Based upon nationally-recognized models, Virginia’s five standards for breastfeeding-friendly early care programs are:
Download the BFF Child Care Standards Toolkit
Environment Standard: A ‘breastfeeding friendly early care program’ provides an inclusive environment that communicates that breastfeeding is welcome and will be supported within the program. The program has a culturally-responsive, breastfeeding-friendly environment.
Every Ounce Counts Breastfeeding-Friendly Books and Toys PDF Creating a Breastfeeding Friendly Environment PDF
Poster [English & Spanish]
Family Support Standard: Families are better able to continue to breastfeed when they are supported with information and resources about breastfeeding. This program provides resources and/or Information about breastfeeding to new mothers and family members.
Online resources: Virginia Breastfeeding Coalition: is a nonprofit educational organization supporting families of Virginia and their breastfeeding goals. La Leche League: helps mothers worldwide to breastfeed through mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information, and education, and to promote a better understanding of breastfeeding as an important element in the healthy development of the baby and mother. Breastfeeding Basics: Learn how milk is made, when to nurse, how long babies nurse, and more. Print resources: Breastfeeding Back to Work Toolkit: A Guide for Breastfeeding Moms PDF Infant Feeding A Guide for Parents and Caregivers PDF Benefits of Breastfeeding for Babies, Mothers and Families PDF Virginia Law for Breastfeeding Parents PDF
A Magical Bond of Love PDF
Infant Feeding Standard: Breastfeeding is supported when infants are fed on-demand, and when the program communicates with mothers/families about infant feeding preferences. This program is committed to infant feeding best practices.
Infant Feeding CACFP Infant Meal Pattern PDF Feeding Infants in the Child and Adults Care Food Program PDF For Parents: Breastfeeding? Tell Us About Your Breastfed Baby! PDF Infant Feeding A Guide for Parents and Caregivers PDF CACFP Infant Meal Pattern Fact Sheet PDF 
A Guide for Parents and Caregivers PDF
Professional Development Standard: Breastfeeding is supported when program staff are trained and knowledgeable about the benefits of breastfeeding, responsive feeding practices, how to promote breastfeeding and how to store and handle breast milk. This program ensures that staff who care children ages 0-3 and at least one director/administrator are trained in areas below to support and promote breastfeeding.
Online resources: Virginia Licensing Requirements Impacting Breastfeeding Responsive Feeding Module is an online course for early care and education providers that educates on responsive feeding best practices, and on how to implement responsive feeding best practices in EEC settings. Better Kid Care Online training Childhood Obesity: LMCC- Support Infant Feeding Taking Steps to Healthy Success: Breastfeeding Support Print resource: Breastfeeding Tip Sheet PDF Video resources: How to Support Breastfeeding Mothers & Families: A Simple Guide for Child Care Providers Seeking Support for Breastfeeding at Work and Child Care: A Parent Guide
Breastfeeding Policy Standard: Breastfeeding is supported when a program has a written policy that reflects support for breastfeeding mothers and families, that is shared with staff and families. This program has a written policy that addresses criteria noted below.
Feeding Guidelines for Infants and Young Toddlers: A Responsive Parenting Approach Breastfeeding and Early Care and Education (ECE) Fact Sheet PDF Breastfeeding Resources PDF 
