Power Pumping: A Targeted Approach to Boosting Milk Supply

Power pumping may be recommended in specific situations where increasing milk supply is necessary. You might benefit from power pumping if you:

✔️ Have noticed a true decrease in milk production – This could be due to stress, illness, changes in feeding patterns, or a sudden dip in supply【3】.

✔️ Are exclusively pumping or separated from baby – If your baby is premature, in the NICU, or unable to nurse effectively, power pumping can help maintain and build supply while away from baby【3】.

✔️ Are preparing to return to work – If you're trying to build a freezer stash before going back to work or want to ensure continued supply for pumping sessions during the workday, power pumping can be an effective tool 【1】.

✔️ Are trying to relactate – Power pumping may help reestablish milk supply for those trying to return to breastfeeding after a break【2】.

✔️ Struggle with low supply due to hormonal changes – Some parents may find power pumping useful if they experience milk supply dips due to menstruation, hormone imbalances, or postpartum hormonal shifts 【3】.

However, it’s important to distinguish between perceived low supply and actual low supply —many parents worry they aren’t making enough milk when their supply is actually just regulating. Working with an IBCLC can help assess whether power pumping is truly necessary 【1】.

Power pumping is not meant to replace regular nursing or pumping sessions but is instead a temporary, short-term strategy to give your supply a boost【3】. A typical power pumping session follows this format:

⏳ Pump for 20 minutes
⏸ Rest for 10 minutes
⏳ Pump for 10 minutes
⏸ Rest for 10 minutes
⏳ Pump for 10 minutes

This one-hour cycle is usually done once a day for a few days or up to a week. Some parents notice an increase in supply within 3-7 days , while others may need to continue for up to two weeks before seeing results【1】.

✔ Use a high-quality pump – Hospital-grade or double-electric pumps work best.

✔ Check your flange fit – An incorrect size can cause pain and limit milk removal 【2.

✔ Stay hydrated – Drinking water and electrolytes can support milk production【3】.

✔ Relax and stimulate oxytocin – Watching baby videos or practicing skin-to-skin contact can encourage letdowns.

✔ Massage and compress – Using breast compressions while pumping can help remove more milk【1】.

While power pumping is a popular strategy, it should not be used with a plan of care and support in place . In some cases, it can lead to:

⚠ Oversupply – Pumping too frequently can cause an excessive buildup of milk , leading to painful engorgement, clogged ducts, or mastitis 【1】. If you struggle with engorgement after power pumping, Legendairy Milk’s Sunflower Lecithin can help reduce the risk of clogged ducts by keeping milk flowing smoothly.

⚠ Nipple trauma – Over-pumping with improper flange sizing or too-high suction settings can result in soreness, bruising, and even cracked nipples【2】.

⚠ Unnecessary stress – Not everyone responds to power pumping, and if it's not working, it may add emotional frustration and anxiety around milk supply【3】.

If you are unsure whether power pumping is right for you, consult with an IBCLC to create a personalized plan 【1】.

One of the biggest challenges when starting power pumping—or pumping in general—is ensuring you're using the right technique, settings, and flange size. Did you know that over 50% of pumping parents use the wrong flange size? An incorrect fit can lead to discomfort, poor milk removal, and even supply issues【2】.

💡 That’s why Legendairy Milk offers FREE virtual classes to help guide you through the pumping process, flange fitting, and milk supply strategies!

✨ Free Virtual Pumping Class

• Learn how to optimize your pump settings for maximum comfort and output.
• Discover the best techniques for power pumping, milk storage, and letdown stimulation.
• Get expert answers to common pumping challenges.

✨ Free Flange Fitting Class

• Learn how to measure and find the perfect flange size for your comfort and milk flow.
• Understand why size matters—and how an improper fit could be holding you back.
• Learn how to get the best fit for your body.

Search classes here . 

Since power pumping can feel time-consuming and frustrating , having a positive mindset can help keep you motivated.

🍼 "My body is capable of making exactly what my baby needs."
🍼 "Every drop of milk I produce is valuable and enough."
🍼 "I trust my body, my baby, and the process of breastfeeding."

🍼 "My body knows what to do, and I am patient with the process."

🍼 "I am doing my best, and that is more than enough for my baby." 

Power pumping can be an effective tool for increasing milk supply, but it’s not a magic fix—it’s one part of a bigger picture that includes proper flange sizing, hydration, relaxation, and overall breast health. Working with an IBCLC and utilizing resources like Legendairy Milk’s free pumping and flange fitting classes can make the process smoother and more effective. Trust your body, be patient, and give yourself grace—you’re doing an amazing job providing for your baby. 💛

1. KellyMom. (n.d.). Exclusive Pumping. Retrieved from  https://kellymom.com/mother2mother/exclusive-pumping/

2. Parents. (n.d.). 6 Ways To Avoid Bruised Nipples From Pumping. Retrieved from  https://www.parents.com/bruised-nipples-from-pumping-8672998

3. Parents. (n.d.). Pumping Can Help Extend the Amount of Time a Parent Nurses Their Newborn, Study Shows. Retrieved from  https://www.parents.com/study-shows-pumping-can-extend-duration-of-nursing-8691701