Wash hands before expressing or handling breast milk
Use clean, sterilized containers or breast milk storage bags
Label each container with the date and time of expression
Store milk in small portions to reduce waste
Refrigerate milk promptly after expression if not using immediately
Keep refrigerated milk at 4°C (39°F) or colder
Freeze milk if it will not be used within a few days
Place frozen milk in the back of the freezer, not in the door
Avoid refreezing thawed breast milk
Thaw frozen milk in the refrigerator or by placing the container in warm water
Do not microwave breast milk
Use the oldest stored milk first
Keep milk containers tightly sealed
Discard milk left over after a feeding
Follow safe storage time limits for room temperature, refrigerator, and freezer storage
Keep milk away from direct sunlight and heat
Transport milk in an insulated cooler with ice packs when needed