Power pumping is known as one way to increase breast milk supply. This technique mimics the frequency of breastfeeding from the baby who is experiencing a growth spurt.
Well, growth spurt is a condition in which the baby is in a period of rapid growth so that it needs more breast milk or milk.
When the baby is breastfed more frequently with a stronger suction, the hormone prolactin commands the brain to produce more milk. It is emulated when performing pumping power.
For mothers who experience insufficient or decreased breast milk, it is highly recommended to do this power pumping technique.
How to do power pumping correctly?
Power pumping should be done for one hour. Therefore, mothers need to choose free time without distraction.
The pumping pattern with a 5-10 minute break work more effectively to increase breast milk production.
Also read: Exclusive Breastfeeding for Healthy Babies
Mothers who want to try this pumping technique certainly need a pump. We recommend using an electric pump in order to facilitate and not tiring.
If using an electric pump, there are two techniques, namely single pumping or double pumping.
Single pump technique :
- Pump the left breast 10 minutes, then the right 10 minutes.
- Rest for 5 minutes.
- Continue to pump 10 minutes left and move right as well for 10 minutes.
- Rest another 5 minutes
- The last session with the same pattern, each 10 minutes left breast and right turns.
Dual pump technique :
- Simultaneously pump right and left breast for 20 minutes.
- Rest for 10 minutes
- Pump the right and left breast again together for 10 minutes.
- Return to rest for 10 minutes.
- The last session with a pattern of 10 minutes on the right and left breast pumped simultaneously.
The power pumping technique is highly recommend to be done once a day.
Do it regularly for several days in a row then the breast milk supply will increase. You can do it at the morning or at night.
Also read: Breastfeeding and Formula Feeding: What is the Difference?
However it is advisable to do at 12:00 a.m. to 05.00. Because at that hour, the breast milk production is high.
The effect is different, some mothers immediately feel the effect of power pumping after three days. But the others feel the benefits after seven days in a row.
Notes from DeveHealth:
Before doing power pumping, the mother can compress the breast with warm water to make it more relaxed and don’t forget to massage the breast. Do it regularly and do not forget to drink 2 liters of water a day.
