You have just changed your baby's diaper, and went to bed, to finally rest. Suddenly, you hear a loud wail. Your baby is crying, again! This time, it is the hungry cry.

But what if we tell you that you no longer have to disrupt your rest with your baby's cry for hunger? This is only possible when you already know when to feed your baby. Babies cannot tell when they are hungry, so more often than not, parents may miss to understand they are hungry, until the hunger cry starts. But there are some cues you can look for to feed your baby!

Hunger Cues In Your Baby

Increased Activity

Your baby might become more alert and active. Thinking about food can make babies excited, so you may notice them moving around more than usual.

Head-Turning

Babies often turn their heads from side to side as if searching for food.

Mouth Movements

Look for signs like opening and closing their mouth, resembling a tiny bird waiting to be fed.

Rooting Reflex

Turning their head toward the breast, chest, or bottle is a classic hunger cue.

Sucking Motions

Babies may make sucking motions with their mouths, even if they don’t have a pacifier or bottle nearby.

Lip Smacking or Drooling

Increased drooling, lip-smacking, or sticking out their tongue are all signals they’re getting ready for a meal.

Sucking on Hands or Clothing

Your baby might start sucking on their fingers, hands, or even their clothes as a sign of hunger.

Clenched Fists

Watch for little fists clenching in frustration and impatience.

Focused Eye Contact

Babies who recognize their primary feeder might stare and follow you around the room with their eyes.

Facial Expressions

A furrowed brow or a distressed look might be your baby’s way of saying, “When’s the next meal?”

The “Neh” Sound

According to Dunstan baby language, the sound “neh” just before crying often means hunger.

Also remember that hunger pangs are strong enough to wake most babies, even from deep sleep. However, if your baby consistently sleeps for extended periods, it’s important to ensure they’re feeding frequently enough for their age.

For newborns, it’s generally recommended that they don’t regularly sleep longer than 4 hours at a stretch. Occasional long naps are fine—especially if they give you a much-needed rest! However, if your baby frequently sleeps through feeding times, consult your pediatrician to determine if gentle wake-ups for feeding are necessary.

How do you know your baby is feeding well enough?

It can be difficult to ensure that your baby is well fed, especially if you are breastfeeding, or when your baby is not of the age when he can talk. However, there are signals too for this, in fact your baby also learns how to signal that they need more milk or food.

It also depends on the age. For instance, a newborn will feed often, usually every 2 to 3 hours and sometime smore often. They feed up to 12 times every 24 hours. As your baby grows, their tummies grow too, in fact the tummy grows form a size of cherry at birth to walnut in 3 days. In a week, it is at the size of plum and in a month, it is of the size of a large chicken egg.

The "I am not hungry right now" signs for babies are:

• releasing or pushing away the breast or bottle
• closing their mouth and not responding to encouragement to latch on or suck again
• open and relaxed hands (instead of clenched)
• relaxing their body and even going a little limp
• looking around and showing interest in playing or other things
• looking content and maybe even smiling
• appearing happily drowsy and ready to go back to sleep

A blood test is considered the first step towards fertility enquiries, but for many, the results might seem like a confusing jumble of numbers and acronyms. Reports sometimes contain terms like AMH, FSH, LH, AFC, and estradiol, which can confuse patients into thinking that a single "abnormal" figure indicates they are unable to conceive.

The truth is more reassuring, and more nuanced. Fertility experts stress that a single test cannot ascertain a person's fertility. Instead, these markers serve as parts of a bigger picture, assisting fertility specialists in comprehending reproductive health and suggesting the best course of action when necessary.

Fertility tests are guides, not verdicts

The idea that a single blood test can determine whether a woman would naturally become pregnant is one of the most widespread myths. Age, egg quality, ovulation, sperm health, uterine health, lifestyle, and underlying medical issues are some of the factors that actually affect fertility.

Although diagnostic markers offer useful information, they must always be interpreted in conjunction with the couple's overall reproductive profile, clinical history, and ultrasound results.

Understanding the ovarian reserve 'AMH'

Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) is perhaps the most talked-about fertility marker today. It is produced by small follicles present in the ovaries. AMH reflects ovarian reserve, which identifies the estimated number of eggs remaining in the ovaries. High AMH indicates larger ovarian reserve, whereas lower levels suggest fewer eggs. However, it can neither measure egg quality nor guarantee the ability to conceive naturally.

Many women with low AMH can still achieve successful pregnancies, especially if they continue to ovulate regularly. Similarly, women with high AMH are not necessarily more fertile; elevated AMH levels in women also mean Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), where ovulation may actually be irregular. For fertility specialists, AMH is useful in predicting the number of eggs that are likely to respond to ovarian stimulation medication, based on which they customize IVF treatment.

FSH determines ovarian function

Our pituitary gland produces Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), and this hormone helps in stimulating egg development.

Usually, the second or third day of the menstrual cycle is when FSH is measured. If ovarian reserve is reduced, higher-than-normal levels may imply that ovaries need more stimulation to mature eggs. From cycle to cycle, the FSH levels change.

LH and the ovulation story

FSH and luteinizing hormone (LH) cooperate to control ovulation. The ovary releases a developed egg in response to an increase in LH. LH levels may be disproportionately greater than FSH in PCOS-affected individuals, which can lead to irregular menstrual periods and ovulation. Instead of using LH alone, fertility specialists assess it in link with other hormone markers.

Estradiol and AFC: Completing the picture

An indicator of ovarian activity during the menstrual cycle is estradiol (E2), a type of estrogen generated by growing follicles. Combined interpretation is crucial since elevated early-cycle estradiol levels can occasionally conceal an elevated FSH.

The Antral Follicle Count (AFC), which is done via a transvaginal ultrasound, is another crucial evaluation. AFC gives an additional indication of ovarian reserve by counting the number of visible tiny follicles in the ovaries.

Indeed, the combination of AMH and AFC provides a more thorough insight than any test by itself.

Fertility evaluation isn't just for women

Female hormone testing frequently receives greater attention, whereas male fertility contributes to roughly half of all infertility issues. A semen screening remains one of the most significant and cost-effective tests, measuring sperm count, mobility, and morphology. When necessary, additional hormonal or genetic tests might be suggested.

Era of self-diagnosis

After getting a test report, many people search the web for quick answers, but those numbers without proper medical context from a specialist can cause unnecessary tension. The fertility markers depend on a variety of factors, some of which include: age, weight, menstrual history, prior pregnancies, medications, hormonal status, and lifestyle. Therefore, understanding parameters like “low” or “high” online may create confusion for individuals. Instead, consult a fertility specialist to decode the report.

(Dr Rubeena Zainab, Senior Consultant - Reproductive Medicine, Milann Fertility and Birthing Hospital, Bengaluru)

For new mothers struggling with breastfeeding, artificial intelligence can offer something doctors often cannot: an answer at 2 am.

But a new report is raising concerns about what happens when those instant responses replace professional medical advice.

A national survey commissioned by Orlando Health found that 51% of women aged 18 to 44 would first turn to an AI chatbot, social media platform or search engine if they had an urgent breastfeeding question.

Only 29% said they would first contact a doctor or lactation consultant, while 21% would turn to family or friends.

The findings highlight a growing challenge as new parents increasingly use AI to navigate pregnancy, caring for their infants and breastfeeding.

Is AI Advice Always Reliable?

AI can quickly explain clinical terms, suggest possible causes for a problem and provide general breastfeeding information. But it cannot examine whether the baby is actually getting enough milk.

“There are certain questions that can't be answered by AI,” said Erynne Bowers, M.D., a pediatrician with Orlando Health Physician Associates.

Bowers said roughly one-third of mothers who come to her with breastfeeding concerns have already received inaccurate advice from AI. Some of the misinformation involves recommendations about how much milk a baby should consume or how frequently the baby should be fed. The expert says that's where generic advice from AI can become misleading and dangerous.

Also read: Could Light-Controlled Nanobots Revolutionise Breast Cancer Treatment? Indian Researchers Explore The Possibility

Feeding Pattern Is Different For Every Baby

A baby's nutritional needs depend on several factors, including age, birth weight, growth trajectory, medical history and feeding efficiency.

Doctors also examine the baby's weight gain, hydration, urine and stool patterns, alertness and developmental progress. They may observe the baby's latch, tongue movement and coordination between sucking, swallowing and breathing. These assessments cannot be done by an AI chatbot.

A baby may spend a long time at the breast but transfer very little milk. Another may feed for a shorter period but feed efficiently. A generic feeding schedule therefore cannot explain the entire problem.

Also read: Breastfeeding Can Help Reduce Mothers' Risk of Type 2 Diabetes, Breast Cancer and More

How Incorrect Advice Can Create A Cycle?

Experts warn that telling a mother to feed less frequently, for example, could potentially reduce the baby's calorie intake while also lowering breast stimulation.

The report also describes the experience of Florida mother Emily Hunziker, whose newborn son began losing weight despite her efforts to breastfeed exclusively.

She worked with a pediatrician and lactation specialist, used a combination of pumping, bottle-feeding and supplemental formula while continuing to support her breastfeeding goals. Her son is now thriving and growing up well.

Also read: Breastfeeding Vs Mixed Feeding: Which Is Right For Your Baby? Experts Explain

Should New Mothers Stop Using AI For Breastfeeding Advice?

It does not mean that new mothers should completely stop using AI. AI can be useful for understanding medical terminology, preparing questions for a doctor or finding reliable resources. But it should not become the final decision-maker when an infant's nutrition or growth is at stake.

Warning signs like poor weight gain, unusual sleepiness, dehydration, persistent vomiting, breathing difficulties, severe pain or a sudden drop in feeding require medical assessment from a doctor rather than an automated generic advice.

Relying excessively on an AI chatbot for answers may delay seeking a physician's help which could, in turn, delay clinical examination and treatment.

Excessive consumption of cow’s milk has been linked to severe iron deficiency in young children. A Queensland specialist has also warned that in the past two years, three toddlers died after developing extreme iron-deficiency anaemia.

According to ABC News, the children were drinking more than 1 litre of cow’s milk a day.

Queensland Children’s Hospital haematologist Dr Sally Campbell said the toddlers were otherwise healthy but developed severe anaemia before infections like viral illnesses took a toll on their health.

“They were drinking more than one litre of cow’s milk per day. This resulted in them developing extreme iron deficiency anaemia and sadly, dying,” Campbell said.

She explained that severe anaemia leaves children with too few red blood cells to deliver enough oxygen to vital organs. A seemingly routine viral infection can therefore become severe and even fatal.

“One small virus can unfortunately be life-threatening when you’ve got a chronic anaemic state,” Campbell said.

Why Can Excessive Cow Milk Consumption Cause Iron Deficiency?

Also read: Should Children Take Protein Powders? A Dietitian’s Perspective

Consuming large quantities of milk can reduce a child’s appetite for iron-rich foods like meat, legumes and iron-fortified foods.

Dairy can also interfere with iron absorption. In growing children, whose iron requirements are high, this can gradually push iron reserves to a dangerous low level.

Research from the ORIGINS Project, a large longitudinal birth cohort following around 10,000 Western Australian children, has found widespread low iron levels among young children.

Researchers from The Kids Research Institute Australia, Edith Cowan University, Curtin University and The University of Western Australia published their findings in the Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health in 2025.

Using the World Health Organization’s ferritin threshold, the researchers found iron deficiency in 15% of one-year-olds and 20% of three-year-olds.

Professor Desiree Silva, co-director of ORIGINS and Professor of Paediatrics at The University of Western Australia, has described the problem as a “hidden health crisis”.

She said iron is essential for immunity, oxygen transport and healthy development, while low iron can contribute to tiredness, lethargy, poor sleep and difficulty in feeding.

Also read: Study Links Excessive Screen Time To Poorer Body Image in Teens With Skin Conditions

How Much Cow’s Milk Is Too Much?

Queensland health guidance recommends no cow’s milk as a drink before 12 months. From one to five years, children should have no more than about 500 ml, or two cups, a day.

Importantly, this does not mean parents need to eliminate milk from a toddler’s diet. The concern arises when excessive intake of milk replaces a balanced and nutritious diet.

Campbell said the problem is preventable and urged parents to adopt better dietary habits for toddlers.

Parents must also look for signs of low iron levels in their children. Symptoms like persistent tiredness, poor appetite, development concerns or unusual changes in behaviour should not be simply dismissed as fussy eating or a toddler phase. Severe iron deficiency can develop quietly, making early assessment and treatment important.