Tackling Nutrition for Breastfeeding Mothers While Fasting

Breastfeeding babies / liking important things for babies. Breastfeeding with better biological, psychological and intellectual development of babies. The volume and composition of breast milk itself is influenced by several factors such as the stage of breastfeeding and the mother's diet.

Based on several studies, fasting does not significantly affect the macronutrient composition of breast milk. But there are significant differences in micronutrients such as zinc, magnesium, and potassium.

Minerals that are important for breastfeeding mothers such as calcium, iron and zinc.

Maintain Body Hydration

Daily fluid intake is very beneficial for hydrating the body. it's for drinking little by little for the time allowed (open until sahur). Drinking too much at any time before urinating will pee urine, which results in fast, and the mother feels more thirsty.

Eating foods with high content such as watermelon, tomatoes, oranges, vegetable soup, cucumber.

Eat Right

Food with balanced nutrition (carbohydrates, protein and fat) with eating arrangements such as the principle My plate, vegetables and fruit, 1/3 rice, and side dishes. Carbohydrates for energy sources, protein for growth and replacement of damaged cells, vitamins and minerals to maintain and maintain a healthy body and water as a solvent. Foods with balanced nutrition and the right amount can prevent the body from feeling weak and dizzy.

laxative drink

laxative drinks (tea and coffee) too much at suhoor. Laxatives can increase the elimination of body fluids through the urine, thereby endangering dehydration. Because in addition to laxatives, it will also affect the absorption of iron in the body.

Limit foods high in fat and salt such as fried foods, when breaking the fast the body needs foods that are easily absorbed. In addition, fried foods can produce stomach acid, causing blood cholesterol. Foods high in salt can absorb a lot of air, triggering excessive thirst during the day.

Eat Small and Often

Sahur (main meal + fruit) 03.30

Iftar (snacks) 18.00

Iftar (main meal after maghrib prayer) 18.30

Iftar (main meal/interlude 19.30-20.00

Example of Sharing Meals During Fasting (Small But Frequent Portions)

Breaking the fast :

Dates 3 seeds + mineral water

Milk pudding + fruit + mineral water

Fruit juice without sugar

Main meal

Rice, tamarind vegetables, fried chicken and bacem tempeh, bananas

Potatoes, chicken steak, mixed vegetables, citrus fruit

Main Meal / Evening Snacking (1 hour before bed)

Cheese Toast, Sausage Toast

Smoothies

Fruit salad

Compote

Pre-dawn meal

White rice, chicken soup and fried tempeh, dragon fruit

White rice, spinach, empal, tofu rolls, watermelon

Fasting only differs in the meal time window (iftar-suhoor), but the quality and quantity of food must remain the same and be fulfilled.

Reference:

Adawi, M. et al. Ramadan Fasting Exerts Immunomodulatory Effects: Insights form a Systematic Review, 2017, 8:1144. doi: 10.3389/fimmu

Allegaert, K. and Anne Smiths. Acute Maternal Fasting or Fluid Abstention Does Not Significantly Affect the Macronutrient Composition of Human Milk: Clinical and Clinical Research Relevance. Children. 2020, 7, 60; doi:10.3390/children7060060

Ertem, I.O., Kaynak, C., Ulukol, B., and Gulnar S.B. Attitudes and Practices of Breastfeeding Mothers Regarding Fasting In Ramadan. Child: Care, Health and Development. 2009. Vol. 27, 6: 545-554

Khoshdel, A. et al. Impact of maternal Ramadan fasting on growth parameters in exclusively breast-fed infants. Iranian journal of Pediatrics. 2007, 17 (4)