Power Pumping to increase your milk supply

Are you worried about a low milk supply?

If the answer is yes, you’re not alone! Most new mothers worry about their milk supply and lots of new moms give up on breastfeeding because they’re worried, they don’t have enough milk.

But there are some effective things you can try to boost your milk supply. And with the help of Uplifties, we have created this article on what you can do to boost your Power Pumping abilities.

What is Power Pumping?

Your milk supply works on a supply and demand basis. So, your body only produces the amount of milk that baby is asking for. And when demand slows down – if baby is sleeping longer at night, for example – your milk supply will slow down too.

Power pumping is a way to ‘trick’ your body into thinking that demand has increased by mimicking the feeding of a hungry baby. You use a breast pump at regular intervals to drain your breasts and ‘call’ for more milk.

However, this is not something that you should start on your own. Check with a certified lactation professional before starting power pumping.

Power Pumping Schedule That You Should Follow

Power pumping does take a bit of time and you’ll need to do it for a couple of days to see results.

Breast pump experts Medela suggest setting aside one hour a day to power pump. So, grab your water bottle, put your feet up and power pump.

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

You can keep track of your pumping with a simple breastfeeding tracker.

When to Power Pump?

Timing is important when you’re power pumping. Don’t replace a regular feed with a power pumping session – baby can drain your breasts much more effectively than a pump. And you don’t want to drain your breasts right before baby gets hungry, added Kidsco, who review breast pumps.

So, you could choose to power pump after baby has finished a feed. This way your body gets a bit of a rest before baby gets hungry again.

If you always feel like you have more milk in the morning you could power pump early before baby wakes up. This might be a good option if baby is dropping a night feed.

How to Make Power Pumping Easier?

Power pumping is time intensive; it can be exhausting, and it might make you feel a bit like a dairy cow! So here are some simple ways to make power pumping easier.

  • Stay hydrated – It’s essential to drink lots of water when breastfeeding and even more when you’re power pumping. So, keep a bottle of water by your side.
  • Eat well – Breastfeeding burns lots of calories so make sure you keep yourself topped up with snacks and delicious dinners.
  • Sit Comfortably – Get yourself comfortable before you start. Grab all your supplies – water bottle, book, phone, cosy socks, and snacks.
  • Use nipple cream – Breastfeeding and pumping can be hard work for your nipples. So, keep a nipple cream on standby. And no, you don’t have to worry about washing it off before your next feed.

Power Pumping to Boost Your Milk Supply

Power pumping is a commitment and the results will vary from mama to mama. So, try to stay positive and don’t forget to talk through your concerns with a qualified lactation consultant.

And remember that it’s ok to supplement with formula or donor milk. Whatever is best for baby and you!!