First of all, don't let this blog title make you nervous...you don't need to be pumping enough milk to fill one of those plastic lemonade pitchers every day to use this storage method! Whether you're a just-enougher, an over-supplier, or a combination-feeding mom, figuring out how to properly and efficiently store expressed milk is a game-changer. Today we are diving into a convenient method for storing breast milk: the pitcher method. By the end of this read, you'll wonder how you ever managed without it!
What is the Pitcher Method?
The pitcher method is a very straightforward way to store breast milk throughout the day without haphazardly crowding your fridge with filled bottles and breast milk storage bags. Instead of storing your expressed breast milk from each pumping session in separate containers, you can combine all of the milk that you collect throughout the day into a single container, or "pitcher."
Some mamas then find routine of portioning out milk into the next day's bottles or milk storage bags at the end of each day. Other mamas write the date on their pitcher and pour bottles whenever needed, making sure to freeze or discard milk and clean the pitcher - following standard milk storage guidelines.
Need more specifics? Keep reading!
Reasons to Use the Pitcher Method
There are many breastfeeding scenarios that would benefit from using the pitcher method. Here are a few examples:
- Exclusive pumpers
- Moms who pump a few sessions here and there
- Working moms who pump while away from baby
- Passive pump users (think Haakaa or Boone Trove) who collect letdown on one side while baby nurses on the other
- Combination feeding mamas
If you're still on the fence, here are some more details why to consider using the pitcher method:
Efficiency
Pouring milk into bottles for your baby from one large container is much simpler than dealing with multiple containers. It's great for saving space in your fridge, avoiding extra parts to clean throughout the day, and taking the guesswork out of which storage container holds the oldest milk. If you like to prepare your baby's bottles all at once for the next day's feedings, the pitcher method makes portioning out servings easy!
Equally Balanced Milk Distribution⠀⠀
Have you ever noticed a difference in color or consistency in your expressed milk? This is due to the fat content of foremilk versus hindmilk. When using the pitcher method, all milk collected throughout the day is mixed together, meaning you have equally balanced portions of foremilk and hindmilk for baby to take in throughout the day. More importantly, dependent on the fullness of your breasts, your body's response to pathogens and other factors can also dictate the make up of your breast milk; collecting and mixing all of this milk can ensure equal distribution while prepping baby's bottles. This may be especially helpful to you if you are feeding for multiples! Please know all milk is equally nutritious, there is not one milk "better than the other", this method just helps distribute equal portions.
I share all about my experiences about this (and feeding my multiples) in this video!
Pitcher Method Guidelines
As with all things, there are a few "do's" and "don'ts" when it comes to safely storing your breastmilk with the pitcher method. Let's dig into it!
How Long Can Breastmilk Remain in the Pitcher?
When using the pitcher method, you may wonder about storage times for breastmilk. According to the CDC, freshly expressed milk can remain out at room temperature for up to four hours before needing to be refrigerated. But, as busy moms, it's easy to lose track of time. So, I recommend refrigerating as soon as possible, which is easy as pie when you have your "pitcher" ready to go in your fridge!
Once your milk is in the pitcher in your fridge, you can store it for up to four days, according to the CDC. If you aren't planning on portioning out your milk at the end of every day, remember to label the pitcher with the date from the earliest milk you stored in order to keep track of its freshness.
Mixing Milk at Different Temperatures
To be honest, I used to be terrified to mix milk at different temperatures. However, after doing my research and navigating CDC and ABM (Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine) guidelines on breast milk storage, I felt comfortable mixing my milk at different temperatures. In September 2021 the ABM had shared in a FAQ more insight and their response to mixing milk at different temperatures. It was really this moment in time that opened my eyes. With the share of the ABM, which has since been removed, and following the origin of the guidelines, I will now approach mixing from a different point of view. Read the Mother.ly article reflecting this FAQ! You can also read a related study about pooling milk at different temperatures here!
You may prefer your freshly pumped milk to chill within the collection cups that were just pumped into before adding to your milk collection pitcher. Or, you may use a ‘chilling bottle’ as a middle step between collection bottles before adding to the pitcher. Or, simply pour freshly pumped milk directly into your chilled pitcher.
Do what makes you feel most comfortable! You have my full support!
(Keep reading for one of my favorite tips if you prefer to regulate your milk temperatures before mixing!)
Worried about circadian rhythm
I will say from a personal point of view, this did absolutely nothing for me. My babies never slept better or worse dependent on when I fed my pumped milk vs when I actually pumped it. I wholeheartedly believe the practice of separating and feeding your milk at the same time expressed will do nothing more than drive you to the brink of exhaustion and very possibly waste your time.
From a scientific point of view, circadian gene expression and melatonin rhythms doesn’t occur until approximately 12 weeks post birth. Studies show that factors such as the time of day, milk type and age all play a part in melatonin levels. That said, breastmilk containing melatonin at the appropriate times of the day would in theory help baby adjust to life outside the womb, however, creating a science experiment out of our breastfeeding experience may not be worth the headache.
Read more about melatonin found in breast milk here!
Tips for Warming Bottles after Using Stored Milk
Does your little one prefer warm breast milk? Warming bottles from the pitcher is pretty straightforward. Simply pour your desired amount of milk into your favorite bottle and warm it using one of the following methods:
-
Bowl of Warm Water: Place your bottle in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes. Avoid boiling water or using the microwave as it can destroy precious nutrients or create hot spots in your expressed breast milk.
- Bottle Warmer Device: Use your favorite electronic bottle warming device.
Container (Pitcher) Options
Getting super practical here...WHAT container makes a good storage pitcher for breast milk? You'll be happy to know there are quite a few good options:
Containers options you may already have on hand.
(Please clean thoroughly before using!):
- Large Mason Jar
- Protein Shaker Bottle
Container options available on Amazon:
Alternative Breastmilk Storage Ideas
Looking for other ways to keep your pumped milk fresh and ready for baby? Here are some alternative methods for storing expressed breast milk:
Freezing Breast Milk
When using the pitcher method, you may find that a full day's milk supply is more than your baby needs. Since milk is only safe to be stored in your fridge for up to four days, freezing excess milk is a great option. Whether you are an exclusively pumping mama or a nursing mama, having some frozen milk on hand can be helpful for various situations that may arise.
For all of my best tips and tricks, see THIS BLOG POST on freezing breast milk and assuring thawed milk is handled safely! Here you can also find CDC guidelines concerning breast milk storage.
Storing Milk on the Go
For those busy days when you're out and about, or even for the middle of the night pump sessions when you don't want to take a walk to the fridge, the Ceres Chill is an incredible product!
This nifty chiller keeps your milk safely cool for up to 20 hours. It's compatible with all of my favorite breast pumps, holds up to 34oz of milk, and is super easy to transport. Plus, it reduces contamination risk!
For 15% Off Use AFFILIATE CODE: Bemybreastfriend15
If you do prefer not to mix milk at different temperatures, see my Ceres Chill hack in this Instagram reel!
Final Thoughts
One final pitcher-related tip for you! Consider keeping a separate container in your fridge to dump expired milk from unfinished bottles. Label this container of leftover milk as "bath milk" and use for your little one's next bath! It's great for their skin and assures none of your liquid gold goes to waste!
Remember, the pitcher method is just one of many ways to store breastmilk, so always choose what works best for your family's needs! Happy pumping and storing on this breastfeeding journey, Mama!
In the need of making your pumping life a little easier on the go? Grab one of my Breastfeeding Accessory Bags like THIS ONE to store all of your pump parts and take the guesswork out of pump packing!
