The pitcher method: A simple breast milk storage hack

If you're exclusively pumping, you'll know that it can feel like you're constantly washing pump parts, filling bottles, labelling milk and trying to keep track of how much you've expressed.

Heres where the Pitcher Method can help! A simple breast milk storage technique that can make life a little easier.

What is the Pitcher Method?

The Pitcher Method involves collecting milk from multiple pumping sessions throughout a 24-hour period and combining it into one clean, food-grade container (or pitcher) in the fridge.

Instead of storing every pumping session separately, you gradually build up one combined supply of milk. At the end of the day, you can portion it into bottles for the following day and freeze any extra milk you don't need.

It's a popular option among exclusive pumpers because it can make organising milk feeds a little less complicated.

How does it work?

Here's a simple way to get started:

1. Choose your container

Use a clean, food-grade jug or container with a secure lid. Make sure it is thoroughly washed and dried before use.

2. Express as normal

After each pumping session, transfer your expressed milk into a separate clean container and place it in the fridge to cool.

3. Combine your milk

Once the freshly expressed milk has cooled, you can add it to the milk already collected in your pitcher.

4. Repeat throughout the day

Continue adding cooled milk from your pumping sessions over a 24-hour collection period. It's important you are adding COOLED milk to the collection container, not warm freshly expressed milk.

5. Prepare your bottles

At the end of the collection period, gently swirl the pitcher to redistribute the fat, then portion the milk into individual feeding bottles or storage bags.

6. Store or freeze

Keep the milk refrigerated if you'll be using it within the recommended storage timeframe. Freeze any milk you won't need within that time.

Is the Pitcher Method safe?

When done correctly, the pitcher method can be a practical way to manage expressed breast milk.

There are a few important things to remember:

  • Always wash your hands before handling expressed milk.
  • Use a clean, food-grade container with a secure lid.
  • Refrigerate freshly expressed milk promptly.
  • Allow freshly expressed milk to cool before adding it to already refrigerated milk.
  • Label your milk with the date of the oldest milk in the container.
  • Follow the recommended breast milk storage guidelines and don't extend the storage time just because you've combined the milk.

In New Zealand, Health NZ recommends storing freshly expressed breast milk in the fridge for up to 3 days. Always use the oldest milk first.

If your baby was born prematurely, has a weakened immune system or has specific medical needs, check with your healthcare team before using this method.

What are the benefits?

For many exclusive pumping mums, the biggest benefit is convenience!

  • Less labelling: You're managing one collection rather than multiple individual containers.
  • Easier bottle preparation: You can prepare the next day's feeds in one go.
  • More consistent feeds: Combining milk from different pumping sessions helps even out natural variations in milk composition throughout the day.
  • Less mental load: One less thing to think about when you're already juggling so much.

Is the Pitcher Method right for you?

Like any breast milk storage routine, it comes down to what works best for you and your baby.

Some mums love the simplicity of combining their milk, while others prefer to keep each pumping session separate.

There is no single right way to organise your expressed milk. The most important thing is following safe storage and handling practices.

And remember, exclusive pumping is already a lot of work. If a simple change to your routine makes your day that little bit easier, it's worth exploring!

A little less washing, a little less organising and one less thing on your exclusive pumping to-do list.

References and further reading

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