Breastfeeding during Ramadan?

[BreastmilkDoesAFabLatte]

Ramandan Mubarak to all those fasting... and could I please ask you for some advice?

A Muslim friend of mine (I'm a Christian, just to clarify!) has just had her first DC and is planning to do both the fasts and breastfeeding. She insists that it is compulsory to fast even whilst breastfeeding - however, I've heard from various people that it isn't and that you can make up the time later.

I realise this friend is under pressure from her DH and MIL to fast but does anyone have any sources/references to help her decide for herself on whether or not she should fast? (I suspect all her ILs FF and don't have a clue how thirty it is to BF, especially in summer)

And is anyone experienced in fasting whilst BF who can offer some tips on how to manage the thirst and exhaustion?

TIA and Ramadan Mubarak!

Your information seems correct WRT not compulsory and having to make up the days later but if your friend feels up to it(bf while fasting) why not? I BF 2 of mine while fasting it did not do me or them any harm. Let her try and she will see how she copes. All might go as well for her as it did for me.

Respect to you! But didn't you just collapse with thirst? I've never been able to last more than an hour or two without a glass of water...

Riven - thanks. So why is it forbidden to fast during a period?

Interesting, and good to know... thanks.

I'll ask if she's seen the link!

BreasmilkDoesAFabLatte, If I had found it too hard I would have stopped fasting so I do not have coping tips. This is why I was saying let her try if she wants to and she will know herself if she can or cannot cope. I have 4 DCs BTW the first two I was really not feeling able to BF so I did not but felt well enough for the other two.

Good to know, thanks. I've only breastfed just DD, and I've always been a thirsty person!

Nope. Fasting is for those who are healthy and strong enough to do so - elderly, ill and children should not. I really wouldn't fancy having surgery if I knew my surgeon hadn't eaten all day... or fly either for that matter!

As with most things in religion, a degree of common sense is required. You are supposed to respect your body and not harm it in any way. What would muslim women have done before the advent of formula milk of brest pumps and fridges?

"What would muslim women have done before the advent of formula milk of brest pumps and fridges?"

wahwah, I do not understand what this has to do with OP

Duh. I should read things a bit better than half read things whilst doung the shopping! I thought it was regarding NOT breastfeeding AND fasting. Doh doh doh.

Most of my relatives are muslim and we have many discussions about such things.

10/10 for multitasking though I would never be able to shop and MN at the same time.

Also trying to register for my London Cycle membership key and check my e-mails. Computer about to blow up!

Ah, but MN whilst BF...

Hi BDAFL (I think i put the letters in the right order!) your very kind to worry for your friend and its not nice she is being pressured into something if she isnt able :( how old is her baby? If she's still bleeding then she wouldnt be able to fast for sure but if her supply is good and she feels able then it really is up to her. I know alot of women prefer to fast in Ramadan cause your surrounded by ppl fasting and there is the excitement and the feast and it really lovely when you all break your fast together where as when your making up the days at another day you dont get that same feeling iykwim? Anyways myself i fasted 21days while breastfeeding my ds1 and pg with ds2 and i felt absolutly fine, obv the first day or two was hard but it always is then your body readjusts and i ate and drank plenty and very healthy esp for sahur and getting plenty of rest is very important too. But i didnt finish that Ramadan cause i went to Algeria and all my inlaws told me to stop! Not to be pushing myself too hard and i took the advice cause it was bloody hot! The following ramadan i fasted on bother bf'ing ds2, tis all up to the individual, hope she trusts herself and listens to her body