If you’re trying to boost your breastmilk supply as a twin mom, power pumping is one option to try! Hear what real twin moms have to say about their experience with power pumping and if it was worth it.
If you’re breastfeeding or pumping as a twin mom, you’ve no doubt heard about power pumping!
(For more of a basic rundown of what power pumping is, check out this article with advice from an IBCLC.)
That said, you may be curious about whether or not power pumping is actually doable within your schedule with the overwhelming exhaustion of twin parenthood. You also may be skeptical about whether or not it actually helps with boosting your breastmilk supply.
So to help put some of these thoughts at ease for you, we’ve reached out to other twin moms who have experimented with power pumping. And they have graciously shared their honest experiences!
We hope their insights make you feel less alone and give you some guidance on making a decision about power pumping as a twin mom.
We recently asked twin moms:
What was your experience with power pumping?
And here’s what they shared:
“Power pumping in the evening really helped me maintain my supply especially when my partner returned to work and we took care of the girls during night shift separately. I power pumped after the 6/7 Pm feeding then he had enough for the next feeding and I could get a little sleep (like 3 hours!) then I did another power pump session really early about 3 AM. That was my favorite pump- silent house and truly time for me.” — Kari
“Power pumping does not make me have an incredible output for that pump session compared to usual, but I do find that it seems to boost my overall supply long term. In other words, more consistent pumps across the board rather than dips in output. I think what has helped the most – when possible – is letting my babies latch for 5 mins or so after a pump session. The boob fully drains in a way only they know how to do. However, I still don’t have enough to exclusively feed them with breastmilk and supplement about 1-1.5 oz of formula in each bottle.”
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“I find that I get almost 8oz when power pumping or at the following pump after I power pump vs only 4oz. There’s always another surge of milk when I rest for 10 minutes and pump again for ten. I think what helps most is letting my babies breastfeed at least once a day. But still, I don’t have enough to meet their needs and need to supplement formula!” — Christie
“I tried power pumping after about 3 weeks or so of pumping while my twins were in the NICU. I struggled with my supply–likely from being separated from the babies overnight and from all the stress of our NICU experience and medical challenges. Even though I never reached a full breast milk supply that could support both twins and we needed formula to supplement, I do feel that the power pumping sessions helped give me a boost! I would definitely recommended trying it out if you’re trying to give a boost. Do be patient though and give it a few tries. I think it took me a few sessions to see a noticeable spike in my supply.” — Paige
“Pumping for at least 20-25 minutes. I had letdowns like clockwork at about the same times. 2min, 8, 16 & 21 mins.” — Miranda
Want to read more about pumping and power pumping for twins? Check out these articles too!
- Power Pumping 101: 1 Hour Could Boost Your Supply
- Pumping Schedule for Twins: The First 6 Months
- How to Prepare for Pumping With Twins on the Way
