The Pitcher Method involves collecting pumped breast milk throughout one day in a closed pitcher and using it to prepare bottles for the next day. This is a great option if your baby goes to daycare or if you want to evenly distribute nutrients.
Per the CDC guidelines you should chill freshly pumped breast milk first before adding it into the pitcher of chilled milk, though this recommendation is not backed by research.
Many mothers will pump, add breast milk into the pitcher and place it back into the fridge without any issues. If you don't feel comfortable doing that, follow the CDC guidelines by pumping, chilling the breast milk first in the fridge, and pouring it into the pitcher once it has cooled.
If you are mixing breast milk from different days, go by the oldest date to determine how long to store breast milk in the fridge. Per the CDC guidelines, breast milk can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days before freezing or using for a milk bath.
The Pros:
- Saves time
- Saves space in your fridge
- Distributes nutrients evenly
- Great option for moms with an oversupply
The Cons:
- The CDC recommends freshly pumped milk to be cooled before mixing with the already cold breast milk, which creates a wait time
- If your pitcher accidently cracks or falls and breaks, you lose all your milk
- You won't be able to separate expressed milk that was pumped at night from the milk that was pumped in the morning
- It's under-researched
What do experts have to say?