Can Breastfeeding Mothers Fast Ramadan? Fasting Law, Practice & Benefits
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Ramadan is the most awaited month by Muslims. Moreover, there are many worships with an offer of multiple rewards if done in this holy month. So, can breastfeeding mothers fast during Ramadan too, Mother? Come on, find out the law of fasting, practice, & further benefits, Mother.
Ramadan fasting is a mandatory fasting that is carried out every time the month of Ramadan comes. If there is a person who has fulfilled the obligatory fasting conditions and the valid fasting conditions but does not perform the fasting of Ramadan, he has committed a great sin.
Likewise with the qada fasting of Ramadan. For example, if Mother ever did not fast during Ramadan due to illness or laziness and deliberately did not fast, it is obligatory for Mother to make up her fast. Namely fasting outside of Ramadan as much as the number of fasting days left during Ramadan.
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Breastfeeding mothers are no exception, they also often fast during Ramadan. Many nursing mothers fast in this month. It is legal for breastfeeding mothers to fast during the month of Ramadan, but Islam still provides flexibility in fasting by replacing it at another time or paying fidyah.
The law of fasting, practice, & the benefits of fasting for breastfeeding mothers
For nursing mothers who still want to breastfeed, a worry often arises. Does the fasting condition affect the nutritional content in breast milk later or not. A number of scientists in Sudan conducted a study published in the Sudan Journal of Medical Sciences.
A total of 20 women who were breastfeeding aged 18-38 years, the majority of whom were housewives, were involved in this study. This research was conducted by taking a sample of 100 ml of breast milk during fasting and the following 2 weeks.
Breast milk contains a balanced amount of protein, fat, carbohydrates and minerals. During fasting, the body undergoes physiological changes to adapt to fasting conditions, as well as the content of breast milk. From the results of the study it was found that during fasting there was a decrease in levels of lactose, protein, sodium, calcium, potassium, and phosphate.
While the water and iron content did not change. However, it was concluded that Ramadan fasting did not have a significant effect on the macronutrient composition of breast milk which could inhibit the growth of the baby.
Although there are some decreased nutrients, this can be minimized by consuming high-quality protein and increasing consumption of green vegetables. To prevent calcium deficiency, experts also recommend consuming at least 300 ml of milk per day, as quoted from the book 35 Benefits of Fasting for Humans, published by Pena Kreativa.
For breastfeeding mothers with babies aged 6 months and babies supported with complementary foods, mothers are more free to fast.
breastfeeding mother/ Photo: Getty Images/iStockphoto/x-reflexnaja
Fasting tips for breastfeeding mothers
So that the fasting of Ramadan for breastfeeding mothers continues smoothly, let’s follow these tips, Mother:
1. Stay hydrated
Daily water intake is very important to keep the body hydrated. It is advisable to drink little by little at iftar and sahur. Drinking too much before fasting will only fill up the bladder and urinate immediately so breastfeeding mothers feel more thirsty throughout the day.
2. Eat wisely
Eat a balanced diet including protein and complex carbohydrates during suhoor. And, eat with balanced intake to provide the energy you need during fasting.
3. Iftar on time
It’s best if breastfeeding mothers break their fast on time and don’t delay it by consuming energized natural foods so they can quickly regain energy. As an opener, Mother can combine dates with milk.
4. Direct breastfeeding
For mothers who breastfeed directly throughout the day, some people notice that their babies become a little fussy at the end of the fast because the mother’s body is affected by fasting.
In addition, the milk ejection reflex can be slowed down by the stress of fasting. While feeding at this point, compression of the breast while feeding will help move the milk out from the back of the breast. Mother will notice a better transfer of breast milk which can satisfy the baby more quickly.
5. Expressing breast milk
Expressing breast milk for breastfeeding mothers who are separated from their babies is very important. Some mothers find no change in the amount of milk expressed at all, especially in the first half of the day.
However, some may find that their milk output at the end is lower when compared to the previous day. When this happens, stay calm and understand how milk is produced. When milk is expressed from the breast regularly, a new supply of milk will be produced.
However, when the amount of body fluids is reduced as part of the effects of fasting, the amount of breast milk can be slightly lower than usual.
At any time during the fast day when a mother feels too lethargic, it is important for her to carefully consider her condition, as well as that of her baby, before deciding to continue the fast. Consult with scholars and doctors, about how to deal with such situations.
Oh yes, Mother regarding the practices that can be done in the month of Ramadan, there are so many, Mother. If Mother is going through the puerperium or breastfeeding, she can take advantage of the time with various beneficial things.
For example, gaining knowledge, doing good deeds against evil, and carrying out various obediences while minimizing disobedience because every good deed in Ramadan will be multiplied in reward.
Hope the information helps, Mother.
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Watch the video about 8 important foods for breastfeeding mothers who are fasting:
[Gambas:Video Haibunda]
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