Power pumping is a way to increase your breast milk in a short amount of time. What you do is take your breast pump or hand expression container and put it out where you see it frequently. I chose to put it by the computer since I am on the computer often for work. Whenever you pass the spot you chose, take time to stop and hook up to your pump and do a quick power pumping session (2-10 minutes). You will do this for 3 to 4 days and will notice a surge in your breast milk production.
You are going to aim on pumping ten extra times than you normally do in a 24 hour time period as you continue to feed on demand. It is imperative you are doing this more often and not just at the same time you are feeding your baby. Frequency is more important than duration. There are a lot of reasons you would want to power pump. Are you trying to increase your breast milk to build a supply for when you return to work? Are you low on your milk supply? Do you think you are low and want reassurance that what you are doing is correct? Are you preparing for surgery and know there will be a time you will not be around your little one and you want them to keep getting nourished by your breast milk?
Breast milk works on a demand and supply. The more often you take out your milk the more it signals to your body you are needing more milk. When pumping it is good to relax. If you close your eyes and do some deep breathing exercises that will really help you relax. Massage can help loosen the milk in the milk ducts so incorporating breast massage as you pump will help your milk letdown quicker.
I teach more indepth video classes on breast massage, pumping and hand expression. Feel free to check them out, here is the link!
