REPERCUSSIONS OF BREASTFEEDING ON CHILD DEVELOPMENT IN PHYSICAL, COGNITIVE, EMOTIONAL, AND SOCIAL ASPECTS

Abstract

This article aimed to analyze the influence of breastfeeding on children’s physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development, considering the most recent scientific evidence on the subject. This is an integrative literature review with a descriptive and qualitative approach, conducted using the PubMed, LILACS, and SciELO databases. Articles published between 2022 and 2026, available in full text in Portuguese and English, and addressing the relationship between breastfeeding and child development were included. After the selection process, twelve studies composed the final sample. The results showed that breastfeeding is associated with a reduction in respiratory and gastrointestinal infections, healthy growth, and a lower occurrence of metabolic disorders during childhood. Benefits were also observed in cognitive, neuropsychomotor, emotional, and social development, as well as in strengthening the mother–child bond. It is concluded that breastfeeding is an essential strategy for promoting health and the comprehensive development of children, requiring the strengthening of public policies, educational actions, and family and professional support for breastfeeding.