breast-feeding

breast-feeding

The normal, and best, method of providing baby nutrition. The chemical constitution of breast milk is attuned to the digestive capacity of the baby and the nutritional balance is exactly what is required.

Collins Dictionary of Medicine © Robert M. Youngson 2004, 2005

breast-feeding

(in humans) the direct feeding of an unweaned child on breast milk from the MAMMARY GLAND, as opposed to bottle-feeding. Breast-feeding ensures the transfer of useful antibodies from mother to child at a time when the infant does not have a fully functioning immune system.

Collins Dictionary of Biology, 3rd ed. © W. G. Hale, V. A. Saunders, J. P. Margham 2005