Asalamu alaikum wa rahmatulahi wa barakatu,
I understand that nursing mothers are not obligated to fast if they fear for their baby. My son will be 5 months (turning 6 months) during ramadan and is exclusively nursed. My question is if I am concerned about the long summer hours of fasting will lead me to be dehydrated and have an insufficient milk supply and nutrients for my baby. My question is do I fast and then decide upon fasting if it is harming my baby or can I decide beforehand that I don't think it is a good idea for me to fast for the reasons I mentioned previously. If I do fast what indications should I look out for to decide whether it is harming my baby or not? Also if I don't fast do I have to make up the missed fast or pay an expiation for the days missed or is it obligatory to do BOTH? I am worried about making the wrong decision because fasting is obligatory but if it is harming my baby my fasting may be haram. JazakAllahu Khairan.
Wa 'Alaykum As-Salaam wa Rahmatullaahi wa Barakaatuh
With regards to the question of a breastfeeding mother fasting, then the basic principle is that she must fast. You are excused only if there is a very good reason not to fast (i.e. this bringing harm to you or the child). You may suspect/ think it will adversely affect the child, but that is not enough. You should observe the fast and see how it goes. Remember that since you are feeding, then you need to have a good, healthy suhoor to keep your bosy strong and healthy.
If you are producing no milk or the amount of milk is so little that the child cannot have any satisfying feeds, then you may break the fast. However, if it happens during the first couple days, you can try to change your diet at suhoor (for example) and try again. After a few tries, if you see that it is not going to work, then you are excused from observing the fasts. However, you need to make them up at a later date. Try your best to do so before the next Ramadhan as it is obligatory. But if the same situation persists, then you make them up when you are physically capable of doing so. And Allaah knows best.
http://islamqa.com/en/ref/66438/breast%20feeding%20fasting
