As a new mother navigating through Ramadan, you’re not just facing the physical and emotional challenges of fasting and caring for your baby—you’re also discovering profound spiritual fulfillment amidst the chaos. It’s a journey marked by highs and lows, moments of exhaustion and joy, yet it’s a testament to the resilience and strength inherent in motherhood.
In the midst of it all, you’ll find countless stories from fellow mothers, each unique yet bound by a shared sense of inspiration. Through their experiences, we see the beauty of survival and thriving amidst the trials of Ramadan.
As I reflect on my journey, I’m compelled to share insights and anecdotes, offering guidance to future mothers embarking on this path. From the added responsibility of caring for a little one to the challenges of maintaining a milk supply and balancing spiritual practices with parental duties, there’s much to navigate.
8. You have an extra person to care for
Before being a mother, you only had yourself to think about — your hunger, thirst, and exhaustion were your main focus. However, once you become a mother, your responsibilities multiply. Suddenly, another human is relying on you for everything: nourishment, attention, sleep, and even diaper changes.
Ensuring their well-being becomes your top priority, often surpassing your own needs — a challenging adjustment in any circumstance, but especially during Ramadan when self-care becomes even more crucial.
7. Your milk supply will drop drastically
If you’re exclusively breastfeeding or pumping, this will be a real challenge for you. As the day progresses, factors like fatigue, stress, and fluctuating energy levels can contribute to a decrease in milk production.
Drawing from my own experience, I found myself feeling famished as early as 10 a.m., highlighting the importance of prioritizing nutrition to sustain both yourself and your baby.
Incorporating nutrient-dense foods, superfoods, and items known to boost milk supply into your diet becomes essential for maintaining adequate nourishment and ensuring a steady milk flow throughout the day.
6. There will be times you need to break your fast — and that’s okay
Breaking your fast during menstruation is a well-known exemption, but it’s important to recognize that there are other valid reasons to do so as well. If you find that your breastfeeding journey is challenging and you’re concerned about your own health and that of your child, it’s perfectly acceptable to forgo fasting.
Listen to your body and prioritize the well-being of both yourself and your baby. Remember not to force yourself to continue fasting when you truly can’t.
5. Your social battery will die out a lot quicker
When you’re constantly overstimulated with house chores and your child’s cries and wails to get your attention, your social battery drains much quicker than expected.
You strive to engage and entertain your child to the best of your ability, but sometimes resorting to screen time may seem like the only option.
However, if you’re a parent who typically limits screen time, you may opt for alternative activities such as playing with toys or exploring the kitchen with pots and pans—a common distraction that can be particularly helpful during the busy preparations for Iftar meals.
4. Spiritual practices become a bonding experience between you and your child
During Ramadan, many of us are inspired to deepen our spirituality, seeking to elevate our connection with Allah Almighty. One powerful way to achieve this is by integrating spiritual practices into our daily lives.
Personally, I’ve observed that my child shows a heightened interest in prayer during this sacred month. She would join us for congregational salah, mimicking the movements of ruku’, sujud, and raising her arms in worship.
Through these shared experiences, she becomes increasingly familiar with the rituals and traditions of Ramadan, fostering a sense of spiritual growth and connection within our family.
3. You may not get the same opportunity to perform Tarawih prayers at the mosque
If your child is too young to be left unattended, or if the thought of navigating the mosque with a baby in tow triggers anxiety, you might opt to stay home and observe Tarawih prayers from the comfort of your own space.
While you may miss the communal atmosphere of the mosque, prioritizing your child’s comfort and well-being is paramount. Avoiding potential disruptions caused by your child’s cries not only preserves your own focus during prayer but also respects the concentration of others.
Consider waiting until your child is older and more independent before reintroducing mosque visits, allowing them to engage in activities without requiring constant supervision.
2. You need to juggle between your spiritual practices and your responsibility as a mom
After Iftar, we have the opportunity to truly immerse ourselves in spiritual development, benefiting from the nourishment and renewed energy gained from breaking our fast.
However, the reality of parenthood often interrupts these intentions. Just as you’re ready to engage in longer acts of worship, your child may experience a tiredness-induced tantrum, requiring your immediate attention for bedtime rituals.
Once they’re settled, which can sometimes take longer than anticipated, you may finally find the opportunity to perform acts of worship such as Tarawih prayers or reciting the Qur’an — assuming you still have the energy to spare after attending to your child’s needs.
1. You will get all the support you need
You will feel overwhelmed with a lot of things during Ramadan — and it will be never-ending from the moment you wake up until you close your eyes to take interrupted sleep.
But remember that support is around you, and you can ask when you need it. Especially your spouse, your family, close friends or relatives. If you have the means, hire a babysitter for a day and get all the rest you deserve. You can do this, Mama.
As a new mother navigating through Ramadan, you’re not just experiencing the physical and emotional challenges of fasting and caring for your baby, but also finding spiritual fulfillment amidst the chaos.
It’s a journey filled with ups and downs, moments of exhaustion and joy, but ultimately, it’s a testament to the resilience and strength of motherhood.
Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Reach out for support when you need it, prioritize your well-being and your child’s, and embrace the blessings and lessons that each day brings. You’re doing an amazing job, Mama, and may this Ramadan be a time of growth, reflection, and love for you and your family.
Follow Muslim Girl on all social media platforms for more tips and tricks about motherhood and parenting!
