Author(s): Aliya S. Haq MS, RD, CD; WIC, Harborview Medical Center, Seattle, WA

Reviewer(s): Salma Musa, Somali Caseworker/Cultural Mediator, HMC

Date Authored: September 1, 2007

Date Last Reviewed: September 2, 2010

Milk and vegetables
Photo by Province of British Columbia (cc license)

Helpful tips for maintaining good breast milk supply:

  • Begin your fast at “suhoor” with a glass of 2 % milk, a bowl of fresh or cooked vegetables and a fruit along with a serving of lean meat and “Anjara”( pan cooked crepe), pasta, “Roti”( pan cooked wheat bread) or rice. In case of poor appetite, drink at least a glass of milk and eat a fruit.
  • Rest frequently during the day and continue breastfeeding as usual. At “Afur/Iftaar” when you break your fast, eat fresh fruits and drink a glass of juice or milk shake. Limit deep fried foods and high fat pastries, sweet breads and desserts such as “Sambosa/Samosa”, “Bhajiya”, “Mandazi”, Halawa”, Basbousa”, etc. to not more than a serving.
  • Let your dinner be like your “suhoor”. Be sure to include milk and vegetables.
  • Avoid fried foods at “Suhoor” and “Afur/Iftaar” as they increase thirst, reduce your milk supply and make your fast uncomfortable.
  • Limit caffeinated tea or coffee to 2 cups a day. Drinking too much tea or coffee makes you lose body water and increase thirst.
  • Fruits and vegetables help prevent thirst, and maintain breast milk supply.
  • As you know, Qur’an recommends that you breastfeed your child for two years. Consider postponing your fast if you fear your breast milk supply will drop. Consult your religious leader.
  • Breast milk will give your child a life time of health and intelligence.