The Pitcher Method for Breast Milk Storage

Breastfeeding your baby can be so rewarding and empowering as you watch them grow right before your eyes. But sometimes the tasks involved with breastfeeding and pumping can become tiresome and overwhelming--especially if you're a mom who pumps often. One time-saving storage method that has gained popularity among breastfeeding moms is the Pitcher Method. Have you heard of it? It’s a more efficient way to collect, store, and feed expressed breast milk. It may be a beneficial alternative to the traditional methods of storing breast milk, but there are many factors you should consider before trying it out. So let's talk about it!

What is the Pitcher Method?

Pooling milk from multiple different pumping sessions over a set period of time (usually 24 hours but can be up to 4 days) is known as the pitcher method. Pooling milk has been shown to decrease the variability in nutrient and calorie content without increasing bacterial count in breast milk.

To use the pitcher method, you simply combine breast milk output from multiple pumping sessions into a pitcher or large jar and then distribute that milk into bottles or bags for feeding or freezing. You can also just combine one or two smaller volume pump sessions to create a single bottle for your baby. Lots of parents enjoy using the pitcher method because it simplifies the storage process, cuts down on space needed for multiple bottles or bags, and it helps streamline milk distribution for later use. If you're pumping many times throughout the day because you're at work, your baby is in the NICU, etc., the pitcher method can cut down on overall time spent managing your breast milk. 

Is the Pitcher Method Safe?

Because breast milk is constantly changing to meet your baby's needs based on time of day, your baby's age, whether you or baby is sick, etc., many parents prefer to keep all pumping sessions separate, or to only feed PM pumps at night or AM pumps during the day, etc. But pooling milk from multiple different pump sessions is considered safe, so it's ultimately up to you! The Center for Disease Control (CDC) does not have a specific stance on pooling breast milk, but they, along with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM) all state that pooling milk is generally safe when temperature and storage duration guidelines are followed.

Mixing Breast Milk of Different Temperatures

The CDC and AAP do not recommend mixing milk of different temps due to the potential for bacterial growth when the fresh milk rewarms the cold milk upon mixing. With that said, there really isn't evidence in the literature to support this theory of bacterial growth, so it's ultimately up to you to decide what you're most comfortable with. To use the pitcher method while also complying with CDC recommendations, you can simply chill the milk from each pumping session in a bottle in the fridge before adding it to the pitcher.

What type of container should I use?

Look for something with a large volume that can hold all of your milk with a little extra room just in case. Something with an easy-pour spout and a lid to prevent any spills or contamination is ideal, and make sure to use a product made from food-grade materials. Here are a few I'd recommend:

Glass Pitcher

This is the pitcher that I use at home when I'm pooling my milk! It's leak proof and it has a V-shaped spout to reduce spills and drips. There is are 32oz & 64oz options depending on what works best for you, and they're both pretty affordable! 

Dr. Brown's Mixing Pitcher

This pitcher is technically designed for mixing formula, but it works great as a pitcher for pooling breast milk! It's a 32oz capacity, is dishwasher safe, and has a handled blade to mix your milk before distributing into bottles. Plus, this one is super affordable.

Cereschill

If you're on the go, this is my go-to option for pooling milk. The OG chiller has a 12-34oz capacity and it keeps your milk cold for up to 20 hours. It's also great for storing on your nightstand to save you multiple trips to the kitchen if you're pumping or collecting milk during the night. You can even pump directly into the chiller if you want! You can get 15% off your purchase if you use code BFD15 at checkout.

Tips When Using the Pitcher Method

• Your pitcher should be cleaned and sterilized along with your bottles and pump parts according to CDC guidelines.
• If milk is mixed over multiple days, make sure to label it using the oldest date.
• Refrigerated milk should be used or frozen within 4 days.
• Make sure to stir or mix the milk to make sure it's evenly distributed before pouring into bottles/bags, because the fat tends to separate towards the top of the pitcher while sitting.

Do you have more questions about breast milk storage? I put together a breakdown of How to Properly Store Breast Milk with more guidelines and tips for breast milk storage. You can also access my free Breast Milk Storage Guidelines PDF and print it out as a quick reminder of safety guidelines for breast milk storage by clicking the link below!

Download the Breast Milk

Storage Guidelines PDF here!

Looking for more storage supplies for breast milk? Shop my favorite products for making the pumping-life easier at the link below!

Shop storage supplies here!

Feeling like you need more in-depth help with feeding your baby? I'm here to walk beside you on your feeding journey with my Bottle & Breastfeeding Course! It's full of comprehensive, evidence-based strategies for feeding your baby to help you feel more confident and prepared. Click the link below for more!

Access the Bottle & Breastfeeding Course Here!

Stellwagen, Lisa M., et al. "Pooling expressed breastmilk to provide a consistent feeding composition for premature infants." Breastfeeding medicine 8.2 (2013): 205-209. 

https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/php/guidelines-recommendations/faqs.html