Tips for an easier fast for exclusively nursing moms

Silver Member Joined: May 09 2010 Posts: 606

So I have some not-so-good experiences with fast days while exclusively nursing a newborn; dizziness, nausea, extra cranky baby who is not getting enough to eat at the peak of the fast (which doesn't help matters) and actually reaching the point of having to break the fast because of inability to go on.... does anybody have any tips that helped them pull through? I'm really dreading tisha b'av for this reason....

Active Poster Joined: Jun 02 2009 Posts: 43

I had to fast on Y"K when I was exclusively nursing, and I have a hard time fasting in general, without depleting nutrients to a baby. I basically did as little as possible. I did not go to shul, just stayed home and nursed the baby. If you have any other kids, I would see if you could have them stay with someone else or have someone come help you. I did not have to break my fast at all. I did just fine.

My most important tip is : DRINK, DRINK, DRINK!! Starting today. I go into the fast feeling like a big, bloated water balloon and maybe need to wake up a few times at night as a result but it pays off in a much easier fast both for me and the baby.
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Diamond Member Joined: May 10 2010 Posts: 2976

This is my first fast that I will be nursing and I'm pretty nervous about it. I was told that the best thing to do is to drink TONS of water, starting from 3 days before the fast. I am already feeling like a water balloon. Hope it helps!

Gold Member Joined: Mar 23 2007 Posts: 1874 Location: NY

When I ate up to 40% more and drank much more for 2-3 days in advance, it helped a lot. Doing that just the day before is not enough, it just gives you indigestion. But really upping calories and fluids for a few days built up my reserves.
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Gold Member Joined: Mar 23 2007 Posts: 1874 Location: NY

Btw, I'm not a big eater so for me, the 40% or whatever, I really just made up a number, is not important. I just ate a lot more than usual. I tend to nibble for breakfast and then eat a small lunch and an average dinner. So the few days before, I eat larger meals plus snacks.

Active Poster Joined: Nov 25 2008 Posts: 84

This is my third exclusively-nursing fast. I got through the past two OK... I'd recommend drinking A LOT starting NOW. Eat whatever you do before the fast that normally works for you. And if you can - pump at least one bottle's worth now. Even if you don't use it, it'll help your peace of mind knowing that there's a backup in the freezer if you're desperate. Get help from people if you can, and have distractions for the baby and other kids.

Silver Member Joined: Nov 09 2004 Posts: 870

Besides just drinking water, try drinking powerade, or gaterade, something that has electrolytes in it.

Active Poster Joined: Jan 25 2010 Posts: 28

Kalei Tzom/Tzom Kal helped me. People also say to drink Gatorade/Powerade - start today.

Active Poster Joined: Dec 20 2010 Posts: 86

my sister-in-law swears by kali-zom. I'm hopefully gonna try that this year.

Platinum Member Joined: Oct 14 2009 Posts: 5867

This is my first fast nursing, though baby already takes some solids so if my supply runs low she won't starve. I'm just nervous because since I started nursing I have an appetite like a hippo. I graze all day and my stomach growls like crazy if I don't. I get more cravings than I did while pregnant. Anyone else? How are you supposed to fast like this?!

Silver Member Joined: Mar 20 2006 Posts: 958

If you can, I would pump a bottle or two, to give toward the end of the fast. It's usually after the whole day of not eating that I don't have enough and the baby suffers.

Diamond Member Joined: Dec 21 2009 Posts: 3150

Am I the only one who thinks that if you exclusively nurse and feel dizzy and what not, you are allowed to break the fast?

Platinum Member Joined: Oct 14 2009 Posts: 5867

AYLOR, but I think you need to be feeling pretty sick to break tisha b'av. Much more so than the other fasts (besides YK). I was told to try and fast even if it means lying in bed all day and doing nothing else at all (don't know who watches the kids in that case, I only have one little baby so not too hard logistically)

Diamond Member Joined: Dec 21 2009 Posts: 3150

Posted: Sun, Aug 07 2011, 3:05 pm Post subject:

Yom Kippur I pumped before and I gave a bottle every second meal. Also make sure to rest while fasting.

Senior Member Joined: Mar 10 2011 Posts: 204

I drink at least two bottles of this every day for a few days before the fast:
http://rehydrate.org/solutions/homemade.htm#recipe
(I use this recipe all the time when my kids have diarrhea/are throwing up)
Hatzlacha everybody!!

Posted: Sun, Aug 07 2011, 4:17 pm Post subject:

Diamond Member Joined: Apr 18 2010 Posts: 3017

I am going into my first ebf fast, and here's what I'm doing to prepare: drink lots; pump a stash (in case supply dips); my mother will be helping me out for the day- granted, she's fasting too, but she's not nursing and she has experience in caring for children while fasting Smile

If you don't have family nearby, it may be worth it to invest in a babysitter for the day so that you do nothing but nurse and conserve your energy- that's what I would do if my mom weren't available.