23/12/2025
💜 Power Pumping in the NICU: What Parents Need to Know 💜
When your baby is in the NICU, feeding can look very different than you imagined. One tool many NICU parents hear about is power pumping—and while it can sound intimidating, it’s simply a strategy to help support and increase milk supply during this challenging season.
🍼 What Is Power Pumping?
Power pumping is a method of pumping that mimics a baby’s natural cluster feeding pattern. Instead of one long pumping session, you pump in short, repeated intervals over about an hour. This frequent stimulation sends your body the message that more milk is needed.
A common power pumping schedule looks like:
Pump for 20 minutes
Rest for 10 minutes
Pump for 10 minutes
Rest for 10 minutes
Pump for 10 minutes
Total time: about 1 hour
🏥 Why Is Power Pumping Helpful in the NICU?
NICU parents often pump instead of nurse directly due to prematurity, medical needs, or separation. Power pumping can help:
Increase milk supply when pumping output feels low
Support milk production while baby is unable to breastfeed
Maintain supply during growth spurts or stressful periods
Build a freezer stash for future feeds
🌱 Benefits of Power Pumping
✨ Signals your body to make more milk
✨ Can help overcome plateaus in milk supply
✨ Supports long-term breastfeeding goals
✨ Useful when baby isn’t able to nurse yet
It’s important to remember that results aren’t instant—many parents notice changes after a few days to a week of consistent power pumping.
💡 Helpful Tips for Power Pumping Success
Use a good-quality double electric pump
Stay well hydrated and nourished
Try to relax—looking at photos or videos of your baby can help trigger let-down
Make sure pump parts fit properly
Be gentle with yourself—rest when you can
💛 A Gentle Reminder
Power pumping is a tool, not a requirement. Every NICU journey is different, and feeding your baby—however that looks—is enough. Whether you produce drops or ounces, it all matters.
If you’re considering power pumping, talk with your NICU nurse or lactation consultant to create a plan that works best for you and your baby 💕