Wash hands before handling breast milk or pumping equipment
Use clean, food-grade storage containers or breast milk storage bags
Label each container with the date and time the milk was expressed
Store milk in small portions to reduce waste
Refrigerate freshly expressed milk promptly
Keep refrigerated milk at the back of the refrigerator, not in the door
Freeze milk if it will not be used within the recommended refrigeration time
Leave space at the top of containers for milk expansion when freezing
Store frozen milk in the back of the freezer, not in the door
Use the oldest milk first
Thaw frozen milk in the refrigerator, under cool running water, or in warm water
Do not thaw or heat breast milk in a microwave
Do not refreeze thawed breast milk
Use thawed milk within 24 hours if kept in the refrigerator
Discard leftover milk from a feeding if the baby does not finish it
Follow safe storage time guidelines for room temperature, refrigeration, and freezing
Keep milk away from direct sunlight and heat sources