Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection and devotion, but for breastfeeding mothers, fasting can bring unique challenges. How does fasting impact milk supply and the health of both mother and baby? Can a nursing mother fast safely without compromising her well-being or her baby’s nutrition?
At Madrasat El Qurana, we provide expert insights and practical tips to help breastfeeding mothers navigate Ramadan with confidence. Join us as we explore the effects of fasting on breastfeeding and share essential guidance for a healthy and fulfilling Ramadan experience.
What Is The Rule of Breastfeeding in Islam?
Breastfeeding holds a significant place in Islam, as it is considered a natural right of the child and a responsibility of the mother. Islamic teachings encourage breastfeeding as a means of nourishment, protection, and emotional bonding between mother and child.
“Mothers may breastfeed their children for two complete years, for those who wish to complete the nursing period. The father is responsible for their provision and clothing in a fair manner.”
وَٱلْوَٰلِدَٰتُ يُرْضِعْنَ أَوْلَٰدَهُنَّ حَوْلَيْنِ كَامِلَيْنِ لِمَنْ أَرَادَ أَن يُتِمَّ ٱلرَّضَاعَةَ وَعَلَى ٱلْمَوْلُودِ لَهُۥ رِزْقُهُنَّ وَكِسْوَتُهُنَّ بِٱلْمَعْرُوفِ لَا تُكَلَّفُ نَفْسٌ إِلَّا وُسْعَهَا لَا تُضَآرَّ وَٰلِدَةٌۢ بِوَلَدِهَا وَلَا مَوْلُودٌ لَّهُۥ بِوَلَدِهِۦ وَعَلَى ٱلْوَارِثِ مِثْلُ ذَٰلِكَ فَإِنْ أَرَادَا فِصَالًا عَن تَرَاضٍ مِّنْهُمَا وَتَشَاوُرٍ فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيْهِمَا وَإِنْ أَرَدتُّمْ أَن تَسْتَرْضِعُوٓا۟ أَوْلَٰدَكُمْ فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيْكُمْ إِذَا سَلَّمْتُم مَّآ ءَاتَيْتُم بِٱلْمَعْرُوفِ وَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَٱعْلَمُوٓا۟ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ بَصِيرٌ
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:233)
Key Islamic Guidelines on Breastfeeding:
- Encouraged but Not Obligatory: While Islam highly encourages breastfeeding, it is not obligatory. If a mother is unable to breastfeed, she can seek alternative means, such as a wet nurse or formula.
- Two-Year Recommendation: The Quran suggests a period of two years for breastfeeding, but this is flexible based on the child’s needs.
- Father’s Responsibility: The father is financially responsible for supporting the mother during the breastfeeding period.
- Foster Relationships (Radā‘ah): If a baby is breastfed by another woman five times or more before the age of two, they become mahram (unmarriageable kin) to her family.
How does Fasting Ramadan affect Breastfeeding Mums?
Fasting during Ramadan while breastfeeding is a deeply personal decision, as it can affect both the mother’s health and the baby’s nutrition. Islamic teachings provide flexibility, allowing breastfeeding mothers to break their fast if they fear harm for themselves or their child.
Potential Effects of Fasting on Breastfeeding Mothers:
- Impact on Milk Supply: Prolonged fasting may lead to a reduction in milk production, especially if the mother is not consuming enough fluids and nutrients during suhoor and iftar.
- Energy Levels: Breastfeeding requires additional calories, and fasting can sometimes cause fatigue, dizziness, or weakness.
- Hydration Issues: Dehydration is a common concern, affecting both the quantity and quality of breast milk.
- Baby’s Feeding Pattern: Some babies may need to nurse more frequently when the mother is fasting to compensate for any changes in milk supply.
How Long Can I Fast while Breastfeeding?
In Islam, the well-being of the mother and child is a priority. If fasting negatively impacts a breastfeeding mother’s health or reduces her milk supply, she is permitted to break her fast and make up for it later or give fidya (feeding a poor person for each missed fast).
Allah (SWT) says in the Quran:
1. Surah Al-Baqarah
“The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey – then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you, and perhaps you will be grateful.”
شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أُنزِلَ فِيهِ ٱلْقُرْءَانُ هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَٰتٍ مِّنَ ٱلْهُدَىٰ وَٱلْفُرْقَانِ فَمَن شَهِدَ مِنكُمُ ٱلشَّهْرَ فَلْيَصُمْهُ وَمَن كَانَ مَرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِّنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ يُرِيدُ ٱللَّهُ بِكُمُ ٱلْيُسْرَ وَلَا يُرِيدُ بِكُمُ ٱلْعُسْرَ وَلِتُكْمِلُوا۟ ٱلْعِدَّةَ وَلِتُكَبِّرُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا هَدَىٰكُمْ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185)
This verse indicates that those who face difficulty—such as illness or hardship—are allowed to break their fast and make up for it later. Breastfeeding mothers fall under this category if fasting poses a challenge.
2. Surah Al-Baqarah
“Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear. It will have [the consequence of] what [good] it has gained, and it will bear [the consequence of] what [evil] it has earned.”
لَا يُكَلِّفُ ٱللَّهُ نَفْسًا إِلَّا وُسْعَهَا لَهَا مَا كَسَبَتْ وَعَلَيْهَا مَا ٱكْتَسَبَتْ رَبَّنَا لَا تُؤَاخِذْنَآ إِن نَّسِينَآ أَوْ أَخْطَأْنَا رَبَّنَا وَلَا تَحْمِلْ عَلَيْنَآ إِصْرًا كَمَا حَمَلْتَهُۥ عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِنَا رَبَّنَا وَلَا تُحَمِّلْنَا مَا لَا طَاقَةَ لَنَا بِهِۦ وَٱعْفُ عَنَّا وَٱغْفِرْ لَنَا وَٱرْحَمْنَآ أَنتَ مَوْلَىٰنَا فَٱنصُرْنَا عَلَى ٱلْقَوْمِ ٱلْكَٰفِرِينَ
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:286)
This verse reassures that if fasting is too difficult, it is permissible to break it.
Is it Hram to break your Fast if you are Breastfeeding?
No, it is not haram to break your fast if you are breastfeeding. Islam provides flexibility and ease for those facing difficulties, including pregnant and breastfeeding women. If a mother fears harm for herself or her baby due to fasting, she is permitted to break her fast.
Allah says in the Quran:
“Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship.”
شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أُنزِلَ فِيهِ ٱلْقُرْءَانُ هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَٰتٍ مِّنَ ٱلْهُدَىٰ وَٱلْفُرْقَانِ فَمَن شَهِدَ مِنكُمُ ٱلشَّهْرَ فَلْيَصُمْهُ وَمَن كَانَ مَرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِّنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ يُرِيدُ ٱللَّهُ بِكُمُ ٱلْيُسْرَ وَلَا يُرِيدُ بِكُمُ ٱلْعُسْرَ وَلِتُكْمِلُوا۟ ٱلْعِدَّةَ وَلِتُكَبِّرُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا هَدَىٰكُمْ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185)
“But if any of you is ill or on a journey, the same number (should be made up) from other days.”
أَيَّامًا مَّعْدُودَٰتٍ فَمَن كَانَ مِنكُم مَّرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِّنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ وَعَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ يُطِيقُونَهُۥ فِدْيَةٌ طَعَامُ مِسْكِينٍ فَمَن تَطَوَّعَ خَيْرًا فَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَّهُۥ وَأَن تَصُومُوا۟ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ إِن كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:184)
Many Islamic scholars apply this ruling to breastfeeding mothers, as fasting could affect their health or milk supply.
If fasting causes difficulty, the mother can break her fast and make up the missed days later or provide fidya (feeding a poor person) if she is unable to fast in the future. It is recommended to consult a scholar for personal guidance.
Fasting during Ramadan while breastfeeding is a journey that requires balance, self-care, and deep spiritual reflection. Islam offers flexibility and compassion, ensuring that both mother and baby remain healthy without hardship.
Whether you choose to fast or postpone, your intention and devotion are what truly matter.
At Madrasat El Qurana, we are committed to guiding you through your spiritual and personal journey with knowledge rooted in the Quran and Sunnah. Stay connected with us for insightful Islamic teachings, expert advice, and heartfelt support during this blessed month and beyond.
FAQS
Can a breastfeeding mother fast during Ramadan?
Yes, a breastfeeding mother can fast during Ramadan, but Islam allows flexibility. If fasting affects her health or her baby’s well-being, she can postpone the fast and make it up later or provide fidya (feeding a poor person for each missed day).
Will fasting reduce my milk supply?
Fasting may slightly impact milk supply in some mothers, especially if they don’t stay hydrated or consume enough nutrients. However, with proper nutrition and hydration during non-fasting hours, many mothers can maintain an adequate milk supply.
What are the signs that fasting is affecting my breastfeeding?
Signs to watch for include decreased milk production, dizziness, extreme fatigue, dehydration (dark urine, dry mouth), or if your baby seems unsettled, less active, or has fewer wet diapers. If you notice these, consider breaking your fast.
