Back when I was pumping for my son, Ramadan was both a spiritual and physical challenge for me. Breastfeeding itself was already a struggle — I had a low milk supply from the start due to the mental health challenges I faced after giving birth.

Fasting while pumping made it even harder, and I had to be extra mindful of how my body responded.

Fasting & Milk Supply: Seeking Guidance

From the beginning of my breastfeeding journey, I struggled with producing enough milk. My supply was low, and I knew that stress and mental exhaustion played a big role in it. Even before Ramadan, I had to work hard to maintain what little milk I had.

So when Ramadan came, I was determined to fast, but I also worried about how it would affect my milk production. I noticed that when I fasted, my milk became less rich and nutritious, and my energy levels dropped significantly.

Concerned about my baby’s nutrition, I consulted a lactation consultant for advice. She explained that while some moms could fast without issues, others — especially those with pre-existing low supply — might see a further decline.

She reassured me that I had the option not to fast if it meant protecting my milk supply and my own health.

It was a tough decision because I wanted to observe Ramadan fully, but ultimately, I knew my baby’s well-being came first. On days when I felt my milk quality was suffering, I chose not to fast and focused on boosting my supply instead.

Adjusting My Pumping Schedule During Ramadan

When I was at work, my pumping schedule changed depending on whether I was fasting or not:

- When I wasn’t fasting, I pumped twice a day at work. This schedule allowed me to express as much milk as possible to keep up with my baby’s needs.

- When I was fasting, I reduced my pumping to once a day at work. I wanted to see how much milk I could still produce while fasting and how well I could manage my energy levels.

Fasting was a true test for me. I already had a low supply, so skipping one pumping session meant I had to be extra careful with hydration and nutrition.

I made sure to drink plenty of water between iftar and suhur and eat foods that supported milk production, like oats, dates, and protein-rich meals.

Storing Breast Milk at Work

Regardless of how many times I pumped, proper storage was essential. I kept my milk in a cooler bag with ice gel packs until I got home. Since I was producing less while fasting, I tried to make every session count by using breast compressions and staying as relaxed as possible while pumping.

Lessons Learned from Pumping While Fasting

1. Fasting Can Impact Supply — Especially If It’s Already Low
   – My milk supply wasn’t great to begin with, so fasting made it even more challenging. I had to make adjustments and prioritize my baby’s needs.

2. A Lactation Consultant’s Advice Was Crucial 
   - If I hadn’t consulted a lactation expert, I might have forced myself to fast despite the clear signs that my milk quality was declining.
   
   Seeking professional advice helped me make informed decisions.

3. Hydration & Nutrition Matter More Than Ever
   – Drinking enough fluids and eating nourishing foods during suhur and iftar made a difference in my milk supply, even though it was still lower than usual.
   
   
   

4. Flexibility Is Key
   – I learned that I couldn’t be too rigid with my fasting or pumping schedule. Some days, I had to break my fast for my baby’s sake, and I had to be okay with that.

5. Proper Milk Storage Helps Reduce Stress
   – Since I was pumping less while fasting, making sure my milk was stored safely in a cooler bag with ice packs gave me peace of mind.
   

Final Thoughts

Breastfeeding during Ramadan isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience. Some moms can fast without a major drop in supply, while others — especially those with pre-existing challenges like me — might struggle more. 

And that’s okay. I believe Islam provides flexibility for breastfeeding moms because our babies’ well-being comes first.

If you’re planning to fast while pumping at work, listen to your body and seek guidance if you’re unsure.

You don’t have to push yourself beyond your limits. Whether you fast or not, you’re still doing an amazing job nourishing your little one.