Welcome to the Pennsylvania Breastfeeding Awareness and Support Program

The Pennsylvania Department of Health is making funds available for the purchase of supplies and equipment for Pennsylvania hospitals, community-based organizations and local health departments in the continuing efforts to support breastfeeding   Pennsylvania hospitals can request funds to support breastfeeding by purchasing a multi-user, hospital grade electric breast pump to loan to mothers whose infants are in the hospital’s infant special care unit/nursery and whom want to breastfeed their infants.  Domestic violence shelters, domestic violence survivor programs, county and municipal health departments as well as home visiting programs for pregnant women and new mothers are also eligible to request funds to purchase breastfeeding and breastfeeding related supplies, equipment and educational materials for clients as well as educational materials and reference books for staff.   Funds are available on a first come, first service.   This is a reimbursement only initiative.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health recognizes breastfeeding as the ideal nutrition for infants.  The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, continued breastfeeding for the first year and then for as long as mutually desired by mother and child.  Mother's mik is best for both babies and mothers and offers complete nutrition that cannot be reproduced in formula.  

The Pennsylvania Breastfeeding Awareness and Support Program was started in 2004 to increase the number of new mothers who choose breastfeeding as their long-term infant feeding method. 

We hope our website will give you the resources and tools you need to promote and support breastfeeding in your community.