Important Facts about Fasting for Breastfeeding Mothers

The holy month of Ramadan soon arrives, all Muslims get ready to welcome the coming of this moment and undergo fasting. Likewise with nursing mothers. Although allowed to not fast when breastfeeding, some breastfeeding mothers still feel homesick to participate in fasting this holy month. But the truth is, is it fasting for breastfeeding mothers? For those of you who are still breastfeeding, you may be wondering if participating in fasting during Ramadan is safe for mothers and breastfed babies? The reason is, when fasting, the body loses more fluid due to changes in diet and sleep. In addition to safety concerns, you may also be curious about the impact of fasting on the production of breast milk and the health of your mother and baby. In fact, you don't need to worry too much. Basically, fasting or a decrease in calorie intake will not affect milk production. If there is weight loss during fasting, this condition will only affect the fat content in breast milk, not the amount.

Tips If Mothers Still Breastfeed When Fasting

If you are increasingly interested in participating in fasting while breastfeeding Your Little One, consider some fasting tips for breastfeeding mothers below.

• Pay Attention to When You Eat

Before undergoing fasting until the evening prayer is echoed, generally Muslims will undergo the meal. At this time, it's important that you pay attention to what is good for you to consume. Because the food and fluids that you consume at dawn is a reserve of nutrients and calories during fasting. For that, the meal is very important. Good food choices for breastfeeding mothers include broccoli, spinach, katuk, eggs, salmon, lean meats, and kidney beans. Nursing mothers can also add vitamin D supplements at dawn which is known to be good for nursing mothers.

• Prevent Dehydration

Fasting for nursing mothers is not dangerous. But, dehydration while breastfeeding can be dangerous. If nursing mothers experience symptoms of dehydration, such as feeling thirsty, dizzy, weak, tired, dry mouth and others, it is advisable to immediately cancel fasting by consuming water or fluids containing electrolytes to rehydrate the body. Therefore, it is recommended to consume enough fluids when dawn and also breaking the fast to replace fluids lost during fasting. Nursing mothers are also advised to drink more at dawn, although nutrition and calories are no less important.

• Preparation and fasting while breastfeeding

As a nursing mother, you will definitely carry out your duties at home and maybe work in an office. Try to do heavy tasks when breaking the fast. And make sure you are in the shade and have enough rest during fasting and breastfeeding. If needed, record the food and drinks you consume while fasting. This will help measure the nutrients and fluids you consume. Studies show that during fasting the potassium, magnesium and zinc content contained in breast milk can be reduced. Strategy by eating foods that contain all three of these nutrients, or you can add supplements. Understand what is felt by the body, if you feel unwell, immediately consult a doctor.

In addition to paying attention to some fasting tips for breastfeeding mothers above, you also need to remember that if you really want to run fast, pay attention to the fluid you consume. Because breastfeeding can make you dehydrated due to loss of body fluids. When dehydration attacks, the body not only feels thirsty but also feels hungry, gets tired, sleepy, and emotionally. Be sure to drink enough water and if necessary add fluids containing electrolytes and ions to speed up the replacement of lost body fluids. So, before deciding to fast while breastfeeding, also consider whether your child is still under 6 months or is in need of exclusive breastfeeding. You can also ask the doctor before deciding to join fasting.