Breastfeeding Mothers Want to Fast Ramadan? Here's How to Safely Maintain Breast Milk Production

JAKARTA - For nursing mothers, fasting in the month of Ramadan often raises the question: will breast milk production remain safe? This concern is understandable, given that during fasting, food and drink intake is limited only from the time of breaking the fast until dawn.

Therefore, regulating the pattern of nutrition, fluids, and rest is very important so that mothers stay healthy and the baby's needs are met.

The midwife and doula founder of Bumilpamil, Jamilatus Sadiyah, emphasized that breastfeeding mothers need to pay attention to fluid and energy intake during fasting.

"Several studies show that fasting during Ramadan in breastfeeding mothers generally does not directly reduce the quality of breast milk macronutrients, but dehydration and energy deficits can affect breast milk volume and the mother's condition if not anticipated properly," said Jamilatus.

For this reason, he advised breastfeeding mothers to meet the fluid needs of about 2.5 to 3 liters per day which is consumed gradually from breaking the fast to dawn.

The fluid can be obtained from plain water, soup or stewed food, as well as fruits with high water content such as watermelon and oranges to help maintain electrolyte balance.

In addition to hydration, energy needs also need to be increased. Breastfeeding mothers are encouraged to add about 400-500 kilocalories per day during sahur and breaking the fast to support breast milk production and maintain stamina during fasting.

The sahur and breaking the fast menu should contain quality protein such as eggs, fish, chicken, beef, tempeh, and tofu to help the synthesis of breast milk as well as body recovery. Complex carbohydrates such as red rice, oatmeal, potatoes, and whole wheat bread are also important so that energy is more stable and mothers do not feel tired quickly.

Not less important, healthy fats from avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil can help maintain the energy content in breast milk.

In addition to macro nutrients, the need for vitamins and minerals also needs to be met, for example calcium from milk, yogurt, tempeh, and anchovies, as well as iron from red meat, liver, and spinach.

Jamilatus added that if necessary, mothers can consider consuming special breastfeeding supplements according to the recommendations of health workers, especially if food intake during fasting is not optimal.

Breast milk production itself is greatly influenced by the frequency of emptying the breasts. Mothers are encouraged to continue breastfeeding according to the baby's needs, either through direct breastfeeding (direct breastfeeding/DBF) or by pumping milk regularly every two to three hours.

Breastfeeding at night until before dawn is also recommended because the level of the hormone prolactin tends to be higher at that time.

In addition to diet and breastfeeding frequency, stress management and adequate rest also play an important role. Stress and fatigue can inhibit the oxytocin reflex so that the production of breast milk feels not smooth, even though the actual production still takes place.

Through the right strategy and attention to the body's needs, breastfeeding mothers can still carry out Ramadan fasting safely while maintaining the quality and quantity of breast milk for their babies.