What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
lactating
Example
The new mother was lactating and needed to breastfeed her baby. [lactating: verb]
Example
The lactating mother pumped her breast milk to store for later use. [lactating: adjective]
nursing
Example
The mother was nursing her newborn baby every two hours. [nursing: verb]
Example
She decided to pursue a career in nursing after volunteering at a hospital. [nursing: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Nursing is a more common term than lactating in everyday language, as it is a more accessible and familiar term. Lactating is a more technical term that may be used more often in medical or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between lactating and nursing?
Lactating is a more formal term that is typically used in medical or scientific contexts, while nursing is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
