UNFPA-OPS Policy Note Series No. 11: Breastfeeding and Later Psychosocial Development in the Philippines

This policy note examines the relationship between breastfeeding duration and psychosocial development among children aged 5-6 in the Philippines. Using data from a longitudinal study, it finds that longer breastfeeding correlates positively with better psychosocial outcomes, such as social-emotional development and school readiness. However, this benefit tends to peak during the second year of life and declines slightly with longer breastfeeding durations. The findings suggest that promoting breastfeeding may have lasting benefits on child development, particularly in rural, low-income populations.