Tips for Safe Fasting for Breastfeeding Mothers

Some breastfeeding mothers are worried that fasting will affect the nutritional content and production of milk. Actually fasting for nursing mothers is not a problem, but there are some things that breastfeeding mothers need to understand before deciding to fast.

When fasting, the body of a nursing mother will continue to produce breast milk just like when she is not fasting. The reduced amount of calorie intake consumed during fasting will not make a significant difference in the amount of milk produced.

In terms of nutritional quality, fasting can make the levels of vitamins and minerals, such as zinc, magnesium, and potassium in breast milk slightly reduced. However, this will not have much impact on breastfed babies. So, breastfeeding during fasting is still possible because it will not affect the baby's health much.

Fasting Tips for Breastfeeding Mothers

Actually, nursing mothers are allowed not to fast. But if you still want to undergo fasting even though you are breastfeeding your child, there are some tips you can do:

1. Avoid doing heavy physical activity

In order not to feel exhausted, Mother should not carry out strenuous activities during fasting. Try to increase the rest between activities so that the body of the Mother is not short of energy.

2. Don't miss sahur

Nursing mothers should not miss sahur. Food consumed at dawn will be a reserve of nutrients and calories during a day of fasting. Therefore, the type of food consumed at dawn also needs to be taken into account so that Mother's nutrition is fulfilled and stays energized throughout the day.

3. Consume a variety of nutritious foods

Nursing mothers need complete nutrition, including protein, carbohydrates, fiber, healthy fats, and vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin D, B vitamins, folic acid, iron, zinc, selenium, and calcium.

For the nutritional intake of breastfeeding mothers and babies to be fulfilled during fasting, here are some foods that are recommended for nursing mothers during fasting:

• Vegetables, such as broccoli, tomatoes, cabbage, mushrooms, or potatoes.
• Fruits, such as avocados, mangoes, bananas, and oranges.
• Seafood, such as fish and shellfish. However, limit consumption of fish containing mercury.
• Beef, lamb, or liver.
• Nuts, such as soybeans, almonds and walnuts.
• Eggs.
• Milk and preparations, such as cheese or yogurt.

4. Drink enough water

Fasting activities while breastfeeding can make you risk getting dehydrated. Therefore, make sure to drink more water, at least 8 glasses per day or equivalent to 2 liters. Drink 2-3 glasses of water at dawn, and 5-6 glasses of water after breaking the fast.

Breastfeeding Mothers Need to Stop Fasting if Experiencing This Condition

Although breastfeeding during fasting does not have much influence on the quality and quantity of breast milk, the condition of each mother and baby is certainly different. Nursing mothers are expected not to force themselves to fast if they are not healthy and feel some complaints, such as:

• Fatigue or weakness
• Fever
• Urine is dark yellow and smells sharp
• Headache
• Fainted
• Severe thirst

If you are still worried about the amount and nutrient content of breast milk is not enough for your little one, you can consult a doctor. To maintain the amount and quality of your mother's milk, your doctor may give supplements and suggest a specific diet as long as you are fasting.

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