What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
lactating
Example
The mother's body was lactating after giving birth to her child. [lactating: verb]
Example
Lactating cows are an important source of milk for the dairy industry. [lactating: adjective]
breastfeeding
Example
The mother was breastfeeding her newborn baby in the hospital. [breastfeeding: verb]
Example
Breastfeeding is beneficial for both the mother and the baby's health. [breastfeeding: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Breastfeeding is a more common term than lactating in everyday language, as it is the recommended way of feeding infants and is widely discussed in parenting and health circles. Lactating is a more technical term that is used less frequently in everyday conversation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between lactating and breastfeeding?
Lactating is a more formal term than breastfeeding, as it is often used in medical or scientific contexts. Breastfeeding is a more versatile term that can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the situation and audience.
