What Is The Pitcher Method When Pumping?
The pitcher method is a way of pumping breast milk that uses a large container to collect your milk. It’s called the “pitcher method” because of the container you use to collect the milk, which is typically a pitcher or bowl. It’s also known as “hands-off pumping.”
The pitcher method is an excellent option for moms trying to pump on the go or who need to express a lot of milk in one sitting. It’s also a good option if you’re planning on pumping at work and want to keep your hands free while still being able to collect enough milk for your baby.
You can use this method with any type of pump—handheld, electric, or hospital-grade—as long as it can express breast milk. The idea behind the pitcher method is that you don’t physically have to touch your breasts while pumping, which can help reduce soreness in between pumping sessions. You’ll still need to wash your hands before and after using this method.
The basic idea is to set up your pump to express milk into a container, then let the pump run for however long you need to. When it’s done, pour off the milk from the container and store it in bottles or bags for later use. The pitcher method takes some time to learn correctly, but once mastered, it can be highly effective at quickly pumping large volumes of breast milk.
It’s also important to note that your breasts may feel slightly engorged after using the pitcher method because you’re expressing more milk than usual. This is normal and should subside within 24 hours.
Is The Pitcher Method Safe For Formula?
Yes! You can use the pitcher method for both breast milk and formula. If you’re using formula, measure precisely what your baby needs before combining it with breast milk from another day. This will help you avoid overfeeding your baby, a common cause of colic and gas.
How long should I use the pitcher method? The pitcher method is a great way to start breast pumping. It’s best to do this for at least a month after giving birth or until your supply is established, whichever comes first. After that, you can move on to methods like manual or electric breast pumps.
You can also try the pitcher method when you go back to work. This will allow you to pump while you’re away from your baby and store extra breast milk for when you get home. You can even use it if you plan on returning to work soon after giving birth or if you return to work shortly after having your first child.
Can I pump into the same bottle within 4 hours?
Yes! You can use the same bottle within 4 hours of pumping (although some moms prefer not to pump into the same bottle twice in one day).
If you’re going somewhere with no clean bottles, this is a great option because there’s no chance of contamination—as long as you’ve cleaned your bottles between uses!
Can I combine breast milk from different days?
Yes! You can combine breast milk from up to four days old as long as each day’s worth has been refrigerated properly and hasn’t been exposed to room temperature for more than 24 hours.
If you’re combining milk from different days, it’s best to store each day’s milk in a separate bag or bottle so that you know how much there is and can estimate how much your baby will drink at each feeding.
Can I freeze breast milk for later use?
Yes! There are two different ways that mothers can freeze breast milk: using an electric pump or using the freezer bags provided by your lactation consultant (LC).
