You may wonder why a lactation consultant–someone who considers herself somewhat of an expert in the art and science of breastfeeding–is writing an article about crying babies. I have been moved to address this topic because every day parents ask me about hunger cues, sleep and crying. Specifically, new parents want to know, what does that cry mean?

Crying is your baby’s way of letting you know that something is not right. She may be hungry or thirsty, lonely, cold, afraid, uncomfortable or maybe she doesn’t even know. She just knows she needs something–now! Parents are sometimes told to ignore their baby’s cries–particularly as a way to “train” the baby to sleep longer or go longer between feedings. Continue reading →