For Patients/Families

Glossary of Terms

Breastfeeding
Simply, the best way to provide nutrition for an infant. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that women breastfeed their children at least 12 months. During pregnancy the mother's body prepares to produce milk for the unborn baby. Breast milk contains important nutrients essential to the health of the infant and enzymes that assist the infant's digestion. Breast milk also provides factors that bolster immunity and help babies resist infections. Research has shown that breastfed babies tend to have fewer childhood infections, less diabetes later in life, better tooth and jaw development, and greater intelligence. It is the best food for your baby.

This is Children's Glossary of Medical Terms - and much more. You'll find the basic definitions and, for many medical subjects, a larger medical context written by an experienced Children's pediatrician. All the definitions are in an easy-to-print format.

Glossary Index

Search Glossary