English Reference
noun

breastfeeding

n.
US /ˈbɹɛstfidɪŋ/ UK /bɹˈɛstfiːdɪŋ/ breast·feed·ing

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate Medicine

    the act of feeding a baby milk from a mother's breast.

    the practice of nourishing an infant with human milk from the breast. Uncountable in this general sense.

    Simple

    The doctor discussed the health benefits of breastfeeding for both the mother and the baby.

    In context

    Public health initiatives often emphasize breastfeeding as a primary means of improving infant immunity and long-term developmental outcomes.

    bottle feeding
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    one specific time when a baby is fed from the breast.

    an individual instance or session of feeding an infant at the breast. Countable in this context.

    Simple

    The baby fell asleep immediately after a long breastfeeding.

    In context

    The midwife suggested keeping a log of each breastfeeding to ensure the newborn was receiving adequate nutrition throughout the day.

    feednursing session

UNICEF says the incident destroyed more than $770,000 worth of its nutrition supplies, which were intended to support more than 45,000 children, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers.

UN News· 28 Aug 2026

Durkin also says that data on ADHD medication and breastfeeding is limited, and recommends discussing the matter with your specialist.

The Guardian· 22 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated