lactancia
/laɡˈtanθja/feminine
The English word 'breastfeeding' can be translated into Spanish as lactancia or amamantamiento.
Meaning: activity (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| lactancia | /laɡˈtanθja/ /laɡˈtansja/ |
feminine |
| amamantamiento | /amamantaˈmjento/ | masculine |
Both terms refer to the activity of breastfeeding. To specifically denote the act of feeding a child with breast milk, you may see the phrase lactancia materna or alimentación con leche materna.
Which one should you use?
lactancia is a more formal, medical or technical term. In contrast, amamantamiento is a common way to refer to the act of breastfeeding, often used in more general or descriptive contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the term lactancia, the adjective materna (maternal) is frequently added to specify 'breastfeeding' as opposed to other types of lactation. The verb form related to amamantamiento is amamantar, which means 'to breastfeed'.
How do you pronounce it?
/laɡˈtanθja/
Did you know?
- While amamantamiento describes breastfeeding, the root mama refers to the breast and is also the root for mamá, reflecting the primal linguistic link between the body part and the mother.
- In some Spanish-speaking legal and medical contexts, the term lactancia is used to refer specifically to the legally mandated break time given to working mothers.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, you might hear the phrase dar el pecho (to give the breast) instead of using the formal nouns. This is the most common way to describe the act in a domestic or casual setting.
Examples in context
- La lactancia materna es una práctica altamente recomendada por los profesionales de la salud.Breastfeeding is highly recommended by health professionals.
- Es esencial promover la alimentación con leche materna en los primeros meses de vida del bebé.It is essential to promote breastfeeding in the early months of the baby's life.
- La madre decidió dar el pecho a su bebé para fortalecer el vínculo emocional.The mother decided to breastfeed her baby to strengthen the emotional bond.
- Amamantar es una experiencia maravillosa y natural para las madres y los bebés.Breastfeeding is a wonderful and natural experience for mothers and babies.
- La lactancia materna es muy importante.Breastfeeding is very important.
- Ella tiene dudas sobre la lactancia.She has doubts about breastfeeding.
- La lactancia ayuda al desarrollo del bebé.Breastfeeding helps the baby's development.
Example conversation
A couple is discussing their baby's health in a living room.
- LucíaLa lactancia es fundamental para el bebé.Breastfeeding is fundamental for the baby.
- AlejandroTienes razón, Lucía.You are right, Lucía.
- Lucía¿Crees que deberíamos buscar una asesora?Do you think we should look for a consultant?
- AlejandroSí, eso sería bueno para ti.Yes, that would be good for you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “breastfeeding” translations and entries lactancia, amamantamiento, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
