The Benefits of Double Pumping: Saving Time and Boosting Supply

Double pumping—expressing milk from both breasts simultaneously—has become a standard recommendation for breastfeeding mothers who pump regularly. This approach offers significant advantages over single pumping (expressing from one breast at a time), particularly for working mothers or those who pump frequently. This article explores the science-backed benefits of double pumping and offers practical tips for maximizing its effectiveness.

The Science Behind Double Pumping

Hormonal Advantages

When you double pump, your body experiences enhanced hormonal responses that benefit milk production:

Increased Prolactin Levels

• Research shows that simultaneous pumping triggers a more significant release of prolactin—the primary milk-producing hormone—compared to sequential single pumping.
• A study published in the Journal of Perinatology found that double pumping increased prolactin levels by an average of 45% compared to single pumping, leading to improved milk production over time.

Optimized Oxytocin Response

• Double pumping stimulates a more robust oxytocin response, the hormone responsible for triggering milk ejection (let-down).
• Multiple simultaneous let-downs often occur during double pumping sessions, allowing for more efficient breast emptying.

Milk Composition Benefits

Double pumping may influence the nutritional content of expressed milk:

• Higher Fat Content: Some studies suggest that the milk expressed during simultaneous pumping contains higher fat content compared to sequential pumping, potentially because more effective breast emptying accesses the fattier hindmilk.
• Increased Caloric Density: The higher fat content translates to more calorie-dense milk, which can support better weight gain in exclusively pumped-for infants.

Practical Benefits of Double Pumping

Time Efficiency

One of the most obvious advantages of double pumping is time savings:

• Half the Pumping Time: Most mothers can complete a double pumping session in approximately 15-20 minutes, compared to 30-40 minutes for sequential single pumping.
• Fewer Daily Interruptions: Shorter pumping sessions mean less disruption to work, childcare, and other activities.
• Better Schedule Management: Time efficiency makes it easier to maintain a consistent pumping schedule, which is crucial for maintaining supply.

Increased Milk Output

Double pumping typically results in greater total milk volume:

• Immediate Volume Increase: Research indicates that double pumping yields an average of 18% more milk compared to single pumping the same breasts sequentially.
• Long-term Supply Boost: Regular double pumping can lead to greater overall daily milk production, with studies showing increases of up to 25% after two weeks of consistent double pumping.
• More Complete Breast Emptying: Simultaneous stimulation improves drainage, reducing the risk of clogged ducts and mastitis while signaling the body to produce more milk.

Practical Considerations for Working Mothers

For mothers returning to work, double pumping offers particular advantages:

• Maximized Break Time: When pumping time is limited, double pumping allows mothers to express more milk during short breaks.
• Reduced Equipment Management: With both breasts being pumped at once, there's less handling of equipment and milk containers during the workday.
• Stress Reduction: The efficiency of double pumping can reduce anxiety about finding sufficient time to express milk during the workday.

Optimal Double Pumping Techniques

Equipment Considerations

To double pump effectively, you'll need:

Essential Equipment

• A double electric breast pump with dual collection capability
• Two properly sized breast shields/flanges
• A hands-free pumping bra or holding system

Recommended Features

• Adjustable suction levels for comfort and efficiency
• Separate controls for each breast (available on some premium models)
• Closed system design to prevent milk backup into tubing and motor
• Rechargeable battery option for mobility

Proper Double Pumping Technique

Follow these steps to maximize effectiveness:

1. Center flanges properly over each nipple, ensuring the nipple moves freely in the tunnel without rubbing
2. Begin with stimulation/letdown mode on both breasts simultaneously (faster, lighter suction)
3. Switch to expression mode once milk begins flowing (slower, deeper suction)
4. Adjust suction to comfortable maximum on each breast (discomfort reduces oxytocin release)
5. Use breast compression while pumping to enhance drainage
6. Continue pumping 2-5 minutes after milk flow slows significantly

Enhancing Double Pumping Effectiveness

These strategies can improve your results:

Hands-on Pumping

• Use one or both hands to compress different areas of the breasts during pumping
• Massage the breast tissue in a downward motion toward the nipple
• Apply gentle pressure to areas that feel firm to encourage complete drainage

Optimal Scheduling

• Double pump when prolactin levels are naturally highest (typically early morning)
• Maintain consistent intervals between pumping sessions
• If exclusive pumping, aim for 8-12 sessions daily initially, then 5-7 sessions once supply is established

Psychological Factors

• Look at photos or videos of your baby while pumping
• Keep a consistent pre-pumping ritual to condition your body for milk release
• Practice stress-reduction techniques during pumping sessions

Special Considerations for Different Situations

Exclusive Pumping Mothers

For mothers who exclusively pump:

• Frequency Needs: Double pumping is particularly valuable as it makes the required 8-12 daily sessions more manageable
• Supply Establishment: During the first 4-6 weeks, double pumping helps establish robust milk production
• Equipment Investment: Consider having a backup pump system and multiple sets of collection parts

Occasional Pumpers

For mothers who primarily nurse but pump occasionally:

• Session Optimization: Double pumping maximizes output during limited pumping opportunities
• Morning Advantage: Schedule double pumping sessions in the morning when supply is typically highest
• Post-Nursing Collection: Double pumping after nursing can help build a freezer stash efficiently

NICU Mothers and Premature Infants

For mothers of hospitalized babies:

• Crucial for Establishment: Double pumping is particularly important for establishing supply when baby cannot nurse
• Hospital-Grade Recommendation: Hospital-grade rental pumps with double pumping capability are often recommended
• Frequent Sessions: 8-12 daily sessions with double pumping helps build and maintain supply for vulnerable infants

Addressing Common Challenges with Double Pumping

Comfort Issues

If you experience discomfort:

• Flange Fit: Ensure proper flange sizing—nipple should move freely without rubbing
• Suction Levels: Start low and increase gradually to comfortable maximum
• Positioning: Use a hands-free pumping bra to reduce tension from holding flanges
• Lubrication: Apply a small amount of food-grade lubricant (coconut oil, lanolin) to reduce friction

Output Discrepancies Between Breasts

For significant differences between breasts:

• Adjust Settings Independently: If your pump allows, use different suction levels for each breast
• Targeted Massage: Apply more hands-on techniques to the lower-producing side
• Consider Single Pumping: Occasionally single pump the lower-producing breast for extra stimulation
• Accept Normal Variation: Some asymmetry in output is completely normal

Time Constraints

When time is extremely limited:

• Prioritize Frequency Over Duration: Shorter, more frequent double pumping sessions are better than fewer, longer sessions
• Power Pumping: Use double pumping for "power hour" sessions (pump 20 minutes, rest 10, pump 10, rest 10, pump 10) to boost supply
• Prep in Advance: Set up pumping equipment before breaks to maximize actual pumping time

Double Pumping Success Stories

Many mothers report significant improvements after switching to double pumping:

"As a full-time working mother, switching to double pumping literally saved my breastfeeding journey. I went from spending nearly two hours daily pumping to just 45 minutes total. My output increased from 12 ounces daily to almost 20 ounces, which fully covered my baby's needs while I was away." — Jamie, mother of 6-month-old

"When my twins were in the NICU, the lactation consultant immediately set me up with a hospital-grade double pump. Pumping every three hours was demanding, but double pumping made it manageable. By the time my babies came home, I had a freezer full of milk and a well-established supply for both of them." — Maria, mother of twins

Financial Considerations

While double electric pumps represent an investment, many mothers find the benefits outweigh the costs:

• Insurance Coverage: Under the Affordable Care Act, most insurance plans cover the cost of a double electric breast pump
• Long-term Savings: The time saved through double pumping translates to economic value, particularly for hourly workers
• Resale Value: Quality double electric pumps often retain value for resale or donation after use
• Rental Options: Hospital-grade double pumps can be rented monthly for those who prefer not to purchase

Conclusion: Is Double Pumping Right for You?

Double pumping offers clear advantages in terms of time efficiency and milk production for most pumping mothers. It's particularly valuable for:

• Working mothers with limited break time
• Exclusively pumping mothers
• Mothers working to establish or increase supply
• Those experiencing time pressure or multiple demands

While double pumping requires specific equipment and a small learning curve, the investment typically pays dividends in time saved and increased milk production. By implementing proper technique and addressing any challenges promptly, most mothers can successfully integrate double pumping into their breastfeeding journey.

Remember that while double pumping is generally more efficient, the most important factor is finding a sustainable approach that works for your unique situation and helps you meet your breastfeeding goals.