Ramadan 2025: Fasting Tips For Expecting And Breastfeeding Moms

Ramadan 2025 is expected to begin on February 28, 2025, marking the start of the most auspicious and holy month in the Islamic calendar. Muslims all across the globe observe 30 days of fasting from sunrise to sunset and focus on spiritual growth, self-discipline, and empathy for those in need. This blog will provide helpful tips on how to manage fasting during pregnancy or fasting while breastfeeding.

Why Muslims Fast In Ramadan?

Fasting or ‘Sawm’ is one of the five pillars of Islam, the other ones being Shahadah, Salat, Zakat, and Hajj. According to the Quran, the holy book of Islam, fasting helps one to abstain from sins and desires. Fasting also helps to instill gratitude because it allows you to experience hunger and thirst like the less fortunate. 

Allah’s Messenger, Prophet (PBHU) verily said‏ 

"‏ مَنْ صَامَ رَمَضَانَ إِيمَانًا وَاحْتِسَابًا غُفِرَ لَهُ مَا تَقَدَّمَ مِنْ ذَنْبِهِ ‏"

Which translates to “Whoever observes fasts during the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah's rewards, then all his past sins will be forgiven." Sahih al-Bukhari 38

Looking for Unique Muslim Baby Names Inspired By Quran? 

What Does the Quran Say About Fasting During Pregnancy Or Breastfeeding?

During Ramadan, Muslims observe a strict fast, not taking even a drop of water, during the day. It starts with Sehri, the morning meal taken before Fajar, and ends with Iftar, after the maghrib prayer. Islam clearly exempts individuals from fasting in certain circumstances such as sickness, pregnancy, and breastfeeding, however despite the exemption, some women choose to fast, which can be quite challenging owing to the increased nutritional demand during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, if you are planning to do so, it is important to talk to your doctor and ensure that you are fit for fasting. 

Can Fasting During Pregnancy Harm The Baby?

In an NIH Research Study, 240 healthy pregnant women were divided into three groups based on their trimester, with 80 women in each group. 40 women from each group fasted while the other 40 did not. To understand the impact of fasting, ultrasonography techniques were used which showed no significant difference. The study concluded that  “No adverse fetal effect was observed in the fasting pregnant women in contrast to non-fasting pregnant women during Ramadan.”

The study also stated that pregnant women should consult a doctor if they wish to fast and take enough calories and fluids to help them get through the day. 

Can Fasting Affect Breastfeeding?

A study was conducted by NIH to understand the Effect of Ramadan Fasting on Breast Milk. The study which was conducted in 2021 Ramadan, involved 48 exclusively breastfeeding moms, 21 fasting and 27 non-fasting. Breastmilk samples of all the participants were collected to evaluate the composition of essential nutrients. 

The weight of the infants was also evaluated. It was found that there was no significant difference between the energy, carbohydrate, protein, and lipid composition of breast milk in fasting and nonfasting mothers. Also, no difference was seen in the weight gain of the babies. The study led to the conclusion that “Religious fasting of mothers does not affect the energy and macronutrient content of breast milk. In addition, fasting does not seem to affect the weight of mothers and babies.”

While these studies suggest that fasting during pregnancy and while breastfeeding does not adversely affect the baby, the mother may have a caloric deficiency. Also, it is pertinent to understand that not every case is alike, and as such consulting your doctor is crucial before you plan to fast. 

Breastfeeding While Fasting During Ramadan

It would be wrong to say that the mother’s body is completely unaffected by the fast. There are some changes that may not be evident to you but your baby can be affected by them. For instance, you may notice that your baby has become fussier towards the end of the day. This could be due to the slowing down of the milk ejection reflex, i.e. release of milk, owing to the additional stress on your body. To overcome this problem you can try compressing your breasts while feeding your baby to help in the feeding process. You are likely to notice an improvement in the milk flow with this. 

While some mothers may not experience any change in the breast milk quantity throughout the day, others might notice a slight decrease in the second half. It may also appear thicker than usual. This is quite normal. It is advisable to inform your doctor if there is a significant drop. 

If you like this blog, you may also want to read:

10 Breastmilk Benefits You Should Know About

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Ramadan Fasting Tips For Expecting And Breastfeeding Moms

Here are a few things that you need to keep in mind if you are expecting/breastfeeding and planning to fast this Ramadan. 

1. Watch Out For Symptoms

The first and the most crucial thing is to listen to your body and pay attention to any unusual symptoms such as headache, dizziness, and dark colour of urine. It is important to watch out for these signs if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, especially if your baby is less than 6 months old. Break your fast immediately if you experience any of the symptoms.

Breastfeeding moms also need to watch out for any unusual symptom in their babies, such as reduced urine output, crankiness after feeding and weight loss. This is especially important if your baby is exclusively breastfeeding. Babies above 6 months, who are taking complementary meals do not usually show such signs. 

2. Step Up Your Hydration Game

Take enough fluids during the non-fasting hours to keep yourself well-hydrated throughout the day. Meeting your daily water intake goals can be a little challenging with the limited window for eating and drinking. Try to take 2 to 3 glasses of water when you break your fast. Keep a bottle with you so that you can drink water if you wake up at night. Do not take excessive water at the Suhoor time as this will result in faster filling of bladder and urination, eventually making you feel dehydrated and thirsty during the fasting hours. 

3. Take Balanced Meals & Avoid Overeating 

Although you need to make sure that you are taking in enough calories, this does not mean that you need to overeat and stuff yourself. Muslim households usually tend to have heart meals for iftar including fried foods like fritters, sweet treats, and so on. These may seem tempting, but your major focus should be on meeting your body’s nutritional needs which is only possible with well-balanced meals. One of the best ways is to add a smoothie to your diet, especially during Suhoor. Take protein-rich foods, healthy vegetables, fresh fruits, and whole-grain carbs. 

“Include energy-dense foods rich in complex carbohydrates. Sources such as ragi, jowar, oat, or bran-based cereals, beans, pulses, nuts, and seeds will ensure your health throughout fasting. Make sure to incorporate sources rich in protein such as cottage cheese, beans, and lentils. These will keep you longer and satisfy your appetite.” suggests Jyoti Pachisia, expert Nutritionist at Parentune. 

Click here to know how you can plan your meals as a breastfeeding mom. 

4. Restrict Physical Activities 

Physical activities and exercise are generally considered to be safe during pregnancy, however, if you are pregnant and fasting, it is advisable to avoid indulging in rigorous physical activities as these can deplete your energy levels rapidly and you don’t want that. This eventually leads to fatigue and weakness. Take rest and limit physical activities. Also, avoid exposure to heat as it can cause sweating, which leads to dehydration. 

“Try to restrict physical activity during fasting as it leaves you tired. If you feel weak, break the fast without waiting for a microsecond,” suggests Jyoti Pachisia, expert Nutritionist at Parentune. 

Do let us know if you found this blog useful.