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Questions That A Breastfeeding Mother May Have During Fasting

Here is the list of answers for the common questions that a breastfeeding mother may have during fasting, take a look.

By Subodini Menon

Giving birth and feeding your baby with your own milk is a magical thing. But a breastfeeding mother often faces a dilemma when she is faced with religious obligations such as fasting.

Fasting is a common religious aspect in most major religions. The Christians have the Lent, Muslims have the month of Ramzan and the Hindus have many different festivals that ask for fasting such as Ekadashi, Teej and Shiva Ratri.

is it good to fast during breastfeeding

It has to be kept in mind that many of these religions permit breastfeeding women to avoid the fasting. According to Islam, Pregnant women, breastfeeding women and women who are ill or are travelling are exempt from the fast.

Similarly, during the Lent, women can choose to eat meat and other essential food items. They abstain from other things such as sweet meats or from shopping for the period.

In Hinduism, fasts are mostly flexible and women are allowed to eat things such as dry fruits and other such items.

Despite all these, a breastfeeding mother can still choose to go ahead and observe the fast. When such is the case, they may have some questions on their minds about their welfare and the health of the baby.

With this in mind, we have compiled a list of the most common questions and their answers too. Read on and let us know what you think about them.

How Should I Decide Whether To Fast Or Not?

How Should I Decide Whether To Fast Or Not?

The decision whether to fast or not should be made first and foremost on the condition of your health. If you suffer from conditions like diabetes, high or low blood pressure and such, it would be better if you avoid fasting. Talk to your doctor for a more detailed information. If no such conditions ail you, the next thing you must consider is the age and health of your baby. If your baby is under six months and is being exclusively breastfed, it might be better to not fast. If you are well on your way to wean or if your baby has started on solids, your baby doesn't depend on your milk for nutrition. Therefore, it must be okay to fast in that condition.

Will The Quality Of The Breast Milk Change With Fasting?

Will The Quality Of The Breast Milk Change With Fasting?

It is believed that a 24-hour fasting does not significantly change the quality of breast milk. The human body is designed to adapt the quality and quantity of breast milk according to the needs of the baby and the resources available. So, a prolonged period of fasting may change the make of your milk. To keep from this happening, make sure to eat at least 1800 calories a day, once the fast is broken. Make sure that the weight loss is also gradual and is not more than 2 kg in a month.

Will My Baby Be Affected Due To Any Change In Breast Milk?

Will My Baby Be Affected Due To Any Change In Breast Milk?

Your body is conditioned to make sure that your baby receives the best nutrition possible, even at the cost of your own health. So, a 24-hour period fast will not bring enough changes in your milk to be noticed. Even the fat content in your milk will remain the same. But once your body is starved of nutrients, the breast milk will also show a deficiency of some nutrients. This happens only after a prolonged period of starvation. But this shouldn't bother you if you have enough nutrient-rich food once you break the fast.

What Are The Problems That I Should Look Out For While Fasting When Breastfeeding?

What Are The Problems That I Should Look Out For While Fasting When Breastfeeding?

You must make sure that you are not deficient in essential nutrients. Talk to your doctor and ask for multi vitamins, calcium and iron tablets to make sure that you do not lack these in your system. Also, monitor your blood pressure and blood sugar to avoid any fluctuations in them. Make sure to be hydrated. You can go a long time without food but you cannot last if you are deprived of water for the same period. Dehydration will put both your and your baby's life in danger, especially if your baby depends on you to supply him/her with water through breastfeeding. Keep your doctor's number close by, so that you can contact him whenever you need.

What Can Be Done To Avoid Any Problems?

What Can Be Done To Avoid Any Problems?

You must take precautions to avoid any problems when breastfeeding and fasting. First thing to do is to keep yourself hydrated. Eat enough to fulfill your nutritional needs. Make sure that your pantry is well stocked, so that you don't waste any time and energy on shopping when you are fasting. Often, you may forget the amount of calorie ingested. Keep a food dairy to make sure that you consume at least the minimum required calories during fasting. It is also important not to expend energy unnecessarily. Try to have help at hand to do the chores like cooking and cleaning. Use your time to take rest and think of the almighty during this period.

What Are The Signs To Tell If My Baby Is In Distress During Fasting?

What Are The Signs To Tell If My Baby Is In Distress During Fasting?

You must make it a point to consume enough calories and drink enough water every day during the fasting. If you fail to do this, over time, your baby may be affected. Call your pediatrician as soon as you observe the following signs of distress:

1. Keep a note of the nappies you change. Your newborn must have many changes of nappies. If your baby is a little older, he/she must have at least four wet nappies through the day. Anything less than these may indicate dehydration.

2. Any change in the colour of poop must be noted. Green motions must be notified to your paediatrician immediately.

3. If your baby is unable to settle down and cries uncontrollably with a shrill voice, it may be a sign of distress.

4. If your baby loses weight or fails to gain weight during the period of the fast, it might be due to the lack of enough nutrition. Make sure to talk to your doctor about this.

Story first published: Friday, May 26, 2017, 13:03 [IST]
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