Pennsylvania Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics 
First Food Network Program

This First Food Network program is committed to:​
  • Forming partnerships and cooperation with state-wide community partners
  • Assisting organizations with the implementation of policies and programs across Pennsylvania
  • Promoting the Breastfeeding-Friendly Community
  • Encouraging others to join in the effort to protect breastfeeding
  • Providing education on the benefits of human milk with the purpose of cultural acceptance  
​

First Food Projects: 

Library Story Kit
​How Mammals Feed Their Babies 

Picture
In an effort to educate communities across Pennsylvania about the importance of human milk as "First Food," we have developed a free Breastfeeding Library Story Kits as a story time resource for libraries to help normalize breastfeeding! Libraries and librarians play a unique role in providing health information and have an opportunity to improve public support of chest/breastfeeding by ensuring that children's collections include picture books that depict breastfeeding in other mammals, in an age-appropriate manner.

Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care Guide

​​First Food developed a Breastfeeding-Friendly Child Care Guide to explain how child care programs can best support breast/chestfeeding parents and their children in their care, by following national breastfeeding and infant feeding standards. 

Educational Materials:
​
The 10 Steps to a Breastfeeding Friendly Facility
Training and Competency Modules

Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics updated the Breastfeeding Friendly Facility modules, formerly known as the Keystone 10 Initiative. These modules will continue to provide breastfeeding education and support to providers and families. The Ten Steps to a Breastfeeding Friendly Facility will continue to be a quality improvement initiative that engages Pennsylvania birthing facilities in efforts to improve the protection, promotion, and support of breastfeeding.
​
The Ten Steps to a Breastfeeding Friendly Facility - 15 Modules

If you have any questions or want more information regarding the Ten Steps to a Breastfeeding Friendly Facility modules, please contact Shaley Christensen at [email protected].

Additional Resources:

​​Breastfeeding Resources for Parents & Providers

Frequently Asked Questions 

breastfeeding myths
why should i breastfeed and who does breastfeeding benefit?

Breastfeeding is beneficial to the mother and baby for a variety of reasons. 
For mom: 
-Reduces risk of ovarian and breast cancers
-Reduced risk of post-partum depression 
-Reduced risk of developing Type 2 diabetes
-Reduced risk of heart disease and more!

For baby: 
-Boosts immune system 
-Provides anti-bodies, known as 'first vaccine'
-Fewer ear and respiratory infections
-Reduced risk of Sudden Infant Syndrome (SIDS)
-Reduced risk of childhood obesity, asthma and diabetes and more!

Please ask your healthcare provider about benefits of breastfeeding!
How is milk made?
Please ask your healthcare provider if you have additional questions. 
what can i do about mastitis, fungal infections, and plugged ducts?
Please contact your healthcare provider for more information. 
what's the importance of skin-to-skin?
Health professionals, (in addition to your doctor), that can help with breastfeeding
Contact Information

Shaley Christensen
Communications and Special Projects Assistant
[email protected]

Stay Connected with First Food Network! 


​We are glad to be able to discuss common goals, obstacles and objectives with our partners. To join us on Basecamp, click here. 

© 2025 PA Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics
661 Moore Road 
Suite 200
King of Prussia, PA 19406
Phone: (484) 446-3000
Fax: (484) 446-3255
This website is a publication of PA AAP and is intended to be a forum for information and communication among the PA AAP membership, individuals and groups interested in the health and well-being of children. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the electronic documents and resources provided on this website. However, the PA AAP makes no warranties, expressed or implied, regarding errors or omissions and assumes no legal liability or responsibility for loss or damage resulting from the use of information contained within.