plays a significant role in milk production. So make sure you’re drinking plenty of water throughout the day, at least 2000~3000ml. The best practice to drink more water is to keep the water bottle by your side during the power pumping schedule to remind yourself to sip regularly.
2. Eat nutritious foods
It’s a common rule to have a well-balanced diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Keeping the diet and adding several favorite foods can support milk production. Consider adding lactation-friendly foods like oats, almonds, and fenugreek to your meals to help boost your supply.
3. Get enough rest
Rest is crucial for your overall well-being and finally affects whole milk production. Try to get as much sleep as possible and consider taking short naps during the day if you’re feeling exhausted. A well-rested body is more likely to respond positively to power pumping.
4. Use a double electric breast pump
Investing in a double electric breast pump can not only free your hands to deal with multiple tasks, but it also allows you to set the pumping schedule more easily. It makes a world of difference when it comes to comfort and efficiency. A double electric pump is ideal for power pumping, as it allows you to pump both breasts simultaneously, saving you time and ensuring optimal milk removal.
5. Use an appropriate flange
Measure and find the best-fit flange size to make sure your flanges are not too big or too small. Suction is the main power for a breast pump to work properly and efficiently. The wrong flange size will result in bad empty results.
6. Empty every pumping
No matter the results, you should complete every session of power pumping. It takes time to see if the milk supply increases or not during the power pumping schedule, around 5 to 7 days. So don’t give up at the very beginning. Also, you should use a breast pump to empty your breast if you feel that there is still milk after breastfeeding your baby.
7. Stay in a happy mood
Your mood can impact milk production, so finding ways to keep relaxed and happy is essential. Incorporate relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga into your daily routine to help keep stress levels in check.
8. Have your baby “accompany”
Put your little one’s clothes near to you during the power-pumping session, or look at his/her photos or videos – this is another way to be in a happy state. Trust me, you’ll feel really happy to watch baby’s videos.
9. Encourage your let-down
You can take a hot shower or massage your breasts for five to 10 minutes before starting the power pump.
10. Take a footbath at night
This is very similar to the above. A Chinese mom shared this tip with us. The footbath will not only warm your feet to keep your whole body in a positive mood, but it is also good to help you fall asleep faster so that you can get more rest at night.
11. Be Patient and Persistent
Power pumping is not an overnight solution. It requires time, patience, and persistence. Stick with your power pumping schedule for at least a week, and remember that it might take some time before you see noticeable results.
