Ramadan Day 4 – Breastfeeding and Ramadhan

Being a mommy of a toddler I expected a lot to nurse my daughter this Ramadhan. And I wanted to fast this Ramadhan as it’s been 2 years I didn’t fast during this holy month. 1st year I was pregnant with my now toddler and the second year I was nursing her al hamdulilah. This year I made up my mind to nurse her and fast simultaneously as my breastmilk is not a main source of nutrition for my toddler. But Almighty had a different plan for our family and my daughter weaned off naturally at 650th day of our parenting journey Al hamdulilah!!

Being a mommy of a toddler I expected a lot to nurse my daughter this Ramadhan. And I wanted to fast this Ramadhan as it’s been 2 years I didn’t fast during this holy month. 1st year I was pregnant with my now toddler and the second year I was nursing her al hamdulilah. This year I made up my mind to nurse her and fast simultaneously as my breastmilk is not a main source of nutrition for my toddler. But Almighty had a different plan for our family and my daughter weaned off naturally at 650th day of our parenting journey Al hamdulilah!!

The word “Breastfeeding ” brings a special emotion within me. My eyes sparkle when I think about breastfeeding. Maa shaa allah I was able to enjoy the rights of nursing my daughter. I do dehydrate a lot by nature so I didn’t want to take a chance with my daughter as it’s said by Allah in the Holy Quran,  “Mothers may breastfeed their children two complete years for whoever wishes to complete the nursing (period). Upon the father is the mother’s provision and their clothing according to what is acceptable…” (2:233)

Isn’t it not why we call Allah as Ar Razzaq?

He pretty well knows to provide a meal for all. As elders say when our rizq ends our days in this duniya ends. 

There are childbirths happening even in the deserts/warzones, etc, but Almighty has created an option to get the first meal of the baby very effortlessly. Subhaan allah!!

“And there is no creature on earth but that upon Allah is its provision [rizq], and He knows its place of dwelling and place of storage. All is in a clear register.” (Qur’an, 11:6)

Maa shaa Allah I cry thinking about the wonder of breastfeeding which was existing 1400 years ago. Almighty has passed the information through our Prophet which is supported by Scientists now!!

When I see pamphlets and billboards in this age about the importance of breastfeeding and the science behind it I cry thanking Allah that I had an opportunity to nurse and spread the Joy of breastfeeding with my fellow peers and I can speak about it without fear about it as Almighty knows the best.

Do I have any concession in fasting while I am Nursing?

There are too many confusions regarding breastfeeding and fasting. But the fact is when you fear about your health and health of the baby it’s permitted not to fast. 

Ibn ‘Aqeel said: If a pregnant woman or a breastfeeding mother fears for her pregnancy or her child, then it is not permissible for her to fast in this case, but if she does not fear for her child then it is not permissible for her not to fast. 

“and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number [of days which one did not observe Sawm (fasts) must be made up] from other days”

[al-Baqarah 2:185]  

Pregnant women and nursing moms come under the sick category so they have been given an excuse towards fasting in Ramadhan!! 

Given such quotes and still the mom has a  thought of fasting even in the month of Ramadhan she can check here about the process of breastmilk production here.

So Let’s concentrate on mommies who want to nurse and fast. These are the precautions to be taken

1. BE HYDRATED

Make sure that you are hydrated well. As being hydrated is a must for all during Ramadhan. Studies show there are some loss of minor components during fast but still doesn’t affect the supply. Only when you keep yourself hydrated in the permissible time that is the time between iftaari and suhoor you can complete the task in peace.

2. HAVE A PROPER SUHOOR

     None should miss suhoor and most importantly the Breastfeeding mom shouldn’t miss suhoor.

“Eat Suhoor, for in Suhoor there is blessing”. (Al Bukhaari) 

Have proper suhoor which is a balanced meal and slowly digestible food will help us to maintain the energy in us.

3. TAKE AMPLE REST 

        Along with the ibadaah take ample rest so that you can get enough energy to withstand.

4. PLAN YOUR ACTIVITIES AHEAD

        Planning helps to allow us to be in peace. So schedule your day and go with the planned phase. This will help you to be in ease. If you have older kids or even toddlers include them in your household activities. This will make them active and not get bored. 

5. NURSE ON DEMAND

    The supply maintains only by a policy “BREASTFEED, BREASTFEED, BREASTFEED “

The more you breastfeed the more the supply will be there. This works in demand vs. Supply. So nurse whenever your baby asks for. 

6. DATES

  Dates and Ramadhan have a long islamic tradition. Dates help us to stay healthy and content. It has many health benefits. Dates are rich in iron, calcium and potassium. These are easy to eat as it’s a bite snack. Please do make sure you have a bite or two during Ifthar and Suhoor. It also helps you with the short span in the labour al hamdulilah. 

7. HEALTHY DIET

   Have a balanced diet which doesn’t include the oily deep fried items and then include all the lactogenic food as possible to maintain the supply.

Even after all this you would have to watch out few parameters in your baby to continue fasting

1. Check for your baby’s wet diapers. Mostly it should be around 6 to 7 minimum pee count. If its less first indication of warning.

2. Check if the baby is active apart from the sleeping hours. 

3. Constant crying and crankiness which cannot be consoled by any means.

4. Change in the bowel moment.

5. Has lost weight .

There are few signs to watch out to skip fasting if you experience them

1. Feeling thirsty.

2. Mouths dry and sore.

3. Feel dizzy.

4. Dark urine.

5. Buring sensation while urinating.

6. Develop a headache.

7. Vomit sensation.

Although mostly many will face this symptoms due to the scorching heat in Ramadhan but trust your body and instinct and follow that. That’s mommy instinct.

I am none to judge any moms over here. Its a relationship between that particular person and almighty. I am just expressing my thought which will help to analyze before taking a decision as Allah knows the best!! 

May Allah grant us the health to perform  one of our pillars of Islam. May HE forgive us and accept us to be with energy, zeal and give the best we could to our parents and our kids!!

Author Bio

Salma Mehajabeen Shajahan is mommy of BabyA who is Parenting blogger from India but currently located in the US. Her positives are her Family mainly her mom and her daughter. She blogs at www.alizehmysoul.com and loves to ramble read and write a lot. She has started to do simple crafts for her 21 month old toddler. She can be reached on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.