Imetyvä

Imetyvä is a Finnish term that translates to "breastfeeding" or "nursing" in English. It refers to the process of feeding a baby or young mammal with milk from the breast. This natural biological process is fundamental to the survival and development of offspring in many species, including humans.

In the context of human infant feeding, imetyvä is a widely recognized and often encouraged practice. Breast milk is considered to be the ideal food for newborns and infants, providing essential nutrients, antibodies, and growth factors that support their immune system and overall health. The World Health Organization and numerous pediatric associations recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a baby's life, followed by continued breastfeeding alongside complementary foods for up to two years or beyond.

The practice of imetyvä involves both physiological and psychological aspects. Physiologically, the mother's body produces milk in response to hormonal signals, and the act of suckling by the infant stimulates further milk production through a feedback loop. Psychologically, imetyvä can foster a strong bond between mother and child, offering comfort and security to the infant. Support systems, such as lactation consultants and breastfeeding groups, are often available to assist mothers with challenges they may encounter during this period. The term can also be used more broadly to describe the act of a mother or female animal providing milk to her young.