Copypaste from Positive Parenting!
Preparing For Ramadan With Your Baby
Preparing For Ramadan With Your Baby
Tips for breastfeeding while fasting in
the Holy Month
By Dr Balkees Abdul Majeed, Paediatrician and Lactation Consultant
Ramadan is the ninth lunar month in the Islamic calendar.
Fasting in this month is one of the five pillars of Islam.
Performing fast during Ramadan is obligatory for all Muslims.
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding may be exempted
from fasting if they feel that their health or the baby's health
would be negatively affected by the fasting. The mother,
however, will have to compensate for the missed fasting at a
later date or pay some expiation for not fasting.The human body has natural regulatory mechanisms that activate during fasting. There is efficient utilization of body fat and basal metabolism slows down during Ramadan fasting. Studies have shown that there is no significant difference on macronutrient composition of breast milk and consequently has no effect on the growth of infants. Tips for breastfeeding during RamadanThe most significant difference in the month of Ramadan is the time to eat. Mothers who usually eat breakfast, lunch and evening meals should instead eat during dawn and after their fast is broken in the evening. We have listed a few practical hints you can follow to supply the maximum amount of balanced nutrition for both you and your child during Ramadan:
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