We have 'num nums' in this house, which is currently 'nah nahs" to a not 
quite talking yet almost 3 year old.  Less a code word, as a warm and 
loving term that like topsy, just grewed.

References to "boob" and "boobie juice" are further complicated in the 
UK, as for a lot of us a "boob" is an idiot, or a fool, not a part of 
human anatomy.  (And therefore the term "boob nazi" doubly aggressive).

I do wonder, if the 'num nums' type terms, are based on primal sound 
development.  Just as the "mamamam" sounds appear to always end up 
meaning 'mother' across the globe, does nnnns and mmmmms sounds become 
nurturing at the 'mamamamamam'!  Do we all go "mmmnnnnnn"  on smelling 
lovely  food?

And what, can I ask, of those who are as obsessed with language as I 
am... but have more actual knowledge... is the word tree on 
'breastfeeding' like?  Is it really a 'new' word, only brought in 
generally in opposition to bottle feeding?  Does it have a history 
anywhere near as long as 'nurse' and 'suckle'?

Morgan Gallagher

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