During Ramadan, many breastfeeding moms wonder if fasting is okay, and how it might affect their milk supply and their own health, as well as their baby’s. If you’re one of these moms, let’s answer your questions in this article.
Should a breastfeeding mom fast during Ramadan or not?
Is it necessary for a breastfeeding mom to fast Ramadan? In Islamic law, breastfeeding moms don't have to fast Ramadan, and they can make up the missed days later (you can check with official religious authorities). But what if a breastfeeding mom wants to fast Ramadan?!
Tells us Dr. Naomi Mirza About breastfeeding during Ramadan, the mother's decision to fast or not depends totally on her baby's age, especially if the baby still only eats breast milk. The baby's age is one of the most important factors for a breastfeeding mom to consider when fasting. If the baby is still very young (less than six months) and totally relies on breast milk, then the mother should not fast.
But if the baby is older than one year and eats some foods the mother already introduced alongside breastfeeding just a few times a day or only when sleeping, then the breastfeeding mom might be able to fast.
Intermittent fasting is one solution to help breastfeeding moms fast:
In a book about breastfeeding during Ramadan, the author says Latonia Anthony Intermittent fasting could be a solution for breastfeeding moms who want to fast Ramadan, allowing them to fast 2 to 3 days a week during the month.
But she also warns about fasting in the following cases:
- Women who have a baby less than six months old.
- Moms who have one liter of milk daily.
- Moms living in hot climates with low income.
- Mothers of twins.
- Moms older than 35.
- Moms who have low milk supply.
Because they are most at risk of severe dehydration, they should avoid fasting during Ramadan until weaning.
How fasting affects breast milk:
During Ramadan fasting, a healthy nursing mom’s health doesn’t get worse if she eats and drinks enough and at good times between iftar and suhoor. Fasting isn’t thought to reduce milk supply or change the main nutrients of milk like fat, carbs, and protein. But fasting may affect the milk’s micronutrients. Vitamins and minerals.
Experts say if there’s no effect on the main nutrients in breast milk during fasting, it won’t affect the baby's growth. But if there are changes in trace nutrients like zinc, magnesium, and potassium, the mom's health might be impacted. So it might be better and safer to excuse breastfeeding moms from fasting.
What if a breastfeeding mom wants to fast?
If a breastfeeding mom feels she can fast, it’s important she follows some tips to help her fast safely and easily. They are:-
- Keep her body hydrated:- It’s important for the breastfeeding mom to stay hydrated by drinking lots of water and fluids between iftar and suhoor.
- Make sure of iftar and suhoor meals:- The breastfeeding mom should get all the nutrients her body needs. Her meals should be nutritious, varied, and include all nutrients: proteins, fats, carbs, fiber, and minerals.
- Get some rest: A nursing mom should get plenty of rest during the day and not use up her energy with physical work.
Dehydration and milk production:
In certain conditions and climates, a nursing mom might face dehydration risk when fasting during Ramadan. This needs urgent medical care. Severe dehydration can lower milk production. Signs of dehydration include:
- Feeling very thirsty.
- Feeling dizzy.
- Headache and fatigue.
- Dark urine.
- Dry mouth.
- Dry lips.
- Dry eyes.
If a breastfeeding mom feels these symptoms while fasting, she should break her fast immediately and drink salty water or an oral rehydration solution. If she doesn't improve within 30 minutes, she needs to see a doctor.
Watching the baby:-
Breastfeeding moms should also watch their kids during fasting to make sure they get enough milk. They can do this by checking with healthcare providers. Signs that the baby isn't getting enough milk while the mom is fasting include:-
- The baby keeps crying all the time.
- The baby's diapers are less wet than usual.
- The baby's poop is green.
- The baby is losing weight.
In this case the breastfeeding mom should stop fasting and quickly contact healthcare providers.
