A Complete Guide to the Pitcher Method

Breastfeeding is hard. We all know this. Some might say exclusively pumping is even harder, but I think any way you feed your child from your body is difficult and time consuming.

Regardless, exclusively pumping is a lot more difficult logistically. There are tons of reasons why someone might choose to exclusively pump, including:

Difficult work schedules

Measuring feeds

Don’t love breastfeeding

Working Moms

Unfortunately, we live in a society that expects us to go back to work almost immediately after giving birth. A difficult work schedule is likely to hold you back from breastfeeding, but if you want to continue feeding your little one breastmilk, pumping is your best bet.

Measuring Feeds and Feeding Anxiety

It’s also helpful to have expressed milk to measure feedings. In my case, I had a lot of anxiety around whether my baby was eating enough, especially at the beginning when we struggled with low weight. I found it eased my anxiety to know exactly how much she was eating. It was a game changer for us!

Breastfeeding Isn’t Right

Another reason someone might exclusively pump (or not choose breastmilk at all) is because they simply don’t like it. I hate the trope of “breast is best” because it’s just not always true. A happy, healthy mama and baby is best. If you hate breastfeeding or it causes you to be in distress, by all means, quit! If you don’t like the actual act of baby latching and feeding but still desire breastmilk, exclusively pumping might be for you.

What is the Pitcher Method?

Storing breastmilk is tricky and can be overwhelming, which is why I love the pitcher method. The pitcher method is a way to store breastmilk that combines all the milk from one day into one pitcher, allowing parents and caregivers to pour bottles easily. The pitcher method of storing breastmilk is also great because you don’t need a ton of extra supplies or gadgets. It’s cheap and effective! Three things you’ll need for the pitcher method are:

Mason jars

Regular and pour lids

Dry erase markers

How Does the Pitcher Method Work?

It’s pretty simple. The pitcher method for exclusively pumping follows a first in, first out approach, ensuring your baby is never getting milk that’s too old. This is where the dry erase marker comes in. I label the mason jar with the date I began pumping that milk. Remember - breastmilk is good for around three days in the fridge, so make sure you use it in time! When you’re finished pouring the milk in from your pumps, just put a simple plastic top on the mason jar. Avoid metal ones, as they can rust very easily.

When it’s time to use the milk from a specific jar, just replace the regular top with a pour top. Not only is it much easier to pour into a bottle, but it helps you remember which milk bottle you should be using. Some people pour bottles ahead of time and freeze the extra milk, but it’s not necessary unless you’re trying to build a freezer stash. We just pour as we go!

It’s that easy! It took us a long time to get this system down, but it was worth it. Whether you choose the pitcher method, exclusively nursing, or any type of formula, remember this: you’re doing GREAT! Parenting is hard work, and you are always enough for your baby, no matter how you choose to feed them.