Pumping for short periods

[MGardner]

I am a working mother and I pump during the day. My job is great, they have several lactation rooms that you can reserve for 30 minutes at a time. I have reserved to pump everyday at 10-10:30 and at 1:30-2. I usually pump for 10-12 minutes and I get 5oz. each time which is enough to give my sitter the two bottles she needs to feed the baby a day. However, sometimes I am so busy at work I only have a few minutes to pump. Or sometimes I look at the clock and it's past 10 and I didn't even realize because I am so busy here at work. So I run to the room and only get 5 minutes to pump. I usually only get about 1oz less when this happens so that is not a big deal but I'm worried that pumping for that short amount of time will lower my supply. I say this happens about once a day that I have to shorten the pumping time. Am I right to be worried about my supply?

[Samuel's mum]

No, it's not ideal. In the long-term it probably would have an effect on your supply - especially if you often end up having to do the shorter pump at the same time.
However something is better than nothing. How about a vibrating 'it's boob time' alarm clock that goes off at 9.55 and 1.25! (Could you set your cell phone to vibrate?)

[bethann]

I also pump at work. I do not have a "pumping" room which I have to reserve- that would be nice!. (I pump in the electrical/plumbing room!).  I find that if I miss pumping sessions, my supply drops.  They say that one should pump 2-5 minutes AFTER the milk stops just to keep stimulated enough to keep up with supply!  I would be a bit nervous to only have one "good" pump a day. -but it is good that you at least pump for that 5 minutes...that is crucial in fact.  How long have you been pumping at work?  My supply was great for the first month I was back at work....I could skip pump sessions or shorten others and my supply would stay the same....but not anymore! I really have to stay on top of it.  At least with my job, I'm not confined to a time restraint (I just have to fit it in between clients and meetings, which is a challenge).  I wish you the best, because I so know how difficult it is!  

I would also look into "booking" another slot around 4:00 or so- at least to pump again on one side.  (I like to keep one side "full" for when I get to feed my lo for bedtime)

[Rubin's Mum]

I had to go back to work for a few weeks about a month ago, and because my office does not have a pumping room I used a hand pump in the lavatory.  Though an electric pump is better, if you have a hand or battery operated pump you could alway pump as long as possible in the pumping room, and then continue in a lavatory other private room. 

[jbepko]

Any pumping is better than none- even if its not a full pumping session. And occassionally missing a session (just like missing a nursing) shouldn't hurt your supply. Its SUPER that you have a lactation room!