How To Do The Pitcher Method For Breastfeeding
Tired of juggling a million bottles of breast milk in your fridge?
Find yourself losing track of which bottle is which, and when it expires?
Fear not, dear lactating friend, for the pitcher method is here to save the day (and your sanity)!
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How To Do The Pitcher Method
This revolutionary technique involves gathering all your precious milk in one place - a big, beautiful pitcher.
Once you've filled up your trusty container with all your liquid gold, it's time to sit back and relax.
Just kidding, at the end of the day, or whenever your container is full, you prepare the next day's feeding bottles using the milk collected.
But at least you can do it all in one fell swoop, without having to rummage through your fridge like a mad scientist.
Any leftover milk can be put into separate containers and frozen for future use.
Pro-Tips For The Pitcher Method From Fellow Pumping Moms:
“I pump and combine for 3 days then freeze in 3oz increments. I have the Dr. Browns pitcher and it makes it 1000x easier to pour and measure. I just pump and pour into the container.”
-Shannon C.
“CDC recommends you can combine 3 days, on the 4th day everything must be frozen and labeled with the earliest date. Milk should be the same temp. I usually leave it in the fridge for 15 minutes and then combine.”
-Jessica D.
“All milk will date to the oldest milk in the pitcher. It’s suggested to cool to fridge temp before mixing.”
-Caitlin R.
Advantages of Doing The Pitcher Method
The pitcher method can simplify your life in ways you never thought possible. No more searching through the fridge for that one bottle of milk that's still good, or worrying about whether you've used the oldest milk first. Not only that, it makes your fridge look like a fancy, upscale milk bar.
And with one large container instead of multiple bottles, you'll have more space in your fridge for other important items like snacks and, well, more snacks.
Plus, if you have a partner or family member who helps with feedings, it's easy for them to grab a bottle from the pitcher and go.
This savvy method also ensures that any excess milk gets frozen pronto, saving all those precious nutrients.
And for those dealing with the dreaded foremilk/hindmilk imbalance, it's a game-changer for keeping your baby's milk supply in perfect harmony.
Pitcher Method Disadvantages
Talk about crying over spilled milk! One clumsy moment could result in a spill disaster, robbing you of your hard-earned liquid gold.
PRO-TIP:
Handle your pitcher with care, and always make sure to label it with the date of the oldest milk to avoid any confusion.
The pitcher method might not be for everyone, but for those looking to simplify their lives and organize their milk in style, it's definitely worth a try.
So, grab this pitcher, pour in that liquid gold, and take a well-deserved break from the bottle juggling madness.
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