Is my fasting valid from the start, and must I make up the prayers and fasting that I broke at the end of Ramadan due to bleeding, with or without expiation? Is it permissible for me to break my fast due to insufficient milk, knowing that I breastfeed my son both artificially and naturally? Does breaking the fast due to fatigue and weakness permit a breastfeeding woman to do so? Is it permissible to pay expiation for breaking the fast in Ramadan?

If the blood flow exceeds forty days, the woman is considered to be in a state of istihadha (non-menstrual vaginal bleeding). She should then revert to her previous habit, considering whatever she saw within that habit as menstruation. After its cessation, she performs ghusl (ritual bath) and then performs wudu (ablution) for every prayer after its time has begun, observing the obligatory and supererogatory prayers while taking precautions (to prevent leakage), and she is subject to the rulings for ritually pure women.

Regarding the past days: Whatever coincided with her usual habit is considered menstruation, and she is not required to make up the prayers. Whatever did not coincide with her habit is istihadha, and she is required to make up any prayers that were missed. Fasting must be made up in all cases. If it occurred during the days of istihadha, it is valid. If it occurred during the days of menstruation, it is not valid and must be made up, with no expiation required. Fear of milk drying up is an excuse that permits breaking the fast, with the obligation to make it up and feed a needy person. Mere tiredness or tolerable hardship is not an excuse that permits breaking the fast.