Breastfeeding Tips If You Want To Puasa During Ramadan

I just want to start this off by saying, if you are currently breastfeeding, YOU DON’T HAVE TO FAST FOR RAMADAN.

If this is something that’s stressing you out, if you’re worried about a drop in milk supply (it will 100% drop), if you’re worried your baby won’t have enough nutrients, if you’re getting anxiety, pushing yourself, pumping non-stop, please don’t force yourself to fast.

Ramadan is a time of joy. All that stress is unnecessary. You know why? Because Allah already said, if you’re breastfeeding (or pregnant) you don’t have to puasa. You don’t have to fast. You are EXEMPTED.

I’ve had four babies. Two pregnancies I didn’t fast because I was vomiting and nauseous throughout Ramadan. Another year I didn’t fast was because baby #3 was below the age of 1 and fully breastfed. Last year I didn’t fast because baby #4 was below the age of 1 and fully breastfed.

FYI baby #1 was formula fed and baby #2 I exclusively pumped. I fasted while exclusively pumping. From getting 12 ounces per session every three hours, I dropped to 3 ounces per session during puasa.

I drank this Fenugreek thing when I exclusively pumped for baby #2. I don’t know if it really helped boost milk supply, but it was chocolate and yummy.

Blah blah blah blah. If you still want to fast while breastfeeding, here are my best tips:

(Disclaimer: I am not an expert of anything, especially lactation. For real enquiries and concerns, please speak to a professional or your doctor. Thanks!)

1. Drink water throughout the permitted time

Obviously you need a lot of water to make breastmilk. From iftar to sahur, drink consistently, a little at a time. Don’t drink too much during sahur, hoping to stay hydrated for the rest of the day. Doctors say all that water will just fill your bladder and you’ll end up peeing it all out soon after, which ironically leaves you thirstier 🙁

2. Eat nutritious meals for sahur

Think complex carbs and proteins that will provide energy throughout the day. Scrambled egg wrap, brown rice and chicken, potatoes, bananas, whole wheat, dates. That kinda thing.

3. Eat high-energy foods for iftar

Black dates and plain water. Or blend black dates with milk. Always a win. Bananas, sweet potatoes, fatty fish, apples. All are high-energy noms. Help your body gain back energy fast because it’s busy looking after you and producing milk for baby.

4. Massage the breast when you direct-latch

Fasting will not only drop your milk supply, it will also prolong your let-down. Baby will be fussy. My 1+year old was really fussy around asr time. Massage your breast, do compressions, while feeding, so the milk comes out faster from the back of the breast.

5. Continue to pump and store

Not so easy because of MCO. But when you can, try to express your milk. Pumping at the end of the day will probably yield less milk than in the morning. This is because you’re fasting.

When I exclusively pumped for baby #2, it wasn’t so bad because I had a lot of stock in the freezer. Plus, I did a lot of pumping at the studio (that time I was still at Fly FM lol). Instead of 12oz in 30 minutes every 3 hours, I pushed myself to get 6oz in 1 hour every 3 hours. It was tiring.

If at any time during your fast, you feel overwhelmed or anxious or stressed or worried about your health and baby, please consider breaking your fast

I cannot stress this enough. It’s ok to not fast when you’re breastfeeding. I believe Allah wants mums and babies to be well-fed and happy. But you do you, girl <3