Power pumping is the process of pumping breast milk very frequently in a short amount of time. The idea behind power pumping is that by pumping more often, you’ll be simulating the process of a baby cluster feeding. Except this time, you get to control when and for how long the nursing session lasts. It’s all based on supply and demand. When your demand increase, your supply would also increase over time as hormones will send signals to create more breast milk. Don’t expect it to see the increase overnight, it usually takes about a week to see the real results.
Also remember when pumping, to stick to a strict routine. Keep your pumping sessions at the same time every day and try not to skip a session as this will greatly affect your milk supply!
Now Power pumping sounds very intimidating, however with the right mindset, a comfortable chair, and an easy to follow flowchart, you’ll be power pumping in no time!
STEP-BY-STEP GUIDELINES ON HOW TO POWER PUMP:
- Set aside 1 hour of time just for pumping. Don’t forget to give yourself a little extra time to clean up the bottles and properly store your breast milk.
- Get comfortable and set up your breast pump
- Begin by pumping simultaneously on both sides for 20 minutes
- Take a 10 minute break
- Pump for 10 minutes
- Take a 10 minute break
- Pump for 10 minutes
HOW LONG AND HOW OFTEN SHOULD I POWER PUMP?
While power pumping takes just over an hour to complete, most women will need to have one power pumping session every day for 2-7 days. When you reach your desired level of breast milk supply, you can stop your daily power pumping sessions.
It’s important to remember that you need to empty your breasts completely each time you pump to maintain your current breast milk supply. If you don’t, your supply may drop or return to your pre-power pumping amount as your body doesn’t think it needs to be making as much milk.
The best time for power pumping is right after your baby finished a nursing session.
TIPS FOR HAVING A GOOD POWER PUMPING SESSION
- Relax and be comfortable
Being stressed out, is a big reason why so many women struggle to increase their milk supply as your body responds to stress by decreasing your breast milk supply. Try listening to some relaxing music and browsing through pictures or videos of your baby.
- Stay hydrated.
Keep your water bottle nearby when pumping as your body would be asking for hydration!
- Ensure your calorie intake is sufficient
Your body need more calories to produce more breast milk. Ensure you are eating balanced meals.
- Morning sessions are the best!
The time most women have the most abundant breast milk supply is in the morning. It is therefore the best time to have a power pumping session. Not only will you be pumping more breast milk, but you will be feeling more confident because of your output.
- Ensure you know how to use your breast pump and that it fits perfect for you.
Learning how to properly use your breast pump is key to pumping more breast milk and increasing your milk supply, especially when it comes to power pumping. ARDO pumps have options to speed up the suction and adjust the pattern at which your pump pulls out breast milk. The best setting is not necessarily the fastest suction setting, but rather the setting that mimics how your baby nurses. If your baby is a fast nurser, the fastest setting may be right for you. But if your baby nurses and sucks more slowly, a less vigorous setting may be best. ARDO electric breast pumps has 64 individual settings to assist you in finding the optimal setting that works for you!
Another important aspect is also to ensure you have the right size flange to fit your nipple. The incorrect size will greatly affect the output of your breastmilk supply. ARDO supply various sizes of breast shells which can be purchased separately if not supplied with your purchase.
