📝 Editor’s Note: There must be many questions brimming in the minds of concerned mothers. Power pumping is a pivotal step that needs to be taken with precautions. However, it is essential to stay vigilant and kind to oneself because the body is already going through a plethora of hormonal changes whilst feeding another soul. So, this is a reminder for all mothers to be kinder to themselves.
With the quintessential subsequence comes a vast array of responsibilities that entail nurturing a tiny tot into existence. In this day and age, the utmost best ways to feed children have also been circling the horizon. Meanwhile, concepts like power pumping have made the mum’s life a tad bit easier. To further explain power pumping efficiently, here is a one-stop guide devised to answer all the questions a new mother may have about power pumping.
Power pumping or cluster pumping is a technique used by lactating mothers to extract milk from their breasts in order to feed their newborn child. The process of power pumping is recognized to stimulate cluster feeding in babies. The foremost ideology behind power pumping is to prepare the mother’s body to produce more milk to meet the requirements of the child.
Although the internet may argue over what might be the best technique to power pump, it is arguably the most effective way to combine both hand massaging techniques along with electric power pumping. It is also deemed most efficient if the procedure is carried out during the mornings, as breast milk production tends to be the highest during that period of time.
It is noteworthy that this procedure does not equate to breastfeeding the baby and must not be replaced like so. Nor the regular pumping sessions for lactating mothers. Frequent breastfeeding sessions coupled with proximate power pumping sessions are necessary on a daily basis to increase the breast milk supply.
This form of the pumping schedule harnesses the concept of supply and demand in terms of making milk. The more the milk is removed or extracted, the more milk should be made by the breasts.
Now, moving on to the pros and cons of power pumping, they will help you in understanding more about power pumping and maybe come to a decision about them too if you are an expecting or new mom.
Pros:
Cons:
Before initiating power pumping, the mother must ascertain the reasons behind the drop in milk supply. A significant increase in stress and the frequency of a work-laden schedule can adversely affect the proximity of milk production.
Some reasons that could cause the decline in milk supply might be improper breastfeeding or the child refusing the breast. These issues must be discussed with a lactation specialist, who would further abet the process by introducing the mother to the proper techniques to induce more milk supply.
In terms of who should avoid power pumping, the mothers who are not facing issues in producing enough milk to cater to their child’s needs need not use power pumps. It is also advisable to avoid power pumping if the child is already exhibiting cluster feeding patterns.
As this will naturally boost the mother’s milk supply. If the mother is experiencing sore nipples or any kind of nipple trauma, the additional stimulation will evidently make it worse. In such cases, lactating mothers should avoid power pumping.
Creating a calm and positive environment for this procedure beholds utmost importance, as the more relaxed the mother is, the easier the milk will let down.
A rough skeleton of the schedule to power pump could look like so:
Picking a time slot most comfortable and fleshing this rough skeleton out according to each mother’s requirements is indispensable.
Another example of this procedure could be:
Although there may be a plethora of tips and tricks available, despite this abundance, the most important thing for a mother to consider is that not every day is going to produce the same results. So listening to their bodies and being kind and patient amidst this hard work is extremely prominent.
Being patient with this process is going to be the way forward. For the following, continuing through the entire hour of stimulation is vital. Hydration is even more so fundamental during this stage of life. Drinking plenty of water not only makes the process of extracting milk smooth for the baby but also ensures the body is healthy and free of toxins, furthermore improving the quality of the milk.
Likewise, keeping the mother’s body nourished is absolutely non-negotiable as she is providing for not one but two bodies. In this case, having an extra snack or two in order to fuel the body only comes with benefits, with the added advantage of extra milk production. As the whole process takes about an hour to accomplish, it is recommended that an electric pump must be used (even though it is not necessary) as it will help the mother feel less tiresome.
Some other recommendations include nursing on one side while pumping on the other, relaxing as much as possible for a rampant decline in stress levels, and continuing pumping even if nothing comes out. The continued pumping will likely activate additional milk production for future necessities.
Knowing your needs and the type of product that will cater to them is rudimentary. Which is, getting well-versed with the types of breast pumps is crucial.
Here’s a glossary for reference:
A closed-system breast pump establishes a barrier between different parts of the breast pump. It prevents liquid, such as the breast milk itself or the moisture from the heat of the mother’s body, from deteriorating the electric motor. It also maintains a more hygienic environment for the milk produced.
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Still stumbling upon some questions about power pumping? No worries. Please feel free to go through this elaborative list of questions that will hopefully ease concerns.
Ans: A study conducted by Fiona Jardine suggests that 82% of lactating mothers experienced an increase in their milk supply upon using power pumping.
Ans: It is advisable to either do this after 30–60 minutes of nursing or at least one hour before breastfeeding.
Ans: Excessive usage of breast pumps may cause sore nipples, irritation, and painful swelling. It must always be done in moderation, with precautionary steps taken care of.
Ans: An ample amount would be 1-3 power pumping sessions, each of them separated with at least an hour between them.
Ans: 1.5 to 3 ounces between the intervals of every 2 to 3 hours.
Ans: It takes between 3 days to 3 weeks for it to work.