Will fasting while breastfeeding harm me?

:babycenter.co.uk

2012/07/23

885

Your body is likely to cope well with fasting. In one study, breastfeeding mums who were fasting had roughly the same chemical balance in their blood as those who were fasting but weren't breastfeeding.

However, if you have been breastfeeding for a while, you'll know how thirsty it can make you. Becoming dehydrated can make you feel unwell. You can tell you are becoming dehydrated if you:

- feel very thirsty
- pass dark-coloured, strong-smelling wee
- feel faint, dizzy, weak or tired
- develop a headache or other pains

If you begin to notice any of these signs, you should break your fast with some water. Ideally add sugar and salt to the water, or an oral rehydration solution such as Dioralyte, and then have a rest. After half an hour, if you are still feeling unwell, call your doctor, midwife or health visitor.