Boosting Your Milk Supply with the Modified Magic Number Tool: A Practical Guide for Pumping Parents

Written By Jessica Anderson, IBCLC, CLC

If you're a pumping parent struggling with low milk supply, you're not alone. Many parents face this challenge, and it can feel overwhelming trying to find the right solution. While general advice often lacks nuance, Genuine Lactation has developed a powerful modification of the Magic Number tool, a strategy that can help you better understand your pumping routine and make informed adjustments to boost your milk supply. This modified tool has already helped thousands of pumping parents overcome supply issues and get the results they need.

In this post, we’ll focus on how you can apply the updated Magic Number strategy, based on the work of Genuine Lactation, to optimize your pumping routine and take control of your milk supply.

The Magic Number Tool: A Quick Overview

The original Magic Number tool was developed by IBCLC Nancy Morbacher to help nursing mothers understand how much milk they should be producing when separated from their babies. However, Genuine Lactation has made a key modification to this tool to make it more effective for pumping parents, addressing common struggles and nuances specific to pumping.

The modification centers around the use of recent data from your pumping output and the timing between sessions. This updated approach helps you tailor your pumping schedule more effectively to drive supply in the right direction.

 
 

Key Modifications for Pumping Parents

1. Use Recent Pumping Output Data (Last 3 Weeks):
Instead of relying on outdated data or assumptions about your milk supply, Genuine Lactation recommends using recent pumping output from the last 3 weeks. This is crucial for understanding where you truly stand with your supply today, not months ago. By focusing on your most recent output, you get a clearer picture of what’s working and what needs to change.

2. No More Than a 6-Hour Stretch Between Pumping Sessions To Determine “Storage Capacity”:
A critical update to the original tool is the focus on assessing storage capacity of the breast with pumping sessions no more than 6 hours apart. Regular breast emptying is key to maintaining and increasing milk supply, and the 6-hour window ensures that your breasts are frequently stimulated based on normal output without an excessively long period of not signaling your body to continue producing milk. Longer stretches between sessions can lead to reduced milk production, so maintaining a regular schedule is essential. Using this tool based on longer stretches is resulting in poor response to pumping plans. Regularly going more than 6 hours between sessions will reduce your supply and you don’t need to go 6 hours to use this tool. Just don’t use a number from longer than 6 hours between sessions.

Applying the Modified Magic Number Tool

Here’s how you can use the updated Magic Number strategy from Genuine Lactation to optimize your milk supply:

1. Look At Your Output for the Last 3 Weeks
Start by looking at your pumping output over the last 3 weeks. This is the most accurate data for determining how much milk you’re currently producing. You’ll want to know your maximum combined output (the total milk you express from both breasts in one session). This output helps you assess your current “low storage capacity” and provides a baseline for adjusting your pumping schedule.

2. Stick to the 6-Hour Pumping Window To Estimate Storage Capacity
The tool works best when you use a stretch of no more than 6 hours to estimate your milk storage capacity.

3. Adjust Pumping Frequency Based on Output
Once you’ve gathered your data, you’ll likely need to adjust your pumping schedule. The tool suggests that parents who have significantly lower output may need to pump 8 or more times a day to help stimulate milk production. If you find this overwhelming, don’t worry—this is just a guideline to get things moving in the right direction. You can break up sessions or cluster pump during times when you're more available.

4. Monitor and Fine-Tune Over Time
The key to success with this strategy is to track your results over the course of 7–14 days. Monitor your output after adjusting your pumping schedule based on the Magic Number tool’s recommendations. If you’re seeing improvements, you’re on the right track. If not, it may be time to consult with a lactation consultant to assess potential issues like pump settings, flange size, or baby’s latch.

5. Add Pumping To Nursing

If you are nursing try using a pump for 10-15 minutes after that session to improve efficiency while applying your new pumping plan.

6. Create a schedule

The more consistent your pumping and nursing schedule is when trying to boost your supply the better. Create that schedule and stick to it! Download our pump schedule handouts for help planning your schedule

7. Track your progress

Download the Stimulation Log- if you end up deciding to work with us to assist in meeting your milk supply goals these logs help me quickly determine what steps we can take to get you closer to the goal line.

Troubleshooting: What If Results Aren’t Improving?

If, after applying these adjustments, you still aren’t seeing improvements, there may be an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. Genuine Lactation recommends consulting with a skilled lactation consultant who specializes in pumping. They can assess whether your pump setup is optimal, evaluate if there’s an oral dysfunction with your baby (even if you’re not nursing), and look into any medical concerns that might be impacting your supply.

It’s important to remember that low supply can sometimes be linked to an underlying health condition, so if the Magic Number approach doesn’t work, it’s time to rule out any other factors.

Tips for Success with the Magic Number Strategy

  • Optimize Your Pumping Setup: Make sure you're using the right pump, flange size, and settings. If you're not getting the desired output, your equipment might be part of the problem.

  • Consider Hands-On Pumping: Hands-on pumping (massaging your breasts while pumping) has been shown to help empty the breasts more effectively, which can signal your body to produce more milk.

  • Cluster Pump When Possible: If you’re short on time, cluster pumping (pumping in shorter bursts multiple times a day) can help increase milk production without overwhelming your schedule.

  • Avoid Stress: Stress can impact milk production. Try to find ways to relax, even if it’s just for a few minutes between pumping sessions.

Final Thoughts

The modified Magic Number tool, adapted by Genuine Lactation, is a powerful strategy that can help pumping parents struggling with low milk supply. By focusing on recent output data and maintaining a regular pumping schedule (with no more than 6 hours between sessions), you can take more control over your supply and make adjustments that work for you.

Remember, this approach requires patience and consistency, but if you're committed to boosting your supply, this tool can be an invaluable resource. If you're still having trouble after following the guidelines, working with a lactation consultant can provide you with the personalized support you need.

For more resources and support, check out the links below!

Links for further reading:

Jessica Anderson, IBCLC, CLC https://www.genuinelactation.com
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