Does Breastfeeding Break Your Fast?

Samira Yusuf

February 5, 2025

Clarifying fasting rules for breastfeeding mothers in Ramadan.

Photo by William Fortunato

Breastfeeding mothers often wonder: Does nursing break my fast? However, if fasting harms your health or milk supply, Islam provides flexibility.

Table of Contents

Does Breastfeeding Break Your Fast?

No, Breastfeeding Doesn’t Break the Fast

Breastfeeding alone doesn’t nullify your fast. Nursing is a natural process, and Islam doesn’t consider it an act that breaks fasting. However, if you eat or drink to maintain milk supply or energy levels, your fast is broken.

For example, if you feel weak and drink water to continue nursing, your fast for that day ends. But this is allowed if fasting risks your health or your baby’s nutrition.

Breastfeeding mothers can skip fasting if:

Fasting harms their health: For instance, extreme fatigue, dizziness, or dehydration.
Fasting reduces milk supply: If skipping meals affects your ability to nurse, you’re exempt.
A doctor advises against fasting: Medical concerns for you or your baby justify skipping.

In these cases, you’re allowed to break your fast. But you must make up the missed days later, once you’re able.

Evidence

Scholars have different views on whether breastfeeding mothers must donate meals (fidya) for missed fasts:

Quranic Verse: “Allah intends ease for you, not hardship” (2:185) supports exemptions for valid reasons.

Scholar Rulings: Ibn ‘Uthaymin and Ibn Baz state that breastfeeding mothers can skip fasting if it harms them or their baby.

Bottom Line

Breastfeeding itself doesn’t break your fast, but eating or drinking to sustain milk supply does. If fasting harms your health or nursing ability, you’re exempt—but must make up missed fasts later.

Always prioritize your well-being and your baby’s nutrition. Islam values life and health, so don’t hesitate to skip fasting if needed. When in doubt, seek guidance from trusted scholars and medical professionals.