The Power Pumping Schedule to Increase Supply

Your milk supply feels like it’s not keeping up. But statistically, you’re not alone. Studies show that nearly 60% of new parents stop breastfeeding earlier than planned, with lactation and supply concerns being one of the main reasons. And you’re determined to boost your supply before making any big changes—we get it!

The problem is, if you’ve been down the Google rabbit hole searching “how to increase milk supply,” you’ve probably seen a million conflicting pieces of advice about power pumping. Some swear by it. Others say it’s iffy. The truth is, it absolutely can work—but you need the right execution and schedule from a certified expert.

Let’s talk about power pumping and a tried-and-true schedule that our lactation consultants and doulas swear by at Gold Coast Doulas in West Michigan.

What Is Power Pumping?

Think of power pumping as mimicking what your baby already does during cluster feeding—those marathon nursing sessions where they eat, take a break, eat some more, rest again, and repeat. It’s exhausting for you, but it’s genius for your milk supply. 

Your postpartum body works on supply and demand. So when your breasts get the message that baby needs more milk (through frequent, intense nursing or pumping), they ramp up production. It’s simple. Power pumping essentially tricks your body into thinking your baby is cluster feeding, signaling it to make more milk.

Unlike your regular pumping or feeding sessions, where you might pump or feed every 2 to 3 hours for 15 to 20 minutes, power pumping is a concentrated effort lasting 1 whole hour. And P.S., you’re not replacing this with your usual pumping or nursing schedule either—you’re adding it to your existing schedule.

The reality is, power pumping isn’t overnight magic. However, most parents start seeing results within 3 to 7 days of consistent daily sessions. But you have to stick with it! Your body needs time to get the message and respond.

Power Pumping Schedule

Ready for the actual schedule? Here’s what one power pumping session looks like:

• Pump for 20 minutes
• Rest for 10 minutes
• Pump for 10 minutes
• Rest for 10 minutes
• Pump for 10 minutes

For efficient results, the best time to power pump is in the morning when your prolactin levels (the milk-making hormone) are naturally highest. If mornings are impossible with your schedule, the second-best option is right before bed. No matter which time you choose, try to power pump directly after breastfeeding your baby. That way, you’ll have enough milk for your little one.

Pick the same time each day and commit to power pumping once daily for 3 to 7 days. Consistency is everything here—your body needs that repeated signal to increase production. Some parents see results in 3 days, while others need the full week. Either way is entirely normal.

Set up your “pump station” with everything you need: snacks, water, your phone, the remote, maybe a good book. Kristin Revere, a certified doula and founder of Gold Coast Doulas, suggests finding a quiet, cozy spot. “One where you can relax. This is important for your mindset and your letdown.” Consider this your sacred hour. Make it Netflix-worthy if that helps you get through it!

Some Things To Look Out For

If we’re being honest, power pumping isn’t the magic solution for everyone, and that’s okay. There are times when you need more than a DIY schedule, and recognizing those signs is essential:

• You’ve been power pumping consistently for 7 days with zero change in your supply
• Your baby isn’t gaining weight appropriately
• You’re feeling completely overwhelmed and defeated by the process
• You’re experiencing pain during pumping or nursing

Know this—struggling doesn’t mean you’re failing. Sometimes there are underlying issues, such as tongue tie, hormonal imbalances, or other factors, that only professionals can identify and address.

The most powerful thing you can do is ask for help. This is where lactation consultants become absolute lifesavers. They do weighted feeds (weighing baby before and after feeding to see exactly how much milk they’re truly getting), assess latch issues you might not even realize are happening, and create a complete personalized feeding plan for your specific situation.

“If you have a partner, doula, or other caregiver, be sure to talk to them about how they can best support you,” says Kristin. “When you have continuous support from someone else, you are much more likely to have a more successful journey.” A good lactation class will include a section on how to ask for support—like this one!

When Power Pumping Isn’t Enough

Sometimes, power pumping isn’t the cure-all. On top of that, everyone’s initial experience with hospital lactation consultants can vary widely. “You’ll probably see one or many lactation consultants in the hospital, and they may or may not be helpful,” points out Kristin. “Many of my clients had a dreadful time with their lactation consultant in the hospital, but ended up figuring things out when they hired an in-home lactation consultant to visit.”

Gold Coast Doulas offers both virtual and in-home lactation consultations that go way beyond generic schedules and cookie-cutter advice. You get a personalized assessment of your unique feeding situation—whether you’re here in West Michigan or joining us virtually from anywhere else. 

Think of power pumping as one tool in your feeding toolkit, but professional lactation support as the complete toolkit itself.

“It’s important to note that goals for feeding often don’t go as planned,” explains Kristin. “It’s completely fine to have goals and plans, but don’t hold yourself or your baby to those plans.” At the end of the day, as long as your baby is getting fed, that’s your goal. “Whether from the breast or bottle, formula, or breastmilk, we need to be sure our babies are healthy and thriving.”

Kristin Revere, MM, CED, NCS, is a certified birth and postpartum doula and the founder of Gold Coast Doulas in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She is also the co-host of Ask the Doulas Podcast and co-author of Supported: Your Guide to Birth and Baby.