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Tribune News Network
Doha
Dr Mohammed Ilyas Khan, a breastfeeding expert and certified lactation specialist at Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) Al Khor Hospital, is urging breastfeeding mothers who are fasting during Ramadan to pay extra attention to their diet and to avoid fasting if they have underlying health conditions.
According to Dr Khan, several international studies have investigated the effects of Ramadan fasting on maternal nutrition and breastmilk composition. He said breastmilk is incredibly resilient and can retain its major nutrients even during fasting, but he noted the need for breastfeeding women to maintain a balanced diet that encompasses all the major food groups.
“In one study, milk samples were taken from healthy breastfeeding mothers during and after Ramadan. It was discovered that fasting did not significantly affect the level of macronutrients, which are nutrients needed in large quantities for growth and energy, and include proteins, carbohydrates and fat. Fasting did affect the level of micronutrients, such as magnesium, zinc and potassium, but these are only needed in small quantities,” said Dr Khan, clinical associate and certified lactation consultant at Breastfeeding Resource Center, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, Al Khor Hospital.
Dr Khan said if a breastfeeding woman chooses to fast, it is important that she replenishes her nutrients through eating a balanced diet encompassing all the major food groups during non-fasting hours.
Doha
Dr Mohammed Ilyas Khan, a breastfeeding expert and certified lactation specialist at Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) Al Khor Hospital, is urging breastfeeding mothers who are fasting during Ramadan to pay extra attention to their diet and to avoid fasting if they have underlying health conditions.
According to Dr Khan, several international studies have investigated the effects of Ramadan fasting on maternal nutrition and breastmilk composition. He said breastmilk is incredibly resilient and can retain its major nutrients even during fasting, but he noted the need for breastfeeding women to maintain a balanced diet that encompasses all the major food groups.
“In one study, milk samples were taken from healthy breastfeeding mothers during and after Ramadan. It was discovered that fasting did not significantly affect the level of macronutrients, which are nutrients needed in large quantities for growth and energy, and include proteins, carbohydrates and fat. Fasting did affect the level of micronutrients, such as magnesium, zinc and potassium, but these are only needed in small quantities,” said Dr Khan, clinical associate and certified lactation consultant at Breastfeeding Resource Center, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, Al Khor Hospital.
Dr Khan said if a breastfeeding woman chooses to fast, it is important that she replenishes her nutrients through eating a balanced diet encompassing all the major food groups during non-fasting hours.
