What do you call it?

[babygirlsmama]

I was just wondering what the thoughtful mamas here call it...ie, nursing, breastfeeding, etc?

I usually choose to say "nurse" or "nursing" in relation to my breastfeeding relationship. I seem to recall reading something that pointed out that the term "breastfeeding" doesn't take into account the nurturing/loving/etc. aspect of it all. I tend to agree, so I use nurse or nursing because I feel it is about way more than food. Anyone have thoughts? Different or similar ideas?

[Rosegin]

I say "nursing".

[Emmeline II]

I agree; I also say "nurse."

[amydiane]

I also say "nurse" or "nursing," but I do use "BFing" online sometimes.

[Oceanone]

In the US I called it nursing, but where I live now nursing just means holding and cuddling and can be done by anyone. So I call it breastfeeding if I mean to be understood.

[Pat899]

We call it milk and teach our babies to use ASL for milk. If we are having ceral with goatmilk or cowmilk we call it by those names. But mama milk is "milk."

[crunchy_mommy]

I call it "eating". On the plus side, "eat eat" was the first word he learned how to say & sign (easy to say!) but I guess it does take out the nurturing component. For some reason I don't like the work "nursing" -- I guess it reminds me of nurses in the hospital which has never been a good experience! But I am warming up to the word some...

[baileyann3]

We say nurse too!

[craft_media_hero]

I say nursing coz it sounds less anatomical and science-y. More nurturing word, I guess.

[Kelly1101]

I say nursing or breastfeeding, probably I say "nursing" a little more often. I say breastfeeding when, like, I'm talking to the doctor or something: "Can I take this medication while breastfeeding?", etc.

[Aliviasmom]

We always said "nurse." And my breasts were called "nurses." In fact, they still are, as Alivia sometimes still likes to touch my "nurses" when we snuggle at night.

[mama2myloves]

I say both, but probably use "nursing" a little more.

[Lineymom]

At home we always say "mookies" lol. That was the word my (now weaned) ds used when trying to say "milkies". It has stuck. When talking to others I just say I am feeding her. Maybe that is too generic or not lactivist enough, lol. Sometimes I say nursing, but I have that bad connation with hospital/dr office nurses, too.

[boheime]

As a low supply mom, I've always felt a distinction between breastfeeding and nursing, since I have to use Lact-Aids to suplement. I refer to breastfeeding in general but nursing my children.

[sioleabha]

I use both, but probably nursing more often. My kids do all know the words breastfeeding, breasts, nipples, and breastmilk. (Or, "milk from mommy's breasts.")

[GreenGranolaMama]

I say nurse or nursing, DS seems to call it na na and... are you ready for this... DH calls it Boobie Snacks (like Scooby Snacks)

[Altair]

I call it 'nursing' and refer to my breast as a 'nurse' to my baby... like:

"Be gentle to nurse!" or "We only can touch nurse with our mouths." (can you guess we have a pinching to the point of bruising while hysterically laughing epidemic going on right now???)

I've never said "nurses" because I tend to not have them out at the same time with him (for previously mentioned pinching issues), except in the bath.

[Tiana]

I'm really not a fan of the term 'breastfeeding.' I find it puts to much emphasis on the ('dirty' and 'naughty' ) boobs, plus makes it seem like it's all about food, when clearly nursing is about so much more than just feeding.

When talking to my DS, I usually just use 'eat', 'food', and sometimes 'boobies'. When talking to others or making reference to the act itself, I almost always use 'nurse'.

[rparker]

I tend to say "nurse," "mama milk," or "milkies" when talking to my 2.5 year old. My daughter has an alphabet picture book that has a picture of a female nurse for "N" and when my husband told her it said "nurse" she said "mama milk" and pointed to the woman's breasts

When talking to other adults I occasionally say "nurse" but usually say "breastfeed."

[Peppermint Poppies]

I call it breastfeeding when I'm talking to other adults. When I'm talking to DD (who is breastfed) or DS, I call it milkies or boobies or just 'having a feed'.
Where I live, nursing just means cuddling and smooching, not breastfeeding. Our national breastfeeding organisation changed their name a long time ago to reflect this also.