BF & Ramadhan

Last Ramadhan, I was 6-7 months pregnant & Alhamdullilah, I managed to fast all through Ramadhan. I lost a bit of weight, in which da nurse had threatened to admit me to da hospital if my weight continued to drop but rest assure, it jumped right up when Hari Raya came along.

Dis year, instead of being pregnant InsyaAllah I will still be able to fast all thru Ramadhan since it’s been almost 17months (inclusive 9months of pregnancy) since I’ve had my period. I think it’s because I’m still BF dearie Eryna which cause a twisted jumble to my biological clock. (I’ve been told dats its normal though). Anyways, with BF & Ramadhan, 2 issues come to my mind when I think of dis. Will it affect da quality of my BM? Will it affect da supply of my BM?

Tackling these issues, I found 2 very different arguments. Some studies showed dat there are no significant differences in da major nutrients of BM during & after Ramadhan, whilst other studies showed dat some of da micronutrients can decrease significantly. Well, I am GUESSING it shouldn’t be a problem because da food dat we usually eat during Iftar and Sahur should make up for it. I’ve always remind myself dat Allah itu Maha Adil. Fasting is one of da pillar of Islam & Islam is a religion dat encompasses all aspects of life and secures guidance & light for all mankind.

And also I found a statement from Dr. Muhammad M. Abu Laylah, professor of Islamic studies and head of da English Department, faculty of languages and translation at Al-Azhar University, states: “If there is any harm to your baby if you stop breast-feeding him during the daytime or during the fasting hours, then you are allowed to break your fast and make up for what you miss of fast days whenever your circumstances allow.”

But Alhamdulillah, for da past 10days, I do think dat I’m still fit to continue fasting.

Da other issue is da supply of BM. Most of da articles I’ve read commented dat with da less intake of fluid, it will definitely affect BM supply. I’m still pumping at work but I’m banking on pumping only once or twice only since I’m fiercely dehydrated by da end of da day. But luckily I think I still have enough EBM stock to cover for whatever loss I might face during dis ramadhan.

Eryna is currently taking about 4-5 bottles of 3oz on top of her 2 meals a day. And I’m able to pump around 10-12oz per day at work, so roughly I will be stealing 3-5oz of my frozen EBM stock daily. (Vowing to replace back all da frozen EBM. Fighting! :) )

Anyhow, here’s a few tips & gladly share on how to survive BF during ramadhan:

1. Ample amount of fluids (4 - 6 litres of water, milk, fresh fruit juices)
2. A good amount of complex carbohydrates (bread, rice and macaroni)
3. Three meals Iftar, Sahur and a snack in between
4. Dates during Sahur & Iftar
5. Horlick-Dates Shakes (Super delicious!)

6. Vitamins

7. Do not overstress yourself
8. Keep a positive mind

But, do bear in mind dat BF mothers may be exempt from fasting if they feel dat their health or da baby's health would be negatively affected by da fasting. Do have da intention to fast & prove your intention by having a good & balance Sahur & observe your health during fasting. If you feel weak & you can observe dat your baby is greatly disturbed, then I might suggest for you to break fast. It really depends upon a lot of factors, how hot da weather is, how long da fasting is, how much effort you are expending everyday and these all add together in da decision whether or not to fast.

Praying for Allah’s grace for me & Eryna to survive dis Ramadhan. Ameen.