IS IT OK TO FAST DURING BREASTFEEDING?
Press Release
It is the holy month of Ramadan and this means that Muslims are embarking on a month of fasting from dawn until sunset. It is a time for reflection and prayer and, although most activities are minimised, there are still many important actions that need to take place. One of these is breastfeeding. It is advised that breastfeeding women are allowed to refrain from fasting but if one is not inclined to take this route there are certain precautions that can be taken to ensure the safety of both mother and child.
It is always good to get advice from other family members or friends when making your decision, so talk to other women to find out their point of view, this is especially useful if they have gone through this before. Seeking advice from a doctor or Islamic sheikh can be beneficial too. Milk production is not hindered when cutting down on calories so there should be no harm done to your baby if you do decide to fast. Not eating for 24 hours will not change the composition of breast milk, the body adapts to the amount of calories it is receiving.
To ensure proper nutrition for yourself and the baby it is important to take plenty of liquids when you break your fast. Don’t forget to eat properly too as you need to increase the nutrient content in your body. Breast feeding can cause dehydration so be aware of this and gauge how you are feeling, if you begin to feel thirsty, faint, weak or develop a headache it may be a good idea to break your fast and drink some water as well as lie down for half an hour. If the symptoms continue contact your doctor.
The important thing is to listen to your body during this time, do not ignore warning signs and you and your baby should stay healthy.
For more advice on baby care visit the SABC Education Baba Indaba and Kids Indaba. Prayer rooms as well as private breastfeeding facilities will be available.
The Soweto SABC Education Baba Indaba will be held in view of the magnificent Soccer City in the MTN Expo Centre at Nasrec from 27-29 August 2010. Doors open at 10:00 and the show runs each day until 18:00. Tickets can be purchased at R30.00 for adults and children gain free access. Go to www.babaindaba.co.zato discover more of Baba Indaba’s inspirational and motivational ideas, special entrance price offers, as well as to subscribe to the visitors’ newsletter and receive information on special show offers and notification for upcoming expos
About Baba Indaba
The SABC Education Baba Indaba is South Africa’s premier baby, toddler and parenting expo. It is held annually in Durban, Pretoria, Cape Town and Johannesburg, inspiring parents and moms-to-be countrywide to enjoy their baby, pregnancy and parenthood. Baba Indaba brings manufacturers, suppliers and retailers of parenting products together with parents, parents-to-be and even grandparents, to provide information and show specials – all with lots of fun. From 2010, a brand new event, Kids Indaba, will run alongside Baba Indaba, catering for 6 – 12 year olds. Also in 2010, the SABC Education Baba Indaba will be held in Soweto for the first time.
In November 2009, the Cape Town Baba Indaba won the EXSA Award for Top Exhibition of the Year, while the Baba Indaba experience secured the title of Most Memorable Event. In 2008, the Durban Baba Indaba won the EXSA Award for the best consumer exhibition of the year in its category for the second time. Naude is the recent winner of the Top Gender Empowered Company in the Emergent Companies and SMME’s Category in the prestigious Top Women Awards 2009.
