Have you or anyone you know gone on a spiritual fast while breastfeeding?

Question

Fasting is something I practiced regularly for the past few years before becoming pregnant last year. I've also studied extensively and may eventually write and publish my experiences fasting. Spiritual breakthroughs accompanying fasting changed my life but weren't the only benefit. Since I now have a 3 month old baby daughter it will be possibly a couple of years before I can fast. I could health-wise REALLY use some sort of cleanse or detox in addition to the spiritual aspect of a fast, but since I'm nursing I am only wishing and wondering. Please share your answers and opinions on fasting while breastfeeding if you have done it or know someone who's done it.

FYI, my baby is supplemented with about 6 oz. formula daily and is at the top/above her weight level for her age. She was almost 11 lbs. at birth.

BTW, the only info. I can find online relates to penance and that's not really the same thing I do when fasting.

Thx!

Answer 1

I think that you should wait until you are finished nursing.

Breast feeding is spiritual too. You have another life totally dependant on u.

Once you are finished nursing go bak to fasting.

i have no idea wen u should switch totally to formula but until u do that, dont muck around with your diet. certainly without consulting ur doctor

wat religion are you? I can tell you none of the ones i know including catholic christianity and Islam would have you doing fasting or penance at the expense of another.

god the gods judge wats in your heart first. If you are giving yourself to a baby, that is one very unselfish act all condone. Even if you are not nursing, dont fast too often. Once a year should be enough

Answer 2

Usually fasting is not recommended while breastfeeding because the baby is dependent on you for nourishment- you need more calories while BF than you needed when you were pregnant.
Fasting is usually nothing more than denying our bodies in order to gain spiritual strength- Women I know who are BF and still want to maintain the idea of a fast usually do so by denying themselves something else that is as important to them but wont compromise their health or that of their breastfeeding baby.

Cleanses are also not recommended while BF because the toxins that are cleansed through the system can get into your milk supply- and you don't want your baby getting all those toxins.

I've heard there are cleanses that are safe for BF but you'd have to research "cleanses and breastfeeding" to find out

But overall, both are discouraged while BF.

I'd suggest you take this time and really cherish this time you have with your baby. You could try eating wholesome, organic non-processed foods so you are filling your body and your baby with good things- and when we are routinely eating good things it means cleanses are less needed.

Answer 3

As a practice in the congregation I attend the nursing mothers are exempt because they are the source of food for their children. It might be possible to continue to drink a lot and still nurse if your body has a decent store of what your child needs but remember anything like a cleanse your may use will also effect your child and since she is smaller it will cause a greater reaction.

Answer 4

Fasting is not recommended for pregnant or nursing mothers because their calorie needs are greater than a woman who is not pregnant or nursing. There are other ways to cleanse or detox while nursing. Talk to your chiropractor. Many are aware of alternative medicines and methods and he/she may know of something you can do now while you are nursing.