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Pregnancy / Being a New Mum While Fasting 

article written by Sewa Umukoro

“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
— Philippians 4:13
This is a scripture you can hold on to during your fast, particularly during a season where your body and your life may be changing in so many ways. Whether you are pregnant or have recently become a mum, fasting may look different for you during this season. And that is okay. 
It is important to remember that whilst fasting is about drawing closer to God, we also have a responsibility to prioritise our health and the wellbeing of our baby.

Here are a few things to consider if you are pregnant or a new mum and want to take part in a fast.

Fasting can look different

If you are pregnant or a new mum, do not feel that you have to fast from food. Your health and your baby’s needs come first.
Instead, choose something else to give up and commit that time to God. This could be social media, secular TV, unnecessary scrolling, shopping or anything else that regularly takes up your time and attention.

For me, this has looked like coming off social media and not watching secular TV, which at times is actually harder than fasting from food!
If your doctor, midwife or healthcare professional has confirmed that fasting from certain foods is safe for you, consider giving up unhealthy or high-sugar foods rather than foods your body needs for nutrition. You could also use the fast as an opportunity to eat more fruit and vegetables and focus on nourishing your body.

The goal is to create more time and space for God, not to put your health or your baby at risk.

Don't be too harsh on yourself!

Pregnancy and early motherhood are seasons where your body is going through so many changes. If you are a new mum, you may also be recovering from birth, dealing with sleepless nights, feeding your baby and adjusting to a completely new routine.

You might not be able to fast from food, or you may not be able to fast for as long as you would like, and that is okay.
 
Remember, it is all about your heart posture during this time.

Are you making time for God? Are you praying? Are you reading His Word? Are you fellowshipping with the saints? Are you praying for your family, church and community?
 
These are the things that make it a fast and allow you to connect with God during a time when your body is changing and, for some, growing a baby.

Fasting is unto God, not man

It can be easy to compare yourself to others, especially during a church-wide fast. Someone else may be able to fast from food for several days, while you may need to choose something completely different.

That does not make your fast less meaningful.
Jesus says in Matthew 6:18: 
“That your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret.” Fasting is done unto God and not to man.

So don't allow guilt, pressure or comparison to take away from what God is doing in you during this time.
 
Place God at the centre of your fast and allow Him to meet you where you are.

Whether you are fasting from food, social media, television or something else that has your attention, remember that the purpose is to draw closer to God.
 
You can still fast. It may just look a little different in this season.
 
And remember: 
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
— Philippians 4:13