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Yours,
Health and Science Editor
Name
Umm Umar
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Profession
Student
Question
Assalaamu'alaykum, am breastfeeding my 16 month old who is eating well alhamdulillah, but not drinking enough water, milk or juice yet. He still depends a lot on breastmilk. I am taking a herbal multi-vitamin and trying to take in as much liquids after iftaar. I have been feeling that my milk supply is low, should I stop fasting for a day to top up my liquids and then resume fasting or try to carry on. My doctor advised that I stop fasting when I feel my milk levels has dropped too low.I have been feeling very tired, but alhamdulillah, am managing. What would you advise?
Answer
Asalaam Alikum Sister,
There are various things you can try. I have used them very successfully and inshallah you will also get good results.
Meat is very dehydrating. The more you consume the more liquids you will need to drink. Also, tea, coffee and soda will also significantly dehydrate you. Sweets will do the same. These are the things you want to avoid for a few days.
Milk helps make milk-so milk is a good beverage to drink. Many times water alone is not enough. Raw fruits and vegetables (or lightly cooked) also retain their moisture and are very hydrating. Soups are the best source of nourishment when breast feeding. I was never able to fast while breastfeeding until I tried all of these things including a hibiscus cooler. Please refer to the Ramadan Recipe Make Overs that is located Asalaam Alikum Sister,
Many women fast and nurse children of all ages successfully. I think it has more to do with the health status of the mother. The healthier she is the better quality and quantity of milk she will produce. Many women have poor diets to begin with and fasting just exaggerates an existing problem.
It is a good idea to begin to prepare by taking supplements, eating balanced meals and consuming plenty of liquids to get ready for Ramadan. Also, during Ramadan there really is no room for empty calories, especially when you are breastfeeding. Every calorie needs to count.
Another thing that happens during Ramadan is that the schedule becomes very hectic and there is little time for rest. This lack of sleep, rest, food and liquids can also affect breast milk production. It is important to also sleep so that your body can make breast milk.
for ideas and recipes.
Herbs that can be made into teas that help are:
Fennel
Anise
Fenugreek
Black cumin Seed
Barley
Fenugreek you can also take in pill form.
There are also various herbal tea blends available, most notable are by Traditional Medicinals and Yogi Teas.
Massaging your breast 30 minutes before feeding can also help. In the end, if you need to break your fast for a few day, that is an option that is available.
Name
Huma
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Profession
Question
I am in the first month of my pregnancy and was told by my doctor to increase my intake of calcium. I can't stand milk and would like to know which other foods will give me enough callcium so that I do not need to drink milk. I heard that almonds have calcium, how many do I need to eat a day. I also have a 7 year old child and would like to know if it would be ok for me to stop making her drink milk as I am afraid of the hormones in milk and could give her something else instead, something easy like almonds?
Answer
Asalaam Alikum Sister,
Although calcium and milk/dairy products have become interchangeable, it is not the only source of calcium.
Almonds are a good source and you would need to eat about 24. Beans, green peas, black eyed peas, spinach, oranges (all 1 cup), cooked, tahini (2 tablespoons) Salmon, tuna (75 grams), broccoli, kale, bok choy, turnip greens (1/2 cup for these), black strap molasses (1 tablespoon) are all sources of calcium.
You also need the various co-factors, like vitamin D and magnesium. You can make your own almond milk, the store bought one has too much sugar, (find the recipe here; http://www.womenshealingcircle.org/files/eastbay.pdf ) and give that to your daughter or you can find certified raw milk that is available in the US if you are there.
Name
Sara
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Profession
Question
I have heard that fasting can affect the quality and quantity of milk in breastfeeding women and that it is therefore better not to fast. Does this apply to all breastfeeding women or only for those with newborns?
Answer
Asalaam Alikum Sister,
Many women fast and nurse children of all ages successfully. I think it has more to do with the health status of the mother. The healthier she is the better quality and quantity of milk she will produce. Many women have poor diets to begin with and fasting just exaggerates an existing problem.
It is a good idea to begin to prepare by taking supplements, eating balanced meals and consuming plenty of liquids to get ready for Ramadan. Also, during Ramadan there really is no room for empty calories, especially when you are breastfeeding. Every calorie needs to count.
Another thing that happens during Ramadan is that the schedule becomes very hectic and there is little time for rest. This lack of sleep, rest, food and liquids can also affect breast milk production. It is important to also sleep so that your body can make breast milk.
Name
MAYA
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Profession
Question
I am 8 months pregnant and hypotensive, would fasting negatively affext me or my baby's health?
Answer
Asalaam ALikum Sister,
It very well could and I would not recommend fasting to you. Also, since you are late in your pregnancy, it is also not a good idea. Personally I do not fast when I am in the last trimester. I currently am 33 weeks pregnant and I am not fasting.
In the end it is a personal choice, but with your health history and the lateness of your pregnancy, it may not be a good idea.
Name
Roummane
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Profession
Question
Assalamoalaikoum
My question relates about fasting while breastfeeding. I am currently fasting while breastfeeding my 9-month old baby.
Although milk supply is not a problem, sleep is. My question is how to compensate for the lack of sleep. My baby feeds about thrice per night. Waking up often to feed her is difficult. I try to nap during the day. I also eat datesat Sehri & Iftaar to make up for the tiredness.I also make sure I eat well-balanced meals with fair amounts of protein, calcium,carbohydrates & vitamins. I know I am exempted of fasting but since I do not find it hard, I feel it would be be a pity to miss it.
Jazakallah
Answer
Asalaam Alikum Sister,
Since it would be a bit difficult to wean her from one night time feeding, you can try nursing her more during the day. Then inshallah your baby may not need to feed so much during the night. This may take a few days to a week for the baby to adjust to.
You can also try making an herbal tea of one teaspoon chamomile, one teaspoon fennel seed and one teaspoon anise seed (not star anise) and give her a few small spoonful's (like the size of a baby spoon). Pour 4 ounces of hot water over these herbs and let sit covered for 7 minutes. This tea will help keep the baby's tummy full, sleep and avoid colic. You can give this tea before bed, or in the middle of the night.
You can also try a massage and bath before bed. Try lavender oil for a good sleep. After the massage you can give the baby a bath, then the tea and nurse to put the baby to sleep.
Most of all, sleep whenever you can. Sleep with your baby. Another thing is you can eat leftovers from Iftar for suhur and that way you do not have to wake up so early to cook.
Name
Fawziya
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Profession
Question
Is it ok for a breastfeeding woman to drink caffeinated drinks or does the caffeien reach the baby through the milk and if so can this be harmful?
Answer
Asalaam Alikum Sister,
The problem with caffeinated drinks and breast feeding are two; 1) they are dehydrating and 2) they can cause the baby to be colicky and not sleep well.
1. For every 8 oz cup of caffeinated beverage you take in, you would need to drink an additional three 8 oz glasses of water-at least.
2. The caffeine will reach the baby because it will be in the breast milk and can cause the baby colic and sleep issues. The other thing is that many baby's detoxification pathways are not working fully yet and the liver is responsible for excreting caffeine. As a result the baby could be caffeine sensitive and instead of excreting the caffeine at a normal rate, it could circulate in the body longer.
When I am nursing, I even find green tea to be dehydrating and avoid it as well.
Name
Huma
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Profession
Question
Thank you sister Anisa for answering my previous question, I do not live in the US and have no access to organic milk or almond milk and do not wish to make it either. Would it be ok to just have her eat the 24 almonds a day?
Answer
Asalaam Alikum Sister,
It is not a good idea to eat anything everyday. Nuts are also very hard to digest. I also suggested other foods and she can eat those as well. There are various online sites that will give you the amounts and sources for food. You can also choose to give her a supplement.
If she likes yogurt, you can also try that. You can try black strap molasses; it is sweet and contains calcium’s co-factors. Without the co factors the body is unable to use calcium. The vitamin D she can get from the sun, but she will need to play or have access to the sun on her arms, upper chest or legs. Vitamin D is also found in organ meats and fatty fish like salmon and tuna.
Name
Editor
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Profession
Question
Are there any other herbs or foods that a fasting breastfeeding mother can consume during Iftar or Suhoor that will help increase her milk supply during the fast?
Answer
I already mentioned some foods and herbs that help, but I would like to mention barley water.
It helps support the immune system and promotes lactation. Making it is very easy and it does not have a strong flavor. To make it you take 1 cup of pearl (whole barley) and place it in a pitcher. Cover it with water (about 2-3 cups) and let it sit for 8 hours. Or, do the same thing and place it in a pan and heat for 30 minutes.
Refrigerate after.
Name
Samera
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Profession
Question
i am currently three months pregnant & wanted to know about the ruling surrounding fasting. should i fast?
Answer
There are different rulings from the various madhabs, so if you follow one, there is a ruling. You can find them easily in Fiq-al-Sunnah.
Name
Shaniba
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Profession
Question
Salam sister.I'm currently 22 weeks pregnant.My doctor told me that I can fast.Please can I have your advise whether I can fast continously.I am scared whether it will badly affect the baby.
Answer
Asalaam Alikum Sister,
If you are capable of fasting, you should-but if not then you do not have to. There are various rulings as to who is allowed to break their fast while pregnant. In Fiq al Sunnah I found an instance where the wives of the uncle of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) could not fast due to pregnancy or breast feeding-so they did not and the ransom was paid on their behalf.
You can try fasting and see how you feel. Then if you do not feel well, you should stop. You can also try to fast every other day.
Many women can fast without a problem, so if you can, do.
Name
Pregnant
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Profession
Question
I want to ask if it differs from one month to another in the same trimester? Because I did fast in the seventh month in my previous pregnancy but the doctor told me this time not to fast, I'm in the ninth month now.
Answer
Asalaam Alikum Sister,
Yes there is a difference, but many women fast safely in the last trimester. The first and last trimester see the most fetal development.
I am not sure what your health history this pregnancy is, so that may also be a reason for your doctor's suggestion. It is also a precaution, but you can always try and see how you feel. Especially note the baby's movement. If the baby stops moving for the whole day or when the baby usually moves, that is also a sign to stop fasting (that happened to me my 1st pregnancy at 9 months and I had to stop fasting after a trip to the hospital).
