Power Pumping (Breastfeeding)

Information for parents and carers

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Power Pumping (Breastfeeding) Leaflet – PIAG 341 (141kB)

Introduction

Here at Alder Hey we recognize that your breast milk is the optimal source of nutrition for your baby and provides protection that will last way beyond the neonatal period.

Some mothers experience a drop in milk supply due to various reasons. Here at Alder Hey we support our mothers to increase their milk production by using a technique called Power Pumping!!

Power pumping mimics ‘cluster feeding’ which is when a baby has shorter feeds more frequently, this in turn stimulates the breast more frequently, causing Mum to naturally increase her milk supply.

Advice

There is no hard or fast rule

Aim to power pump for one hour per day.

You can use different timing patterns, here is one idea…

20 minutes
10 minutes
10 minutes
10 minutes
10 minutes

Another option could be listening to your favorite songs, pump for one song and have a break for another, or as you are watching TV, you could pump during the adverts.

It may be 2-3 days before you see results and your milk supply increases.

Aim to continue power pumping for at least a week.

This leaflet only gives general information. You must always discuss the individual treatment of your child with the appropriate member of staff. Do not rely on this leaflet alone for information about your child’s treatment.

This information can be made available in other languages and formats if requested.