Breastfeed: meaning, definitions and examples

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breastfeed

[ˈbrɛstˌfiːd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

nourish with milk from the breast

Breastfeed is the act of feeding a baby or young child with milk from the mother's breast. It is a natural and essential way of providing nutrition and comfort to infants. Breastfeeding is recommended by healthcare professionals as it contains essential nutrients and antibodies that help protect the baby from infections and diseases.

Synonyms

lactate, nurse, suckle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
breastfeed	This term is commonly used when discussing the act of a mother feeding her baby with milk directly from her breasts. It is often used in medical and everyday contexts. She decided to breastfeed her newborn baby. Breastfeeding has numerous health benefits for both mother and child.
nurse	This term can refer to the act of breastfeeding but is also used in a broader sense. It can include bottle-feeding and is additionally used in professions related to health care. She decided to nurse her baby rather than use formula. The nurse helped the new mother learn how to nurse her infant.
suckle	This term is less commonly used in everyday language and often appears in historical or literary contexts. It describes the baby actively feeding from the mother's breast. Sometimes, it can have a more primitive or animalistic connotation. The young lambs began to suckle from their mother. He watched the small kittens suckle peacefully.
lactate	Lactate is more technical and is usually used in a medical or scientific context, to describe the physiological process of producing milk in the mammary glands. Many mammals lactate to feed their young. The hormone prolactin stimulates milk production, or lactation, in women.

Examples of usage

She breastfeeds her baby every two hours.
The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a baby's life.
Many mothers find breastfeeding to be a bonding experience with their child.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

act of feeding a baby with milk from the breast

Breastfeed as a noun refers to the act of feeding a baby with milk directly from the mother's breast. It is a natural and beneficial way of providing infants with essential nutrients and antibodies. Breastfeeding has numerous health benefits for both the baby and the mother.

Synonyms

lactation, nursing, suckling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
breastfeed	Used to describe the act of feeding a baby directly from the mother's breast. It is commonly used in both medical and informal contexts. She decided to breastfeed her baby to give him the best nutrition. Breastfeeding can help strengthen the bond between mother and child.
nursing	Used to describe the action of feeding a baby from the breast. 'Nursing' can also refer to the profession of healthcare workers who take care of patients. She spent a lot of time nursing her newborn. Nursing requires patience and practice for both mother and baby.
lactation	Refers to the biological process of producing milk in the mammary glands. Often used in medical or scientific contexts. Lactation usually begins shortly after childbirth. The lactation consultant provided valuable advice to new mothers.
suckling	Refers specifically to the act of a baby or young animal drinking milk from its mother. This term is more often used in relation to animals rather than humans. The kitten was found suckling on its mother. Suckling is a natural behavior seen in many mammals.

Examples of usage

Breastfeed is recommended by pediatricians as the best form of nutrition for babies.
The benefits of breastfeed include bonding with the baby and reducing the risk of certain illnesses.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The practice dates back thousands of years; it was the primary method of infant nourishment before formula was invented.
Ancient cultures often had wet nurses, women who breastfed babies that weren't theirs, helping other mothers care for their children.

Health Benefits

Breastfeeding can reduce the risk of certain illnesses for both the baby and mother, providing essential nutrients and antibodies.
Research shows that breastfeeding promotes bonding between mother and child, enhancing emotional development.

Cultural Practices

In many cultures, breastfeeding is not just a feeding method but is seen as an important rite of passage for motherhood.
Some societies practice extended breastfeeding, where mothers continue to nurse their toddlers for years.

Psychology

Studies suggest that breastfeeding can influence brain development, leading to better cognitive outcomes in adulthood.
The closeness during breastfeeding strengthens feelings of safety and attachment between parent and child.

Modern Perspectives

In recent years, there has been a push for public breastfeeding rights, advocating for a mother's right to feed her baby anywhere.
Celebrity endorsements and social media have played a huge role in destigmatizing breastfeeding in public spaces.

Translations

Translations of the word "breastfeed" in other languages:

🇵🇹 amamentar

🇮🇳 स्तनपान कराना

🇩🇪 stillen

🇮🇩 menyusui

🇺🇦 годувати грудьми

🇵🇱 karmić piersią

🇯🇵 授乳する

🇫🇷 allaiter

🇪🇸 amamantar

🇹🇷 emzirmek

🇰🇷 모유 수유하다

🇸🇦 ترضع

🇨🇿 kojit

🇸🇰 dojčiť

🇨🇳 哺乳

🇸🇮 dojiti

🇮🇸 gefa brjóst

🇰🇿 емізу

🇬🇪 ძუძუთი კვება

🇦🇿 əmizdirmək

🇲🇽 amamantar