Breastfeeding Support, News and Views for Muslim Moms
Breastfeeding research tells us that short term fasting will not decrease milk supply, but that severe dehydration can reduce milk supply. A nursing woman may be at risk of severe dehydration if she is not drinking enough fluids during the night period. This risk will be heightened if she is exhausted with the demands of […]
Many Muslimahs worry about breastfeeding in public because they feel that they may accidentally expose themselves to strangers. While maintaining our modesty and protecting our awrah are important, breastfeeding should not be viewed as a hindrance that prevents us from enjoying time outside the home. I can recall being stressed-out many times because I could […]
Ar-Rada’ah is the arabic word most often translated as breastfeeding, nursing or suckling. It is defined as the act of sucking milk from the breast. When discussing matters of fiqh, milk must enter the belly via the mouth or nose in order for it to be considered ar-rada’ah. Milk in this case refers to breastmilk and not artificial substances such as formula.
Tahneek is the practice of rubbing a piece of softened date on the roof of the mouth of a newborn. The Prophet (saws) performed tahneek on many of the children of his companions, “as is narrated about the Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) that when a child was born and brought to him soon afterward, he would moisten a small piece of a date with his mouth and then place it on the palate of the newborn”[Bukhari, Muslim and others-Seekersguidance.org]. In these modern times, tahneek is often forgotten when introducing a new Muslim child into the world.
