Why Power Pumping Isn’t Always the Answer for Low Milk Supply

Power pumping is often presented as the go-to solution for low milk supply issues. Whether you’re scouring online forums or receiving advice from well-meaning professionals, power pumping seems to be the default recommendation. But does it really work for everyone?

Let’s dive into the complexities of power pumping, when it’s helpful, and why it often isn’t the best solution to your pumping challenges.

(This post was originally a video. Check it out, here!)

The Power Pumping Confusion

After searching through my community and reading posts about power pumping, it’s clear that results vary widely. Here’s a snapshot of what some of my clients have shared:

• Sh: “My local IBCLC suggested power pumping to increase milk supply. It’s been four days, but I’m producing less milk. Should I continue?”
  
• Ryan: “I’ve noticed more letdowns when taking breaks between power pumping sessions.”
  
• Jessica: “I haven’t seen an increase over the last week. Maybe power pumping every day during my third pump will help?”
  
• Karen: “I get 5 oz in 30 minutes but 8.5 oz in a 60-minute power pumping session. Why such a difference?”

As you can see, power pumping results are inconsistent. Some people see immediate increases, others experience no change, and a few even notice a drop in their milk output. This brings us to the three main problems I see with relying on power pumping as a blanket solution:

Problem #1: It’s Often a Blanket Recommendation

One of the biggest issues with power pumping is that it’s often recommended without considering the root cause of low milk supply. Whether you find it on Google or a well-meaning professional suggests it, power pumping is commonly prescribed without fully understanding the situation.

• What are your goals?
• Why is your milk supply low in the first place?
• Where are you currently with your milk supply?

Power pumping might boost your milk supply if the issue is simply a lack of stimulation. But what if your low supply is due to other factors, such as an improper flange size, difficulty with letdowns, or a baby struggling to feed at the breast? Power pumping won’t address these root causes.

Problem #2: Interpreting the Results Can Be Tricky

Another issue is that the results of power pumping are often confusing. Some moms see immediate improvements, while others see no change or even a decrease in milk supply. If you don’t know what you’re trying to achieve with power pumping, interpreting the results can be frustrating.

• What happens if you produce more milk—do you keep power pumping forever?
• What if your supply stays the same—was it just good for stimulation?
• If your output decreases, what does that mean?

Without understanding what your results indicate, power pumping can cause more anxiety and confusion.

Problem #3: Power Pumping Doesn’t Fix Underlying Problems

Pumping more often isn’t a magic fix. If your flange size is incorrect, if you’re struggling with letdowns, or if your pump settings are off, more pumping isn’t going to solve the problem.

Additionally, if your baby isn’t effectively emptying the breast due to issues like tongue tie or health conditions, power pumping won’t address that, either. In fact, overdoing power pumping may lead to more frustration and burnout without any lasting improvements.

Problem #4: Power Pumping Isn’t Sustainable

Power pumping is time-consuming and can quickly lead to burnout, especially for working moms. Adding in extra pumping sessions, whether during work or at home, is exhausting and doesn’t contribute to a balanced, sustainable routine.

As Andrea Ramirez, an IBCLC expert in our program, wisely said: “I’ve never known a parent to find significant value or lasting impact from power pumping, but I often hear they’re sore or burnt out from it.”

If the results aren’t worth the time, energy, or physical toll, it’s clear that power pumping isn’t the solution for everyone.

When Power Pumping Can Be Helpful

There are times when power pumping can be beneficial, but these cases are rare and specific. Here are a few scenarios where it might make sense:

1. Mimicking Cluster Feeding During Growth Spurts

Power pumping can simulate a baby’s cluster feeding during growth spurts, signaling your body to produce more milk. If your baby is going through a growth spurt and you have the time and support to power pump for a short period, it might help you adjust your milk supply.

2. Increasing Nipple Stimulation

If your milk supply is low due to a lack of nipple stimulation, power pumping might provide the extra demand needed to increase production. However, this should be a short-term strategy while addressing any underlying issues.

3. Triggering More Letdowns

Some moms see immediate results from power pumping, which could indicate issues with letdowns. If your milk output significantly increases during power pumping, it’s possible you’re not triggering enough letdowns during regular sessions. In this case, working on improving letdowns could be more effective than relying on power pumping.

The Bottom Line

Power pumping isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It can help in specific cases, but most of the time, it doesn’t address the root causes of low milk supply and can lead to burnout.

Before diving into power pumping, it’s essential to understand the cause of your low supply and work on targeted solutions. If you need help figuring this out, that’s where my program comes in. We’ll help you assess your situation, create a balanced pumping routine, and ensure you’re working smarter, not harder.

Interested in learning more about how to balance your work life and milk supply? Apply for coaching through this link.