Ramadan is the holiest month in Islam, observed by Muslims around the world. During this month, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, refraining from food, drink, and other physical needs. Fasting is seen as a way to purify the soul, strengthen self-discipline, and seek a closer connection to God (Allah). It’s also a time for reflection, self-restraint, increased devotion, and charity. Ramadan lasts for one month, and it’s considered one of the Five Pillars of Islam, key practices that guide the life of a Muslim.
For many, Ramadan is a profound period of spiritual reflection, but for breastfeeding mothers, it can present unique challenges, especially in balancing fasting with the nutritional needs of their child.
Breastfeeding is highly regarded in Islam, not only as a physical act of nurturing but also as a means of fostering a deep bond between mother and child. The Quran mentions breastfeeding in clear terms:
“Mothers may breastfeed their children for two complete years for whoever wishes to complete the nursing…” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:233)
This verse highlights that breastfeeding is essential, and it encourages mothers to breastfeed for a minimum of two years (interestingly, this aligns with the guidelines set by the World Health Organization, which recommends breastfeeding for the first two years of life). It’s considered an act of love and devotion, and Islam emphasises the importance of nourishing a child with breast milk for the benefit of both the baby and the mother.
One of the beautiful aspects of Islamic law is its flexibility, especially when it comes to the health and wellbeing of mothers and children. For breastfeeding mothers, fasting during Ramadan is not compulsory if it might negatively impact the health of either the mother or the baby. This exemption is based on a key principle in Islam:
“But if any of you is ill or on a journey, then an equal number of other days.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:184)
This means that mothers who are breastfeeding can choose not to fast if they feel it would be harmful to them or their child. The decision to fast is entirely personal and based on what feels right for the mother. No one can dictate whether a breastfeeding mother should fast. It’s a decision made by each individual woman based on her own body and circumstances.
No one can dictate whether a breastfeeding mother should fast. It’s a decision made by each individual woman based on her own body and circumstances.
Importantly, it’s also not an all-or-nothing affair. A mother can choose to fast some days during Ramadan when she feels healthy enough to do so, and skip others if she needs to. This flexibility allows mothers to still participate in the spiritual aspects of Ramadan while caring for their health and the wellbeing of their child.
As a mother, I’ve had to navigate fasting during Ramadan while breastfeeding on several occasions. This is now my 5th year as a mother and my 10th Ramadan as a Muslim. Over the years, I’ve missed three Ramadans due to breastfeeding and pregnancy. Personally, I tend not to fast when my babies are under one year old, as breast milk is their main source of nutrition. However, once they are over one year old and milk is no longer their primary source of food, I try to fast, though I have learned to take it day by day and listen to my body.
I’ve found that fasting while breastfeeding is especially challenging, particularly when I attempted to fast while tandem feeding both of my children (which lasted all of one day!). The physical strain of fasting while producing milk made it difficult to maintain the necessary energy levels, and it taught me the importance of being flexible and listening to my body’s needs. Some days I feel strong enough to fast, and other days I need to rest and nourish myself. It’s about balancing spiritual goals with self-care.
Even if you choose not to fast, there are many ways to engage with the spirit of Ramadan. Mothers can increase their acts of worship by reading the Quran, offering extra prayers, and making dua (supplications). These acts of worship help mothers stay connected to the essence of Ramadan without fasting.
Other practices like charity, kindness, and reflection are also central to the month of Ramadan. So, even if a mother isn’t fasting, she can still embody the values of the month through acts of worship and good deeds.
If a mother decides to fast while breastfeeding, it’s important that she stays properly hydrated and nourished. Here are some helpful tips to ensure both mother and baby remain healthy throughout the month:
1. Hydrate Well During Non-Fasting Hours: Drink plenty of water during Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and Iftar (meal to break the fast) to ensure proper hydration before starting the fast. Avoid caffeinated drinks, as they can contribute to dehydration.
2. Eat Nutrient-Rich Foods: It’s essential to consume balanced, nourishing meals. Include a mix of carbohydrates, proteins, healthy fats, and fibre to provide sustained energy throughout the day. Whole grains, lean proteins, and fresh fruits and vegetables are great choices that will support both the mother’s health and milk production.
3. Incorporate Hydrating Foods: Fruits and vegetables like cucumber, watermelon, and yogurt are naturally hydrating and can provide much-needed moisture during the fasting hours.
4. Listen to Your Body: It’s important for breastfeeding mothers to tune into their bodies and recognise when they need rest. If they’re feeling drained or unwell, it’s perfectly okay to break the fast and nourish themselves. Mother and baby’s health should always come first.
It’s important to understand that fasting does not directly reduce milk supply. Milk production largely depends on the principle of supply and demand. As long as a baby is feeding well, the mother’s milk supply should remain steady. However, fasting can affect milk ejection reflex (the release of milk) as the body prioritises other physiological functions. This might result in slower milk flow, which can make feeding more challenging for both the mother and the baby.
Additionally, fasting may make mothers feel more drained due to the body expending energy to maintain regular bodily functions while also producing milk. It’s important for breastfeeding mothers to manage their expectations during Ramadan and take breaks when necessary to ensure they don’t compromise their health or the wellbeing of their child.
To sum things up, breastfeeding during Ramadan is a deeply personal experience for each mother. While fasting is a key pillar of Ramadan for Muslims, mothers who are breastfeeding are given the flexibility to make decisions that best support their health and the needs of their child.
Whether a mother decides to fast or not, there are still plenty of ways to embrace the spiritual and charitable aspects of Ramadan. Ultimately, Ramadan is a time for self-reflection, connection with God, and compassion – for others and for oneself.
Special thanks: Thank you to the boobingit mamas and our contributors who kindly shared their photos, stories and insights with us to help bring this guide to life.
Disclosure: This breastfeeding guide has been produced as a friendly and helpful guide to breastfeeding. It should in no way be used as a medical reference guide. The real-life stories featured in this guide are personal accounts of breastfeeding and should be treated as such. Please seek the help of a medical professional should you need it whilst breastfeeding. The information and references within this guide were accurate at the time of writing and the author is not responsible for any inaccuracies post-publishing.
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