I wonder if one reason there may not be specific reference in the Koran
to breastfeeding during Ramadan is that at the time of Mohmammad there
was really no option.  If you had a baby, you nursed.  Like so many
other things the "option" of bottlefeeding tends to muddy the waters and
individual interpretations, often influenced by cultural (not the same
as religious) biases.  Then one might conclude that since a
bottlefeeding mom would not be exempt therefore a nursing mom shouldn't
be exempt either.  I wonder if breastfeeding was the only option, if
there would not be a question that she would be exempt.  The same would
apply for the Jewish fast.  Historically, when it was first initiated,
there was no option.  Now that not everyone nurses, there is more
question.  It would be interesting to research (if possible) whether
moms >2000 years ago were or were not expected to adhere to fasting
rules
In the Baha'i Faith. we also have a fast-March 2-21 from sunrise to
sunset each day.  Pregnant and nursing moms are explicitely excused.
(This was revealed in the middle 19th century.  While not available
widespread, for some there may have been the option for some women to
have their baby wet-nursed, so an explicit exemption for nursing was
more appropriate.)  There is some leniency for a nursing mom to opt to
fast, and I suspect some may choose to do so with an older baby/child
who is only nursing occasionally.
I always kid my daughter that she was "forcing" me to fast when she quit
cold-turkey at 5 PM on March 1st.!

Again, it is not appropriate here to get into which regulations
should/should not apply, but it is helpful for us to know what
influences moms from faith traditions other than our own.  This way we
can give suggestions that respect both their physical and spiritual
needs.
Winnie

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