Is it Safe to Fast While Breastfeeding?
Wondering if fasting and breastfeeding is a safe combination? Yes, it is safe to fast while breastfeeding. Your body will produce enough milk to satiate your baby.
Impacts of Fasting When Breastfeeding
On Breast Milk Supply:;The fat content in the breast milk is different for every mom and it may also keep varying in a single mom, over a period of time. Therefore, if you are fasting for days at a stretch, the fat amount in your breast milk may vary a little bit, but it will not reduce the quantity of your milk. Your body is smart enough to use the stored fat in your body to make milk for your baby. It is important to provide good nutrition to your body whenever you eat after a fast, to restore the lost nutrients of the body. If you are healthy, fasting does not hamper the growth of your baby.
On Breastfeeding Mother:;Your body adjusts well to fasting. It was also researched, that the chemical balance of a mother who observes fasting and one who does not observe fasting, was more or less the same.;This proves that your body will function in a similar manner when you fast as compared to when you do not fast. You may lose some weight from fasting but that is very normal. However, if you feel that you are losing weight rapidly (more than 0.5 kilograms to 1 kilogram in a week); you should stop fasting and seek medical help. Even if during fasting you feel dizzy, develop a severe;headache, pass dark coloured urine, feel weak or tired; you should stop fasting. You should take lots of fluids and rest.
Tips for Making Fasting Easier While Nursing
If you plan to fast while you are breastfeeding, then you need to follow some tips that will make fasting easier for you:
A Healthy Diet:;It is very important that you consume a good diet, whenever you eat before or after a fast. You may not be eating certain foods while you are fasting, therefore it will be a good idea to substitute them effectively. Keeping your nutrition quotient high even before fasting will not only act as an energy bank for you but it will also provide enough nutrition to your growing baby.
Keep Your Body Hydrated:;Dehydration can cause a lot of complications. Therefore, it is very important to keep yourself well hydrated if you are fasting. If there is a limitation of drinking water during the fast, then it is recommended that you consume ample amounts of liquids before and after the fast is over. Breastfeeding may also make you feel extremely thirsty, drink enough water and other fluids, whenever you can.
Rest:;It is also advised that you do not exert yourself when you are observing a fast. Exertion can lead to low energy levels and a feeling of lethargy. Therefore, rest as much as you can and keep your energy stored.
Finish Your Chores Beforehand or Postpone Them:;If you have major chores such as;getting groceries from the supermarket, fetching laundry from the dry cleaner, etc., you should do it a day prior. If that is not possible then it is a good idea to postpone that task. Unnecessary exertion may drain you of your energy.
Keep a Tab on Your Baby’s Health:;Your fasting may not affect the health of your baby, but it is good to keep an eye on your baby. If you notice fewer wet nappies, any change in your baby’s poop colour, weight loss or other health issues, you may consult your doctor for the same.
;;;
Wondering if fasting and breastfeeding is a safe combination? Yes, it is safe to fast while breastfeeding. Your body will produce enough milk to satiate your baby.
Impacts of Fasting When Breastfeeding
On Breast Milk Supply:;The fat content in the breast milk is different for every mom and it may also keep varying in a single mom, over a period of time. Therefore, if you are fasting for days at a stretch, the fat amount in your breast milk may vary a little bit, but it will not reduce the quantity of your milk. Your body is smart enough to use the stored fat in your body to make milk for your baby. It is important to provide good nutrition to your body whenever you eat after a fast, to restore the lost nutrients of the body. If you are healthy, fasting does not hamper the growth of your baby.
On Breastfeeding Mother:;Your body adjusts well to fasting. It was also researched, that the chemical balance of a mother who observes fasting and one who does not observe fasting, was more or less the same.;This proves that your body will function in a similar manner when you fast as compared to when you do not fast. You may lose some weight from fasting but that is very normal. However, if you feel that you are losing weight rapidly (more than 0.5 kilograms to 1 kilogram in a week); you should stop fasting and seek medical help. Even if during fasting you feel dizzy, develop a severe;headache, pass dark coloured urine, feel weak or tired; you should stop fasting. You should take lots of fluids and rest.
Tips for Making Fasting Easier While Nursing
If you plan to fast while you are breastfeeding, then you need to follow some tips that will make fasting easier for you:
A Healthy Diet:;It is very important that you consume a good diet, whenever you eat before or after a fast. You may not be eating certain foods while you are fasting, therefore it will be a good idea to substitute them effectively. Keeping your nutrition quotient high even before fasting will not only act as an energy bank for you but it will also provide enough nutrition to your growing baby.
Keep Your Body Hydrated:;Dehydration can cause a lot of complications. Therefore, it is very important to keep yourself well hydrated if you are fasting. If there is a limitation of drinking water during the fast, then it is recommended that you consume ample amounts of liquids before and after the fast is over. Breastfeeding may also make you feel extremely thirsty, drink enough water and other fluids, whenever you can.
Rest:;It is also advised that you do not exert yourself when you are observing a fast. Exertion can lead to low energy levels and a feeling of lethargy. Therefore, rest as much as you can and keep your energy stored.
Finish Your Chores Beforehand or Postpone Them:;If you have major chores such as;getting groceries from the supermarket, fetching laundry from the dry cleaner, etc., you should do it a day prior. If that is not possible then it is a good idea to postpone that task. Unnecessary exertion may drain you of your energy.
Keep a Tab on Your Baby’s Health:;Your fasting may not affect the health of your baby, but it is good to keep an eye on your baby. If you notice fewer wet nappies, any change in your baby’s poop colour, weight loss or other health issues, you may consult your doctor for the same.
;;;
Isha Pal
Like
Reply
06 Apr 2019