Increasing Milk Supply TWIN MOM
One of our program members, Megan, posted this on her Instagram and I wanted to share it with you!
Hi everyone! I’m so excited to share a bit of my exclusive pumping journey with you today. I’m Megan, a twin mom pumping for my two boys, and it’s been quite the adventure so far. I’m not a lactation consultant, OB, or pumping expert, but I’ve learned a lot from my experience and through Allison Tolman’s Pumping Program. If you don’t follow her yet, I highly recommend checking out her YouTube channel—she’s been a game changer for me and many others.
So, let’s dive into how I’ve increased my supply by 10 ounces in just five weeks, how often I pump, and what’s worked for me.
(This post was originally a video. Check it out, here!)
Lessons I’ve Learned About Pumping
Before I share my numbers, I want to clear up a common misconception about increasing milk supply: there’s no magical supplement. I know—it’s disappointing! I fell into the trap of buying all the coconut water, Body Armor, and lactation supplements that people swore by. While they might help some moms, they’re not miracle workers.
What really matters is flange fit and pumping frequency. Making sure your flanges are the correct size and teaching your body how much milk to produce by pumping consistently have been the biggest game changers for me.
That said, I still enjoy a good lactation cookie—they’re delicious, so why not? But I now know that hydration, proper nutrition, and consistency are the real keys to boosting supply.
My Pumping Schedule
When I first started logging my sessions in mid-January (2024), I was pumping about 30–31 ounces a day. Fast forward five weeks, and my highest day so far was 40–41 ounces! My twin boys eat about 25–27 ounces each, so my ultimate goal is 50 ounces a day.
Here’s what my current schedule looks like:
- 8 sessions a day: I technically log 10 pumps because one is a “power hour” (more on that in a bit), but I count it as one long session.
- Power hour: This session consists of 20 minutes of pumping, followed by a 10-minute break, then two more 10-minute pumps with breaks in between. It totals 40 minutes of pumping over an hour and has been a fantastic way to boost supply.
One important thing I’ve learned is that there’s no universal “magic number” for pumping sessions. While eight is working for me right now, some moms might need fewer sessions, and others more. It really depends on your personal goals, supply, and whether you’re pumping for one baby or multiples.
Experimenting with Frequency
As a twin mom, I’ve been experimenting with different frequencies to find my sweet spot. I’ve tried seven sessions, eight sessions, and even 10 sessions in a day. Right now, eight seems to be working best for me, and I’m hoping to eventually scale back once my supply is fully established.
I also make sure to get at least two three-hour chunks of sleep at night, which has been essential for my sanity.
Here’s how my overnight schedule looks:
- 7:30 PM: Pump after the boys go to sleep.
- 11:30 PM: Pump after a three-hour sleep stretch.
- 3:30 AM: Pump after another three-hour stretch.
These are the only times I go four hours between pumps. During these stretches, my husband takes care of feeding and changing the boys, allowing me to rest. After my 3:30 AM pump, I take over baby duty while my husband sleeps.
From 30 to 40 Ounces: The Progress
When I started logging my output in January, I was producing around 30 ounces per day. Now, at almost eight weeks postpartum, I’ve hit 40 ounces on my best days. I can’t tell you how exciting it is to see that progress, especially knowing I’m getting closer to meeting my boys’ needs with less formula supplementation.
On some days, they only need about six ounces of formula total—the rest is all breast milk. It’s been so rewarding to see that shift and know my efforts are paying off.
Tips for Other Pumping Moms
- Find Your Flange Fit: This has made a massive difference in my comfort and output. If you’re unsure about your size, Allison Tolman has a great video on flange fitting that helped me figure it out.
- Consistency is Key: The more consistent I’ve been with my pumping schedule, the more my supply has increased. Even when I’m exhausted, sticking to my plan has been worth it.
- Experiment with Power Hours: Adding one power hour a day gave my supply a noticeable boost. It’s an intense session, but it works.
- Track Your Progress: Using a logging app has been incredibly motivating. Seeing my output increase over time reminds me that all this hard work is worth it.
Final Thoughts
Exclusive pumping for twins isn’t easy, but it’s been such a rewarding journey. Seeing my supply grow and knowing I’m providing for my boys has kept me motivated, even on the hard days.
If you’re also pumping for multiples, hang in there! Every ounce counts, and with the right support and tools, you can achieve your goals. I’m so grateful for resources like Allison Tolman’s program and videos—they’ve made this experience so much smoother.
Happy pumping! 💕
Meet Allison Tolman, LPN, IBCLC!
She is the owner and founder of New Little Life, a company dedicated to providing objective information and support for pumping mothers. With 15+ years of experience in various pregnancy and postpartum fields including as an LPN, birth doula, childbirth educator, and IBCLC, her current research focuses on testing and exploring breast pumps to find the most practical way to help pumping mothers reach their goals as well as teaching lactation professionals to better understand the complex art of pumping.
She runs a long-term coaching program to support working mothers who are pumping.
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