Hi Amanda! I’m so glad this post was so helpful for you. I think so many new moms struggle to know how to handle fasting while pregnant or breastfeeding and I think this is a wonderful guide on how you can do both (even if it’s sometimes in an unconventional way)! Unfortunately, Andrya no longer writes for our site, so I’m unsure of how her family started the tradition you mentioned — but I think your idea of adopting it is fabulous and that it can be customized to your family’s needs and circumstances.

Thank you so much for reaching out! I hope you find more helpful content as you look through the site!

Thanks so much for your comment on our unofficial sites. It’s great that you’re trying to follow wisdom and the Lord’s guidance in fasting and praying for His will, and to seek His presence. In terms of length of fast and duration, that is a personal decision between you and the Lord. A 24-hour fast means as much to the Lord if our heart is right as anything else, and if we are unable to that due to physical conditions, the kind of shorter fast that is a giving-up of something we feel we can do, is an equally acceptable offering to God. He knows when we’re bringing him a heart ready to be filled and to give. He knows your intents and desires and will bless you. Ask Heavenly Father after you’ve thought through what you can do reasonably. Moderation in all things is important–so those who fast to the point of exhaustion are missing the mark and the Lord’s intent. We can also enter His presence through sincere prayer apart, and that door to revelation opens. Personally, I will add a fast until 5 some days just until dinner, and with water for particular reasons, which for me, is an offering. I think personally, when accompanied by service, it is especially effective. I’ve seen miracles over the past year and years through this process and the fulfillment of Isaiah’s promise that when we call Him, He will hear–promptly–when we do that in the right spirit. Again, I write as a lay person and in your case, you may want to consult a health practitioner too, in regard to what works with your body, and then after making a decision, ask if it’s right, and then execute that. For official information please visit lds dot org. There is also a great article on fasting and rejoicing that I would be happy to email you personally. Is there anything else we can help you with in terms of understanding Mormon’s faith and perspective in coming to Christ?

With my first son I never fasted because of health issues — I was always fatigued and a blood test showed that I was slightly anemic………. however, ever since then the Lord has been calling me to ministry, but I haven’t known how to submerge myself in his presence through fasting beause I felt weakened by my condition…..

After giving birth, I was breastfeeding and I discovered the urgency in maintaining a proper nutrition in order to keep an adequate milk supply. I didn’t know how to fast then either…. a year later I became pregnant again. I had to stop breastfeeding, but I also wondered if I would ever be able to fast again!

Lately, the Lord is urging me to submerge myself into his presence through prayer and fasting, but the fasting part is the one I didn’t understand how to do… thankfully, I have had no difficulties with this pregnancy and I know now that I can conduct a proper fast without compromising my health, my baby, or my spirit.

I still have one question — how long would you fast for??? What time would you end the fast?

I would appreciate your input as well as any further guidance you can give me….

God bless!!

Rebeca