Power pumping
Power pumping, or cluster pumping, is a set of short, frequent pumping sessions — 20 minutes, then alternating 10-minute rests and 10-minute pumps — that mimics a baby's cluster feeding to signal your body to make more milk.
Power pumping, sometimes known as cluster pumping, mimics a baby's natural cluster feeding pattern to stimulate the breasts and encourage them to produce more milk. It involves short, frequent pumping sessions within a specific time frame. This method sends signals to your body to increase milk production.
The essentials
- When to use it
- Power pumping is particularly beneficial in the following scenarios: low milk supply, returning to work, growth spurts and relactation.
- Step 1
- Prepare your equipment — a clean pump, bottles or bags, water, and a book, remote or phone. Something that smells like your baby can help too.
- Step 2
- Start by pumping for 20 minutes. You might not see much milk at first, but that's okay.
- Step 3
- Take a 10-minute break. Use this time to relax, hydrate, or do some light reading.
- Step 4
- Resume pumping for another 10 minutes.
- Step 5
- Rest for 10 minutes — take another short break.
- Step 6
- Pump for a final 10 minutes to finish.
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This guide is informed by current evidence and clinical practice. Individual circumstances vary — it isn’t a substitute for advice from your own midwife, doctor or lactation consultant.