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Breastfeeding & Ramadan? Part 1

Tomorrow marks the first day of Ramadan in 2016. Last year i did not fast as Lennox was born on the 5th day of Ramadan, my little ramadan baby! :)

This year I plan to fast as usual. Only difference is that I'm breastfeeding. Lennox is almost 1 and nurses on average 4 times a day: in the morning, before nap #1 (about 1130am), before nap #2 (about 5pm) and before he goes to sleep at night (about 830pm). Throughout the night he still wakes up sometimes and the quickest way to get him back to sleep is to nurse him. The night needs are comfort feeds i think, i don't think he's having a full meal in the middle of the night.

There are fears that my milk supply might run out when i fast. But I guess since Lennox is already almost 1 and also having solids, it would be very different than a newborn or 4-5 month old exclusively on breastmilk.

I did some research about breastfeeding during ramadan and it pretty much says it's up to the mom whether she wants to fast or not. Research shows that the nutrient content of breastmilk largely stays the same, and while fasting would not deplete milk supply, dehydration might. I would definitely have to make sure that I don't feel light-headed, have dark-coloured pee during fasting and that i should drink as much as i can between sunset and dawn.





I found pretty useful articles from Kellymom and Suckled Sunnah which delves more into this. Suckled Sunnah also has a list of suggestions to help get through the month of ramadan while breastfeeding which i found pretty handy!

I also saw this clip of making a date smoothie to quench our thirst during ramadan. I would definitely be trying this out and will blog about it!

At the end of the day we need to remember why we fast in the first place. For myself it is to refrain from the 'bad' and knowing that you have the strength and will to do that, to be more patient with myself and others, to be thankful for what we have as there are millions out there with less than what we have. Lastly, also to reconnect with God.

In a few weeks at the of ramadan i will post an update about fasting while ramadan, maybe even coming up with my own tips! Are you planning to fast as well? Are there any tips that you use during ramadan while breastfeeding?

Salam Ramadan & Selamat berpuasa! :)


 Click here to read the updated Breastfeeding & Ramadan Part 2 - Got milk??
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