By Jacque Ordner BSN, RN, IBCLC, RLC 

Pumping can be time consuming and difficult for so many mothers.  In our opinion, anything we can do to make it easier is a must!  That’s where the Pitcher Method comes in.  

What is the Pitcher Method? The Pitcher Method is a general name given to the method of collecting pumped milk from several pumping sessions throughout the day into one container and then using that milk to prepare the next day’s bottles.   

What are the benefits? One of the major benefits of using the Pitcher Method is that it can save valuable time and space!  Pumping into one set of collection bottles, then transferring directly into the pitcher means less bottles to wash and less bottles to store in the refrigerator.  You can also easily fill bottles, for the next day, with the desired amount for each feeding or divide milk up for freezer storage.  Using the pitcher method can also eliminate worry over dating separate bottles and remembering to get them in the freezer in time if they’re not used. This can be especially helpful for moms who make more milk than their babies typically eat. 

How to get started with the Pitcher Method: The first step is to collect the needed supplies. You’ll need a pitcher or other container made of food grade plastic or glass that is large enough to store the milk you pump in a day.  Pro tip:  glass Mason jars can work well for this method as the fat doesn’t tend to stick to the glass quite as much as it does to plastic.  You can even find half gallon Mason jars! Once you’re ready to collect your milk, add the yield from your first session to the pitcher and store it in the refrigerator.  At your next pumping session, cool your collected milk in the refrigerator then add it to the pitcher along with your previously collected milk.  Continue this process at the next pumping session and so on.  Once you’ve collected milk for the day (or other specified time), you can then pour it from the collection pitcher into bottles for the next day’s feedings or separate it into appropriately sized portions for freezing.  

Are there any drawbacks? It’s important to cool freshly pumped milk before adding it to previously cooled milk, so keep that step in mind!  There is a study that suggests that newborn’s circadian rhythms are affected by breastmilk.  This implies some correlation to the time of day milk is expressed and its effect on newborn sleep patterns. It’s important to note that this study did not investigate expressed milk, but rather looked at directly breastfed infants and formula fed infants.  In our opinion, this evidence is not strong enough to warrant extra stress over making sure baby receives milk collected at night for night-time feedings or milk collected in the morning for morning feedings, etc. No need to complicate things, mamas! 

Is the Pitcher Method right for you?  We hope we’ve given you enough information to help answer that question!  We’re all for anything that makes pumping just a little bit easier! If you have questions about pumping and storing milk, email us at ibclc@spectrababyusa.com  You can even schedule a free pumping consultation with one of our IBCLCs here.  

 

Sources 

Cubero J;Valero V;Sánchez J;Rivero M;Parvez H;Rodríguez AB;Barriga C;. (n.d.). The Circadian Rhythm of Tryptophan in Breast Milk Affects the Rhythms of 6-sulfatoxymelatonin and Sleep in Newborn. Retrieved June 16, 2020, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16380706/ 

 

By Jacque Ordner BSN, RN, IBCLC, RLC  

We’ve all probably heard that the amount of milk we can pump isn’t necessarily an accurate indicator of the amount of milk we’re making.  If your baby is efficiently and effectively nursing, it’s true that they’re probably getting more milk out than your pump is. So how can we pump more milk?  We’ve got you covered with four key tips! 

1. Set the mood – This one is pretty straightforward, so we won’t spend a ton of time here.  Finding a comfortable, relaxed environment to pump in is important!  Stress can affect your body’s ability to let down, and that will affect the amount of milk you’re able to express at a given session.  We know you can’t always eliminate stress, but you can focus on things within your control like playing music or white noise to drown out distractions, lowering the lights, bringing along a drink and snack, and using pillows to get into a comfy position. Responding to the pump is a physiological, so even if the physical stimuli are there, it’s important to make sure the mental stimuli are also being considered. 

2. Flange fit – PUMPING SHOULDN’T HURT!!! If you dread pumping because of pain, something is wrong!  In most situations, pumping pain is caused by improperly fitted flanges. Having the wrong flange fit can also lead to reduced pumping output and even clogged ducts. Click HERE for our flange fit guide and measuring tool. You can also set up a FREE flange fit consultation with one of our International Board Certified Lactation Consultants HERE. 

3. Know your settings – Spectra pumps are known for their abundance of setting combinations, making them super customizable!  But, with all those options, moms sometimes don’t know where to start. We recommend starting with “Cycle Pumping”.  Cycle Pumping mimics the way a baby nurses at the breast, triggering letdown, nursing rhythmically, triggering letdown again then taking longer, deeper sucks toward the end of a session. 

          Here is an example of Cycle Pumping with the Spectra S1/S2: 

• •       Cycle 70 (Massage Mode) for 5 minutes 
  •       Cycle 54 (Expression Mode) for 5 minutes 
  •       Cycle 70 (Massage Mode) for 5 minutes 
  •       Cycle 38 (Expression Mode) for 5 minutes 

Cycle 38 can also be a game changer for moving stubborn clogs! As always, we never recommend increasing the vacuum to an uncomfortable level. There is no need to work your way up to a vacuum of 10 or 12 to be successful at pumping! 

Use your hands – Hands on pumping is a highly underutilized skill when it comes to increasing pumping output!  A breakthrough study from Dr. Jane Morton resulted in new mothers using hands on pumping to increase their pumping output by an average of 48%!!!  Not only were these mothers able to express more milk, but the milk collected, with the use of their hands, contained twice as much fat as the milk collected with a breast pump only. With results like that, hands on pumping is an essential technique to learn and use if you are currently breast pumping or plan to.  So, grab your hands-free pumping bra and let’s take a look at the steps to effective hands on pumping: 

• • Massage both breasts, concentrating on full areas, before pumping
  • Use a hospital strength electric breast pump (Spectra S1/S2/S3 or s9+ are all hospital strength) to double pump.  Use your hands to perform breast compressions during your pumping session. 
  • Remove flanges and massage both breasts again.  Pay special attention to any remaining areas of fullness. 
  • Follow up with either hand expression or single pumping.  For many mothers, hand expression will yield MORE MILK than single pumping, so experiment to see which method results in the greatest output.  Use concentrated breast compressions on each breast, moving back and forth between breasts several times. 

Don’t let the steps above scare you, mamas!  For most moms, this routine can be completed in about 25 minutes and results in more milk than longer traditional pumping sessions.  For more information about hands on pumping and hand expression, click HERE to check out Dr. Morton’s videos on hands on pumping and hand expression. 

If you’ve tried the above tips, and are still experiencing low output, reach out!  Email our IBCLCs at ibclc@spectrababyusa.com or set up a free pumping consultation at www.spectrababyusa.com/lactationservices. 

 

Sources 

Mohrbacher, N. (2012, June 27). To Pump More Milk, Use Hands-On Pumping. Retrieved June 01, 2020, from http://www.nancymohrbacher.com/articles/2012/6/27/to-pump-more-milk-use-hands-on-pumping.html 

Morton, Jane & Hall, JY & Wong, Ronald & Thairu, Lucy & Benitz, William & Rhine, W. (2009).  

Combining hand techniques with electric pumping increases milk production in mothers 

of preterm infants. Journal of perinatology : official journal of the California Perinatal  

Association. 29. 757-64. 10.1038/jp.2009.87. 

 

By Jacque Ordner BSN, RN, IBCLC, RLC 

One of the biggest concerns and struggles of parenting young children is SLEEP!  Sleep deprived parents of newborns and infants have undoubtedly been asked, “Is she sleeping through the night yet?”  Many of us have received advice from well-meaning friends and family regarding how much our babies “should” be sleeping and how to get them to do so.  But what does research tell us?  What is developmentally normal for babies?  What about the countless methods and internet-based courses focused on getting babies to sleep? Read on for some important truths about newborn and infant sleep. 

First things first, it is completely normal for your breastfed newborn to wake and eat every few hours around the clock.  Babies’ stomachs are small, and they need to feed frequently in order to consume adequate calories and nutrition.  For most breast milk fed babies, this translates to 8-12 feedings in 24 hours. It’s true that most newborns spend 15-18 hours sleeping each day, but that sleep comes in small chunks spread across 24 hours.  Frequent waking is also a protective mechanism that is designed to reduce the risk of SIDS! Check this link out for additional info https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9346985 .   

Scheduling or restricting feeds can be dangerous! Any sleep training method, sleep course, sleep product, or sleep coach that that advises limiting feeds, scheduling feeds, or only feeding during certain “windows” for babies is NOT BREASTFEEDING FRIENDLY despite any claims to the contrary. Babies should be breastfed on demand rather than on a schedule or within specific windows. Our IBCLCs are aware of several cases where scheduling and restricting feeds has led to poor infant weight gain and significant milk supply issues. Feeding on demand is the best way to ensure your baby is getting enough milk and to encourage your own milk production. In fact, studies show that babies can take as much as 20% of their nutrition requirements during nighttime feeds.  

It is a myth that babies regularly sleep through the night at just a few months old.  In fact, most babies do not sleep through the night until closer to age one or beyond! Sleep is a developmental skill.  Babies cannot learn to fall asleep on their own until they are developmentally ready to do so, and they aren’t all ready at the same age. It’s important to let go of unrealistic expectations regarding sleep.  Though unicorn babies, who sleep all night at 4 weeks old, do exist, they are the exception, not the norm.  

We can encourage healthy sleep behavior in our babies. Though sleep is developmental, we can still create an environment that fosters healthy habits related to sleep.  Babies are often tired, but need help falling asleep. Learning your baby’s sleep cues is a first step to helping him get off to dreamland before becoming overtired and cranky.  Common sleep cues include rubbing the eyes, yawning, drooping eyelids, redness around the eyes, smiling less, vocalizing less, exhibiting a weaker than normal suck, and turning away from toys or people. Picking up on these cues and responding in a way that helps our babies go to sleep is key!  Experts also tell us that encouraging adequate daytime naps positively contributes to more consistent night–time sleep. Breastfeeding to sleep is normal, and absolutely ok!  Your baby sees you and breastfeeding as their greatest source of comfort and safety, so it is only natural that they would desire that comfort and safety when trying to fall asleep.  Many breastfeeding mothers follow the Safe Sleep Seven to help their babies feel safe and secure all night long. Your child will eventually be developmentally ready to learn to fall asleep all on their own even if they need your help right now.  As your baby gets older, you can start to transition to more independent sleep behavior slowly.   

Will cutting out nighttime breastfeeds help my toddler sleep? It’s important to note that babies often require night–time feedings well beyond the newborn stage.  It’s also important to note that cutting out night-time breastfeeds for older babies and toddlers needs to be approached on a very individual basis with special consideration to the child’s overall intake.  It is not uncommon for older babies and toddlers to reduce night-time feedings if their daytime caloric intake simultaneously increases.  Many parents find that night-time weaning is often easier when their child is closer to 18 months of age because they are capable of communicating and understanding the negotiation surrounding the weaning process. There is evidence that reducing night-time feeds contributes to less night-time waking for toddlers.  Keep in mind that hunger is not the only reason that babies and toddlers wake at night!  When made to feel safe, secure, and comforted older babies and toddlers can learn to get themselves back to sleep without parental intervention.  

Infant sleep problems are a common concern among parents, but knowing what is normal can help put your mind at ease! 

Our team of International Board Certified Lactation Consultants is happy to discuss newborn, infant, and toddler sleep as it relates to breastfeeding and pumping.  Click here to schedule a consultation.  

Sources: 

Burnham, M., Goodlin-Jones, B., Gaylor, E., & Anders, T. (2002, September). Nighttime sleep-wake patterns and self-soothing from birth to one year of age: A longitudinal intervention study. Retrieved May 18, 2020, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1201415/ 

 McKenna, J., & McDade, T. (2005, June). Why babies should never sleep alone: A review of the co-sleeping controversy in relation to SIDS, bedsharing and breast feeding. Retrieved May 18, 2020, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15911459 

 Kent, J., Mitoulas, L., Cregan, M., Ramsay, D., Doherty, D., & Hartmann, P. (2006, March). Volume and frequency of breastfeedings and fat content of breast milk throughout the day. Retrieved May 18, 2020, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16510619 

 Middlemiss, W., Granger, D., Goldberg, W., & Nathans, L. (2012, April). Asynchrony of mother-infant hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity following extinction of infant crying responses induced during the transition to sleep. Retrieved May 18, 2020, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21945361 

By Melissa Portunato MPH, IBCLC, RLC

Finding time for self care as a new mom can be hard enough. Throw in a global pandemic and life can get pretty intense. While the majority of the country continues to remain with stay at home orders, stress levels are at an all time high for everyone. Maybe the end of your maternity leave now means transitioning to working virtually or maybe you have found yourself home with older siblings and your new baby since most daycares have closed their doors. Self care doesn’t need to be fancy or always involve a spa or nail salon but we know those things can definitely be a sweet treat! Stress from the pandemic and everything else that comes along with being a new mom can start to get taxing mentally, physically and spiritually. If you’re not feeling well, truth is no one at home will. Let’s start with being mindful and kind to our perfectly created bodies. You just birthed a baby and with that a new mother was born too. Let’s nurture her and treat her right. 

 

Read on for 3 tips to practice Self Care while Social Distancing:

 

Get More Zzzzzzz

Sleep? Yes please! The lack of sleep that comes along with having a newborn can be the biggest life transition. No matter if you’re a first time mom or if it’s your 5th baby, you’re never really prepared for the lack of sleep you’re going to experience. Frankly, you will never sleep the same again. Good news is eventually it will get better, but how can you get more sleep during the newborn phase? Here’s how! Research shows moms who bring baby to their beds to nurse get more sleep. Co sleeping can be safe when proper guidelines are followed. And if you are exclusively pumping it’s still important to keep your baby close! The AAP recommends keeping your baby in the same room with you at least until 1 year. You’re able to respond faster to your baby, allowing you both to peacefully nod back into dreamland.

 

Get Moving 

With most public parks remaining closed, more moms are finding a neighborhood walk soothing and relaxing. A breath of fresh air can do wonders for your mood and boost your immune system. Vitamin D, which we mainly get from the sun, is critical in keeping your immune system up and running to help fight off viruses. How much Vitamin D should you be intaking? For nursing moms, the recommendation is to intake 6400 IUs per day in order to have adequate supplementation for both mommy and baby.  Is it impossible to get outside? Try a quick 7 minute workout like these with the 7 minute workouts (app). Quick easy to follow workouts and even some yoga poses you can incorporate. Namaste! 

 

Kick The Sugar 

We’ve piled our pandemic emergency stash with all the essential items cookies, cakes, and chips! But why does everything non perishable seem to always have to be unhealthy? Not true! Some easy non perishables to add to your daily diet that help with sugar cravings are nut butters like almond and cashew, dried fruit or trail mix, coconut flakes or cocoa bits can curb hunger and keep you fuller longer. Add in healthy fats like olive oil and avocados too! Breastfeeding moms gotta eat! You’re burning between 300-500 calories just by making milk. Limit sugar to have more energy to keep up with all the new normals going on. Make sure that you are compensating for those extra calories with real food. 

The life of a new mom revolves around breastfeeding, diaper changes, rinsing and repeating. It’s pretty easy to forget about yourself. But it’s especially important now, more than ever to practice healthy self care habits. Social distancing doesn’t mean social isolation mamas. Be sure to connect with your family and friends during this time. Schedule a virtual happy hour with friends, have family drive by to see the baby through the window, or even host a celebration parade to welcome your new bundle of joy. Always remember your doctor is only a call away. Don’t isolate yourself and confide in a trusted professional. Schedule a virtual consultation with one of our IBCLCs and we can help talk it over. We’re for you mamas and we support you!

By Jacquelyn Ordner BSN, RN, IBCLC, RLC

I had met my breastfeeding goals with three out of my four children, with the fourth still nursing once or twice a day.  Number four was about 2.5 years old and had decided he only needed “milkies” at naptime and bedtime.  I was comfortable with this, and we were moving through this transition happily.  But, when my husband and I decided we were going to adopt, my thoughts around weaning began to change. What if my next child needs my milk too?

As we completed the international adoption application process and began the home study process, we really began to think about the little person who would be joining our family.  We had told the agency that we’re open to parenting a child with significant medical needs. Our child could need a myriad of medical interventions, and I immediately began thinking that I needed to store breastmilk to help support him or her.  I’m an RN and IBCLC, so that’s just how my mind works. I KNOW that just 15 ounces of breastmilk can provide up to:

29% of a toddler’s energy requirements

43% of their protein requirements

36% of their calcium requirements

76% of their folate requirements

75% of their vitamin A requirements

94% of their vitamin B12 requirements

And 60% of their vitamin C requirements (Dewey 2001).

Breastmilk does not suddenly become non-nutritious or suddenly lose its bioactive and immune boosting components at a certain age! So, in the waiting and through the mountains and mountains of paperwork, I could be working toward making more milk to save for our fifth child! 

I began with the basics…..pumping! In an effort to store every ounce, I gently encouraged our current youngest to cut back to nursing just once a day.  This was easy at first, and he didn’t even seem to mind me pumping. I was double pumping with the Spectra S2 just 3-4 times a day to start. Let me tell you, this wasn’t very encouraging!  I was only yielding a total of 1-1.5 oz per DAY! That’s when I hit the first major setback….my toddler became jealous of my pump! He cried when he saw me pumping and asked for “milkies” multiple times per day.  I felt so conflicted at this point because my natural instinct was to scoop him up and provide that loving comfort as we had done thousands of times before. However, I also knew my goal was to collect and store as much milk as possible before we brought kiddo #5 home.  Knowing that an effectively nursing baby (or toddler in my case) was far more efficient at stimulating milk production than my pump, I allowed him to nurse up to three times per day while I continued to pump 3-4 times per day. 

We were hitting our stride, and my pumping output was SLOWLY increasing, when we had another setback.  My work schedule changed, and this put stress on the whole family. My little guy had to start a new daycare during at this time as well.  So, I took a break from pumping for a couple of weeks. I could kick myself for this now, but I can’t go back to change it. That two week break set me all the way back to the beginning. Still, once we found our new rhythm, I was determined to get my production up.  I began faithfully pumping 5-6 times per day and VERY SLOWLY started to see an increase! Over the course of 4 weeks, my pumping output went from 1-1.5 oz per day to 3 oz per day in addition to the milk I was providing to my nursing toddler. Though my output is small, I’m confident that I can continue to increase my supply with dedicated pumping. Re-lactation takes time!   If you are considering starting the re-lactation process, there are a few things to keep in mind:

•  Milk supply is easier to influence in the first 4-6 weeks postpartum.
• The amount of time and pumping needed to re-lactate depends on many factors such as how long you were nursing or pumping before stopping, how long it has been since you stopped nursing or pumping, and how much milk you were producing at the time you stopped.
• Pumping alone can be an effective way to stimulate re-lactation.  The use of galactagogues should only be done so with the help of a knowledgeable practitioner.
• An effectively nursing baby is the MOST efficient way to stimulate milk production.  If your baby will latch, this is very helpful to the re-lactation process. The use of an at-breast-supplementer can be significantly helpful as well.
• The knowledge and expertise of an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, who has experience with re-lactation, can be extremely beneficial for a mother who is pursuing this goal!

Dewey KG. Nutrition, Growth, and Complementary Feeding of the Breastfed Infant. Pediatric Clinics of North American. February 2001;48(1).