WordGarden.iobreastfeed
Pronunciation
UK
- /brˈɛstfiːd/
US
- /ˈbrɛstfid/
Meanings
Verb
to feed a baby with milk from the breast
Beyond the definition
To breastfeed is the act of feeding an infant with milk directly from the mother's breast. It's a natural way for mothers to nourish their babies, providing not just food but also antibodies that help protect against illness. While often associated with early infancy, breastfeeding can continue for several years depending on the needs of the mother and child.
The term "breastfeed" emphasizes how the baby is fed—directly from the breast—as opposed to bottle-feeding expressed milk or formula. You will often hear it used in discussions about maternal health, infant nutrition, or parenting choices. For example: "She chose to breastfeed her baby for the first six months," or, "The hospital provides lactation consultants to help mothers with breastfeeding."
Breastfeeding is the practice of feeding a baby milk directly from the mother's breast. It is more than just providing nourishment; it is a complex process that fosters bonding between mother and child, offering emotional comfort and crucial immunological benefits for the infant. Breast milk contains antibodies that help protect babies from infections and illnesses, significantly contributing to their healthy development.
While biologically natural, breastfeeding is also a learned skill for both mother and baby. It often requires patience, support, and occasionally assistance from healthcare professionals like lactation consultants to ensure a proper "latch" and comfortable experience.
The term "breastfeed" specifically refers to the act of nursing directly at the breast. It is frequently used in contexts relating to public health initiatives promoting infant nutrition ("Organizations advocate for policies that support breastfeeding mothers"), parenting advice ("Many pediatricians recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months"), or discussions about maternal rights and workplace accommodations ("She requested a private space to breastfeed during her workday").
Sometimes, "breastfeeding" is used more broadly to encompass the entire period of nursing, even if the routine includes supplementing with expressed milk. It is important to be sensitive when discussing this topic, as personal choices and physical capabilities vary greatly; therefore, providing support for all infant feeding methods is considered best practice in modern care.
Examples
- 1
Parenting choice
She decided to breastfeed her son for as long as she could.
- 2
Baby feeding
The baby was hungry and began to breastfeed as soon as she picked him up.
- 3
Nursing help
The nurse showed her how to breastfeed without pain.
- 4
Public feeding
Some parents feel comfortable breastfeeding in public, while others prefer more privacy.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Passive form
He was breastfed until he was nearly a year old.
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- breastfeedverb