Breastfeeding mothers can fast during Ramadan if they are healthy and their milk supply remains unaffected, but if fasting causes dehydration, exhaustion, or reduced milk production, they are permitted to break it and make up for missed days later.
Consulting a doctor beforehand is crucial, and maintaining hydration, proper nutrition, and rest can help sustain milk supply. If the baby shows signs of inadequate feeding, immediate medical advice is recommended.
Here are the full details:
Fasting Ramadan While Breastfeeding
According to Islamic teachings, breastfeeding mothers are not obligated to fast during Ramadan. However, if they feel well and choose to fast, they may do so. It’s advisable for nursing mothers to consult with a healthcare professional before deciding to fast. They should discuss their overall health and any medications they are taking to support breastfeeding. This consultation can help prevent any potential risks to both the mother and the child during fasting hours.
By following these guidelines, breastfeeding mothers can make informed decisions about fasting during Ramadan while prioritizing their health and the well-being of their child.
Read also Ramadan Medication Rules.
Does fasting affect breastfeeding?
Yes fasting affect breastfeeding according to Muslim doctors. Long fasting days and hot temperatures can increase exhaustion and dehydration, making it challenging for breastfeeding women to care for their child.
To prepare, women should stay cool, eat a healthy diet, drink at least three liters of fluid daily, and ensure they get adequate rest before feeding their baby. Getting an average of eight hours of sleep each night is crucial for maintaining milk production.
Additionally, minimizing stress, gently holding the infant, and ensuring a proper latch are essential for effective breastfeeding. Breastfeeding mothers should consume an extra 500 calories per day, focusing on fruits, vegetables, and calcium-rich foods.
If experiencing symptoms of dehydration during fasting, such as intense thirst or lightheadedness, the mother should break her fast with sweet fruit juice or a salt-water solution and rest. If symptoms persist after thirty minutes, medical attention is necessary.
Concerns about the baby’s milk intake should prompt immediate consultation with a lactation consultant or doctor, especially if the baby shows signs of inadequate feeding, such as constant clinging, fewer wet diapers, green stool, or weight loss.
When Can a Breastfeeding Mother Break the Fast?
A breastfeeding mother is allowed to break her fast during Ramadan only if there is a valid excuse, such as:
- Fear of harm to herself due to fasting.
- Fear that fasting will affect the baby’s health by reducing milk supply.
In such cases, scholars differ in opinion:
- Some scholars say that if the mother fears for her child, it is obligatory for her to break the fast, and fasting is forbidden.
- Others state that it is disliked but not obligatory for her to break the fast.
When is Fasting Not Recommended?
Fasting is not recommended for a breastfeeding mother if:
- Her baby is less than six months old and exclusively depends on breastfeeding.
- She has medical conditions such as diabetes or low blood pressure.
- Her milk production visibly decreases, affecting the quantity and quality of breast milk.
- The baby’s weight gain and development are affected due to reduced milk supply.
If any of these situations occur, she is advised to break her fast and make up for it later.
Making Up Missed Fasts because of breastfeeding:
If a breastfeeding mother breaks her fast due to a valid excuse, she must make up for the missed fasts. Scholars have different views regarding expiation (Fidyah):
- Some scholars say that if she breaks the fast due to fear for her child, she must feed a poor person for each missed fast, in addition to making it up later.
- Other scholars (such as Abu Hanifa) believe that she only needs to make up the fast without paying Fidyah.
When Should a Breastfeeding Mother Stop Fasting?
If a mother chooses to fast but experiences any of the following symptoms, she should stop fasting immediately and seek medical advice:
- Severe headache or blurred vision.
- Extreme fatigue or a sharp drop in blood pressure.
- Noticeable decrease in milk supply, leading to a hungry and restless baby.
- Sudden drop in blood sugar, causing dizziness, weakness, or shakiness.
- Any other unusual health symptoms that affect her well-being.
Tips for Managing Fasting While Breastfeeding
To maintain milk supply and energy levels during Ramadan, breastfeeding mothers should:
- Express and store breast milk before fasting hours to ensure their baby gets enough nourishment.
- Delay Suhoor to just before Fajr for prolonged energy throughout the day.
- Eat foods that boost milk production, such as oats, fenugreek, and almonds.
- Stay well-hydrated, drinking at least three liters of water between Iftar and Suhoor.
- Avoid fast food and excessive sugars, as they can increase thirst and fatigue.
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Conclusion:
Breastfeeding mothers are not obligated to fast during Ramadan, but they may choose to do so if they feel capable. However, fasting can impact both the mother’s health and milk supply, especially during long, hot days. Medical consultation is recommended before fasting to assess any potential risks.
If fasting causes harm to the mother or child, it is permissible to break the fast and make up for it later. Scholars differ on whether an additional expiation (Fidyah) is required, with some saying feeding a poor person is necessary, while others believe making up the fast alone suffices.
To ensure a safe fasting experience, breastfeeding mothers should stay hydrated, consume nutrient-dense foods, and get adequate rest. If signs of dehydration, exhaustion, or reduced milk supply occur, breaking the fast is advised.
Expressing and storing milk in advance, delaying Suhoor, and eating milk-boosting foods like oats and almonds can help maintain milk production. If the baby shows signs of inadequate feeding, such as weight loss or decreased wet diapers, seeking medical advice is essential.
