The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Designated as a Keystone 10 Hospital

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Mom with infant The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) has once again been recognized as a leader in breastfeeding. CHOP is now the first non-BFHI hospital in Pennsylvania to be recognized as a Keystone 10 center. The Keystone 10 Initiative, developed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, aims to improve the protection, promotion, and support of breastfeeding for all Pennsylvania families. This designation recognizes CHOP’s efforts to provide breastfeeding support and educational resources to its families and staff.

All hospitals that are recognized as “Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative” (BFHI) centers automatically receive Keystone 10 status. Facilities that do not have this title, such as CHOP, must prove their dedication to exclusive breastfeeding, skin-to-skin contact, and other actions to qualify as a Keystone 10 center.

The Keystone 10 Initiative is committed to improving the health of mothers and babies across Pennsylvania. Similar initiatives in other states have been successful in establishing breastfeeding policies and supporting families in making informed feeding decisions.

Multiple studies have shown the profound effect human milk has on babies, acting as both food and medicine. This is especially true for children who are cared for at CHOP. CHOP strives to teach mothers the importance of breastfeeding or pumping for children admitted to CHOP.  

Research shows that breastfed babies have fewer ear infections, respiratory infections, diarrhea, allergies, and trips to the pediatrician. They are also at a lower risk for obesity and have higher IQs and improved developmental outcomes compared to formula-fed babies.

Learn more about CHOP’s breastfeeding resources and initiatives.

Contact: The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia,