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 few hours to ensure he gets proper nutrition. [breastfeeds: verb]
Example
Breastfeeding is recommended by doctors as the best way to provide essential nutrients to infants. [breastfeeding: noun]
suckling
Example
The suckling lamb eagerly nursed from its mother's teat. [suckling: adjective]
Example
The newborn baby was content while suckling at his mother's breast. [suckling: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Breastfeeding is a more commonly used term in everyday language, especially in medical and parenting contexts. It is widely recognized and understood. Suckling, on the other hand, is less common and may not be as familiar to everyone.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between breastfeeding and suckling?
Breastfeeding is considered a more formal term, commonly used in professional and medical settings. It is the preferred term when discussing the act of feeding a baby with breast milk. Suckling, on the other hand, is more informal and may be used in casual conversations or storytelling.