For working mothers or those who often do activities outside the home, managing the availability of expressed breast milk (ASIP) is very important. Moreover, it will soon be the month of Ramadan and quite a few breastfeeding mothers will be fasting.
Not a few breastfeeding mothers are worried that their breast milk supply will decrease during the Ramadan fast. So, so that this doesn't happen, let's look at the management of expressed breast milk for breastfeeding mothers during Ramadan.
Although it is not mandatory, many breastfeeding mothers choose to fast during the month of Ramadan. This is of course a challenge in itself considering that the breastfeeding process is still ongoing and mothers still have to produce breast milk with maximum nutritional support.
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The problem is, during fasting the eating schedule changes, namely only at breaking the fast and dawn. Busui who want to fast and also do activities outside the home, need to arrange a menu with balanced nutrition so that breast milk production remains optimal.
Challenges of breastfeeding during Ramadan fasting
During Ramadan fasting, breastfeeding mothers are usually faced with the challenges of increasing thirst and fatigue. This is a normal condition, Mother. Moreover, mothers also have to continue working and carrying out their loving role. Of course the feeling of fatigue and thirst becomes even more extra.
Mothers need to know that breastfeeding activates the release of the hormone oxytocin, whose main function is to contract the muscles around the breasts, so that milk comes out of the nipple.
The more oxytocin is released, the more breast milk is excreted from the body. This decrease in fluids will trigger thirst as a warning that you should drink enough water, not only to keep yourself hydrated but also to continue producing breast milk.
You need to be aware of a decrease in energy levels because it can affect your overall mood. This can also increase thirst and hunger. Not only that, living in an area with a hot climate and long fasting hours can worsen the risk of dehydration and low blood sugar.
Be aware of severe dehydration that occurs because it can be high risk and requires immediate medical assistance. Before health problems occur, mothers must also be aware of signs that their body condition is decreasing during fasting.
Will it harm the baby if the breast-feeder fasts?
Fasting will not have a bad impact on the baby, as long as you maintain proper nutrition and adequate hydration during long hours of fasting. Babies depend on breast milk to satisfy their hunger. It is important for mothers to ensure that the flow of breast milk meets their intake throughout the day as quoted from the Homage page.
Regarding whether fasting can cause a decrease in breast milk supply, this shouldn't happen, Mother. Because, short-term fasting such as Ramadan will not cause breast milk supply to decrease significantly. You need to know that the body has an extraordinary ability to adapt quickly to changes in body function.
If the calories from the last meal are used up to provide energy, the body will use other methods and can still produce breast milk as usual.
Regulate breastfeeding patterns while breastfeeding mothers are fasting
Breastfeeding while you are fasting in the month of Ramadan is the same as when you are not fasting. As long as babies are under six months old, it is of course still recommended that they receive exclusive breast milk without any additional food.
Breast milk is known to have the highest fat content and this fat content decreases slightly as the baby grows past six months of age. Apart from that, breast milk also contains micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals. Normally the micronutrients in breast milk are sufficient to meet the baby's needs without additional supplements.
Because all nutrition comes from the mother, breastfeeding requires mothers to increase their energy or calorie intake. Increasing calories in the form of a healthy and healthy diet can ensure the health of mother and baby. Although food is generally introduced after six months of age, breast milk still provides essential nutrients for babies.
Regarding how to manage expressed breast milk for breastfeeding mothers during Ramadan, there is actually no difference, Mother. Mothers can still carry out the same breast pumping schedule as the pumping time before fasting. Maintain a regular schedule for pumping breast milk to keep your breast milk supply optimal and not decreasing.
Tips for staying healthy fasting for breastfeeding mothers
Check out the full review below:
1. Drink plenty of water in the hours outside of fasting
Most likely, thirst will be felt throughout fasting. Try to drink 2-3 glasses of water during suhoor and iftar.
After breaking your fast, bring a bottle of water with you and try to finish at least one more bottle of water. If you wake up in the middle of the night to take care of the baby, keep a water bottle next to the bed and drink a little too. Skip all sugary drinks so you can focus on drinking enough water.
2. Consume food with balanced nutrition without overeating
Although it is important to consume enough calories as a breastfeeding mother, eating fried foods in excess will not provide the nutrition that you and your baby need. The way you eat when breaking the fast is the key to feeling more energetic throughout the month of Ramadan. Instead, eat a meal with protein, lots of vegetables, and whole grain carbohydrates.
3. Eat a snack after breaking the fast
A few hours after breaking the fast, take advantage of the time before to get additional nutrition and calories. Get your favorite nutritious snacks with perfect nutritional content as quoted from the TheHealthyMuslims page.
4. Take prenatal supplements
Try to consume prenatal supplements every day which is an important intake for breastfeeding mothers during the month of Ramadan. Prenatal supplements will help provide any nutrients that are missed from your limited meals and snacks while fasting.
It is very important to maintain a regular breastfeeding schedule for mothers to prevent a decrease in breast milk supply. If you really have to be away from your baby, try pumping at the same time as your feeding schedule.
This is information regarding the management of expressing breast milk during the Ramadan fast so that it does not affect ASIP stocks. May Allah make it easy and accept all our fasting services, and allow us to feel the joy of this coming Ramadan.
Hopefully the information helps, Mother.
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(rap/rap)