The total fertility rate for the period 1995-97 is 3.7 live births per woman. This represents a 10.0-percent decrease from the 1990-92 level of 4.1 live births per woman.

Overall, 46.1 percent of currently married women in the Philippines are currently using a contraceptive method. Use of modern methods (28.2 percent of married women) outstrips use of traditional methods (17.9 percent). The most widely used methods are female sterilization (10.3 percent), followed by the pill (9.9 percent), withdrawal (8.9 percent) and calendar/rhythm/periodic abstinence (8.7 percent).

Supplementation of breastmilk with other liquids and foods begins early in the Philippines. Among infants 0-3 months old, almost half (47.2 percent) are being exclusively breastfed, while about one-third (34.5 percent) are being given water and other liquids, and the remaining 18.3 percent are not being breastfed. Exclusive breastfeeding declines rapidly with age so that among those aged 4-6 months, only 14.3 percent are exclusively breastfed, 35.0 percent are receiving solid or mushy food in addition to breastmilk, and 32.8 percent are not being breastfed at all.

The 1998 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) is a nationwide sample survey designed to provide information on various demographic and maternal and child health issues in the Philippines. The NDHS was conducted by the National Statistics Office (NSO) in collaboration with the Department of Health (DOH). Macro International Inc. of Calverton, Maryland provided technical assistance to the project while the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)/Philippines provided financial assistance.

A total of 13,983 women aged 15 to 49 years, irrespective of marital status, were interviewed. Each woman was asked about her reproductive history, knowledge and use of family planning methods, prenatal care, delivery and postnatal care, breastfeeding and weaning practices, vaccinations and health of children among others.

Source: National Statistics Office

Manila, Philippines