Pronunciation: [bɹˈɛstmɪlk] (IPA) 
The term "breastmilk" refers to the natural milk produced by a nursing mother. In terms of spelling, it follows the common English phonetic rule of "ea" making a long "e" sound as in "meat" or "beat". Therefore, "breast" is spelled with an "ea" to indicate the long "e" sound, while "milk" is spelled phonetically with an "i" as in "kitten". The phonetic transcription of "breastmilk" is /brɛst.mɪlk/.
Breastmilk refers to the natural food produced by the mammary glands of female humans for their infants. It is the primary source of nutrition for babies during the initial months of their lives. Breastmilk is specifically tailored to meet the nutritional needs of infants, containing a combination of essential nutrients, antibodies, and enzymes that help support their growth and development.
Breastmilk is a complex and dynamic substance that undergoes changes throughout the course of breastfeeding. It is produced in response to hormonal signals and is typically available shortly after childbirth. It is rich in proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, which provide the necessary energy for an infant's rapid growth.
The composition of breastmilk can vary based on factors such as the mother's diet, age, and overall health. It is also influenced by the baby's needs, as breastmilk can change its composition to adapt to their developmental stage. Researchers have noted that breastmilk provides long-term health benefits to infants, including protection against various illnesses and diseases, such as respiratory infections, ear infections, and allergies.
Breastmilk is recommended as the optimal source of nutrition for infants for the first six months of life by leading health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO). It is considered a vital aspect of infant feeding, providing not only nourishment but also comfort, immune protection, and emotional bonding between mother and child.
The word "breastmilk" is a compound word composed of two parts: "breast" and "milk".
The term "breast" comes from the Middle English word "brest", which can be traced back to the Old English word "brēost". The origin of "breast" can be found in the Proto-Germanic word "brusts" and is also related to similar words in other Germanic languages.
The word "milk" has a much older history, stemming from the Old English word "meoluc". This can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "meluks", originating from the Proto-Indo-European root "*melǵ-" which means "to milk or suckle".
