What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
breastfeeding
Example
She breastfeeds her baby every two hours to ensure they are getting enough nutrition. [breastfeeds: verb]
Example
Breastfeeding is recommended by doctors as the best way to provide essential nutrients to newborns. [breastfeeding: noun]
nursing
Example
She is nursing her baby with a bottle because she couldn't breastfeed. [nursing: verb]
Example
The nurse provided excellent nursing care to the patient, ensuring their comfort and well-being. [nursing: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Breastfeeding is more commonly used than nursing when specifically referring to the act of feeding a baby with breast milk. It is a natural and widely recommended method for providing essential nutrients to infants. On the other hand, nursing has a broader usage and can refer to various aspects of caring for a baby, including feeding.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between breastfeeding and nursing?
Both breastfeeding and nursing can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, nursing has an additional formal connotation when referring to the profession of providing medical care and assistance to patients.
