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 avoid wasting unused milk
Keep freshly expressed milk at room temperature for up to 4 hours
Store milk in the refrigerator at 4°C or below for up to 4 days
Store milk in the freezer at -18°C or below for up to 6 months, preferably up to 12 months
Place milk toward the back of the refrigerator or freezer, not in the door
Do not add warm milk to already chilled or frozen milk
Thaw frozen milk in the refrigerator or by placing the container in warm water
Do not use a microwave to thaw or heat breast milk
Use thawed milk within 24 hours if kept in the refrigerator
Use thawed milk within 2 hours after it reaches room temperature
Do not refreeze thawed breast milk
Gently swirl milk to mix separated layers before feeding
Discard any leftover milk from a feeding bottle after use