Joshua Bennett
Breastfeeding mothers are exempt from fasting in several religions, including Catholicism. The decision to fast for religious reasons is a personal one, depending on the mother's health and that of her baby. While some religions, such as Orthodox Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, exempt pregnant and nursing mothers from fasting, others leave the decision to the individual, taking into account their health and that of their baby. In the case of Catholicism, while there is no requirement for fasting and abstinence during Lent for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, some sources suggest that mothers who feel healthy enough to fast may choose to do so.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Are breastfeeding mothers exempt from fasting in the Catholic Church? | Yes, according to Catholic.org, Roman Catholic mothers who are pregnant or breastfeeding are excused from fasting or abstinence "according to need for meat or nourishment." |
| Other religions that exempt breastfeeding mothers from fasting | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Islam, and Judaism (for the four minor fasts) |
| General recommendations for breastfeeding mothers considering fasting | Consult a dietitian, nutrition specialist, or healthcare provider to determine what is safe in your specific circumstances. During your fast, monitor your baby’s weight, wellbeing, and your own. |
| Research on the effects of fasting on breastfeeding mothers and their infants | Studies have shown that short-term fasting does not decrease milk supply, but severe dehydration can. Fasting does affect the biochemical/nutrient content of breastmilk to some extent. |
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What You'll Learn
- Breastfeeding mothers are exempt from fasting in several religions, including Catholicism
- The Catholic Church allows breastfeeding mothers to be exempt from fasting during Lent
- The health of the mother and baby is a priority when considering fasting
- Breastfeeding mothers need 500 more calories per day, so fasting is not advisable for weight loss
- Research shows that fasting can deplete mothers of nutrients, but not deplete breast milk supply
Breastfeeding mothers are exempt from fasting in several religions, including Catholicism
Catholicism
The Catholic Church exempts pregnant and breastfeeding mothers from fasting during Lent. This includes abstinence from meat on Fridays and Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. According to Catholic.org, pregnant or breastfeeding mothers are excused from fasting or abstinence "according to need for meat or nourishment".
Islam
Muslim women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are also exempt from fasting during Ramadan if they feel it will negatively affect their health or their baby's health. While research has shown that fasting during Ramadan does not affect breast milk supply or infant growth, it can deplete the mother's nutrient levels. Some sources recommend that nursing mothers compensate for missed fasting at a later time or pay some expiation for not fasting.
Orthodox Christianity
The Orthodox Christian Church also exempts pregnant and nursing mothers from fasting, as their focus should be on providing proper nutrition to themselves and their unborn child.
Judaism
In Judaism, nursing mothers are exempt from fasting on the four minor fast days but not from the two major fast days of Yom Kippur and Tisha B'Av. However, if labour begins on Yom Kippur or within three days before, mothers are not required to fast.
Health Considerations
Breastfeeding mothers considering fasting should be aware of the potential health risks and ensure they are getting adequate nutrition. Milk production increases energy needs, and fasting can affect the biochemical and nutrient content of breast milk. While the baby's body will prioritise its needs, drawing stored nutrients from the mother's body, it is the mother's health that is likely to be affected first. It is recommended that mothers seek advice from healthcare providers to ensure they are fasting safely.
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The Catholic Church allows breastfeeding mothers to be exempt from fasting during Lent
The Catholic Church, like many other religions, has rules in place to ensure the safety of pregnant and breastfeeding women during fasting periods. According to Catholic doctrine, fasting during Lent is not required if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. This exemption is supported by local bishops.
While the Church encourages joyful and humble receptivity of the gift of Lent, it is understood that the season is about uniting with God, and this can happen through pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and motherhood, not in spite of it. The Church wants what is in the best interest of mothers and babies and does not want to put any unnecessary burdens on them during this holy time.
The decision to fast for religious reasons when breastfeeding is a personal one and depends on the mother's health and the health of her baby. Some sources suggest that if a mother is generally healthy and feeding an older baby or child, it may be safe to fast, provided she refuels properly. However, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional before making a decision.
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The health of the mother and baby is a priority when considering fasting
Breastfeeding women require about 500 more calories per day than usual. This is because milk production increases energy needs. This extra energy demand means that fasting for weight loss or a "reset" is not advisable for breastfeeding mothers. However, religious fasting is a personal decision that depends on the mother's health and the health of her baby.
Some religions, including the Catholic Church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and Islam, exempt pregnant and breastfeeding mothers from fasting. Other religions, like Judaism, may exempt nursing mothers from some fasts but not from others, such as the 25-hour fast of Yom Kippur. Ultimately, the decision to fast or not during pregnancy and breastfeeding depends on the specific religion's guidelines and the mother's health and comfort level.
Research on the health impacts of religious fasting is mixed but generally reassuring. While breastfeeding, the body can use stored nutrients to keep the baby fed, even if the mother is not eating much. The main nutrients in milk do not seem to be significantly affected by short-term fasting, and babies typically grow normally. However, some studies have shown that prolonged fasting can lead to biochemical changes in breast milk and a decrease in certain nutrient levels, such as zinc, magnesium, and potassium.
To ensure the health of both mother and baby during fasting, it is essential to monitor their weight and well-being. Mothers can also seek guidance from healthcare providers, dietitians, and nutrition specialists to determine a safe approach to fasting. Additionally, staying properly hydrated is crucial, as severe dehydration can decrease milk supply.
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Breastfeeding mothers need 500 more calories per day, so fasting is not advisable for weight loss
Breastfeeding can be an energy-intensive process, and mothers need to ensure they are consuming enough calories to maintain their own health and produce milk for their babies. According to La Leche League International, breastfeeding burns about 500-700 calories or 2,100–2,900 kJ per day. Megan Landrum, RD, of Alavita Nutrition, agrees that women need about 500 more calories per day when they are breastfeeding. Therefore, it is essential to eat every two to four hours to maintain energy levels and milk supply.
While it is possible to lose weight while breastfeeding, it is not advisable to fast for weight loss, as this could result in a calorie deficit and negatively impact the mother's health and milk supply. Instead, breastfeeding mothers should focus on following a reasonably well-balanced diet and eating according to their appetite. This will likely result in some weight loss, especially in mothers who were overweight before pregnancy. However, it is important to remember that everyone is different, and factors such as the type of delivery and physical activity level can influence weight loss after birth.
Some religions, including the Catholic Church, exempt pregnant and breastfeeding mothers from fasting, recognising that their focus should be on proper nutrition for themselves and their unborn or breastfeeding children. For example, during Lent, fasting and abstinence are not required for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers, as confirmed by local bishops. Similarly, in Orthodox Christianity, the Church exempts pregnant and nursing mothers from fasting.
In contrast, some religions, like Judaism, do not exempt nursing mothers from all fasts. While they are excused from some minor fasts, they are still expected to observe the 25-hour fast of Yom Kippur, as it is one of the High Holy Days.
For mothers who choose to fast for religious reasons, it is important to be mindful of nutrient intake. Research on the impact of fasting on breastfeeding mothers and their infants has shown mixed results. While some studies indicate that short-term fasting does not decrease milk supply, it can lead to biochemical and nutrient content changes in breast milk. For example, during Ramadan, when fasting occurs from dawn to sunset, studies have shown that while infant growth and the macronutrient content of breast milk were not affected, levels of zinc, magnesium, and potassium in breast milk decreased, and the nutritional status of breastfeeding mothers was impacted. Therefore, it is recommended to focus on nutrient-rich foods when breaking a fast and consult a healthcare professional for guidance on maintaining adequate nutrition during religious fasts.
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Research shows that fasting can deplete mothers of nutrients, but not deplete breast milk supply
Breastfeeding already increases a mother's nutritional requirements, and fasting can further deplete mothers of essential nutrients. While some religions, including the Catholic Church, exempt pregnant and breastfeeding mothers from fasting, others, like Judaism, do not.
Research shows that fasting can indeed deplete mothers of nutrients, but not deplete breast milk supply. For instance, Rakicioglu et al. (2006) studied mothers with babies aged 2-5 months who fasted during Ramadan (no food or fluids between 5:00 am and 7:30 pm). They found that while infant growth and macronutrient content of breastmilk remained unaffected, levels of several nutrients in breastmilk (zinc, magnesium, and potassium) decreased, and the nutritional status of the breastfeeding mothers was impacted. Similarly, Zimmerman et al. (2009) tested the milk of Israeli women before and after religious fast days and found several biochemical changes in the milk associated with fasting for 24 hours or more.
In contrast, Prentice et al. (1983) studied women in West Africa who were fasting for Ramadan and found that milk volume was unaffected, although milk composition did change to some extent. Likewise, studies in the United States by Neville et al. (1993), Neville & Oliva-Rasbach (1987), and Tigas et al. (2002) showed no significant decrease in milk supply after a short fast, and the women in these studies drank water during the fast.
While short-term fasting may not decrease milk supply, severe dehydration can. Additionally, some experts suggest that low food intake while breastfeeding may negatively impact the nutrients in breast milk, specifically iron, iodine, and vitamin B-12. Megan Landrum, RD, of Alavita Nutrition, states that women need about 500 more calories per day when breastfeeding and should eat every two to four hours. Therefore, fasting for weight loss or a "reset" is not advisable. However, she notes that religious fasting is a personal decision that depends on the mother's and baby's health.
Breastfeeding mothers who choose to fast should ensure they are still meeting their nutritional needs. Nutrition researcher Kris Gunnars recommends shorter fasting windows of 14 to 15 hours and emphasizes the importance of what you eat versus when you eat. Landrum suggests making sure meals are rich in protein, healthy fats, and fresh fruits and vegetables.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, according to Catholic.org, pregnant or breastfeeding mothers are excused from fasting or abstinence "according to need for meat or nourishment."
Yes, fasting during pregnancy or breastfeeding may be substituted with fasting from makeup or a hot shower. This time can also be used for extra prayer, service to your family, or house cleaning.
The rules for fasting while pregnant or breastfeeding in the Catholic Church vary depending on the diocese and the bishop. It is important to consult your local bishop or diocese for specific guidelines.
Breastfeeding women need about 500 more calories per day than non-breastfeeding women. Fasting can affect the biochemical and nutrient content of breast milk to a certain extent. It is important to monitor your health and your baby's health during fasting and seek medical advice if any concerns arise.
