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Breastfeeding: meaning, definitions and examples

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breastfeeding

[ ˈbrɛstˌfiːdɪŋ ]

Noun

^{Context #1 | Noun}

feeding a baby

Breastfeeding is the practice of feeding a baby with milk from the mother's breast, rather than using formula or other methods. It is recommended by health professionals as the best way to provide infants with the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development.

Synonyms

lactation, nursing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
breastfeeding	Breastfeeding is commonly used in everyday language to describe the act of a mother feeding her baby with milk directly from her breast. It is a general term and is suitable for use in both informal and formal settings. Breastfeeding provides essential nutrients for babies. She decided to attend a breastfeeding support group.
nursing	Nursing can refer to feeding a baby at the breast but may also be used to describe the profession of caring for patients. In the context of feeding, it is slightly more formal than 'breastfeeding'. She is committed to six months of exclusive nursing. Nursing is a significant bonding activity between mother and child.
lactation	Lactation is a more technical term often used in medical or scientific discussions. It refers to the biological process of producing milk from the mammary glands. Proper nutrition is important for maintaining healthy lactation. The doctor explained the stages of lactation to the new mother.

Word

Description / Examples

breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is commonly used in everyday language to describe the act of a mother feeding her baby with milk directly from her breast. It is a general term and is suitable for use in both informal and formal settings.

Breastfeeding provides essential nutrients for babies.
She decided to attend a breastfeeding support group.

nursing

Nursing can refer to feeding a baby at the breast but may also be used to describe the profession of caring for patients. In the context of feeding, it is slightly more formal than 'breastfeeding'.

She is committed to six months of exclusive nursing.
Nursing is a significant bonding activity between mother and child.

lactation

Lactation is a more technical term often used in medical or scientific discussions. It refers to the biological process of producing milk from the mammary glands.

Proper nutrition is important for maintaining healthy lactation.
The doctor explained the stages of lactation to the new mother.

Examples of usage

Breastfeeding helps to establish a strong bond between mother and baby.
Many mothers find breastfeeding to be a natural and rewarding experience.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

public health

Breastfeeding is also considered a public health issue, as it has been shown to have numerous benefits for both the mother and the baby. These include reducing the risk of certain illnesses and diseases, promoting healthy weight gain, and providing emotional benefits for both mother and baby.

Synonyms

lactation, nursing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
breastfeeding	Typically used to describe the act of feeding a baby with milk directly from the mother's breast. She chose breastfeeding as the primary method to nourish her newborn There are many benefits to breastfeeding for both the baby and the mother

Word

Description / Examples

breastfeeding

Typically used to describe the act of feeding a baby with milk directly from the mother's breast.

She chose breastfeeding as the primary method to nourish her newborn
There are many benefits to breastfeeding for both the baby and the mother

Examples of usage

Many countries have implemented programs to promote breastfeeding as a way to improve public health.
Breastfeeding in public is protected by law in many places.

Translations

Translations of the word "breastfeeding" in other languages:

🇵🇹 amamentação

🇮🇳 स्तनपान

🇩🇪 Stillen

🇮🇩 menyusui

🇺🇦 грудне вигодовування

🇵🇱 karmienie piersią

🇯🇵 授乳 (じゅにゅう)

🇫🇷 allaitement

🇪🇸 lactancia

🇹🇷 emzirme

🇰🇷 모유 수유

🇸🇦 الرضاعة الطبيعية

🇨🇿 kojení

🇸🇰 dojčenie

🇨🇳 母乳喂养

🇸🇮 dojenje

🇮🇸 brjóstagjöf

🇰🇿 емізу

🇬🇪 ძუძუთი კვება

🇦🇿 əmizdirmə

🇲🇽 lactancia

Etymology

The practice of breastfeeding has been around for centuries and is considered the most natural way to feed a baby. In many cultures, breastfeeding is seen as a bonding experience between mother and child, as well as a way to provide essential nutrients for the baby's growth and development. The benefits of breastfeeding have been well-documented by research, leading to widespread recommendations by health organizations worldwide. Despite some challenges and controversies, breastfeeding remains a widely accepted and encouraged practice for infant feeding.