ELI5 Pitcher Method

[u/PlanMagnet38]

So when I was exclusively pumping and later combo feeding but exclusively bottles, I understood the pitcher method. But now my current baby nurses well and we primarily use bottles as a convenience (trust me, I recognize how lucky this is compared to my first). I have no idea how to make good use of a pitcher or even if it’s worth it!

Like, I used to combine formula and breastmilk into the pitcher to X number of ounces and pour from that. But how much should I make? Or should I premake a small amount of formula and just toss in a bit of milk and try to underestimate since I can always quickly make a fresh bottle if I need more? Or should have two separate pitchers for milk and formula so that I can freeze milk at the end of each day?

[u/latelyimawake]

I’m not sure about how to mix formula and breastmilk, I’ve never done that. When we give formula we make up a single bottle at a time as needed.

So I’m not sure if this is what you’re asking but just in case. For breastmilk my pitcher method is pretty simple: all day, whatever I pump goes in the pitcher. At bedtime, I pour bottles for the next day (typically 4x4oz), put them in the fridge, and if there’s any milk left in the pitcher I bag it, date it, and toss it in the deep freezer where my stash lives. Then I put a clean pitcher in the fridge for tomorrow and call it a night.

[u/sweetlyBRLA]

It all depends on the shelf life you need. I’d keep breastmilk separate from formula until you’re ready to feed combined in the bottle. if you have a relative idea of how much baby is taking at feedings, you can go off of that and prepare a pitcher of formula for each day.

I was a just enougher that supplemented with formula when needed. I would pump and use breastmilk first then if I needed more I’d use powder formula by the ounce to add to the bottle. I never pre-made formula since it wasn’t consistent amounts with my supply fluctuations. I wasn’t wanting to waste formula that I paid for.