Answer

Yes. As a feeding mother, you may drink water at night if your health or milk supply requires it.

In Jain practice, Navkarsi means eating or drinking only after sunrise and after completing the proper time gap. Traditionally, one avoids food and water before Navkarsi. However, Jain Dharma also recognizes health, responsibility, and practical limitations—especially for a mother feeding a child.

Explanation

A breastfeeding mother needs enough hydration for her body and for the baby. If avoiding water at night causes weakness, dizziness, reduced milk supply, dehydration, or discomfort, then drinking water is appropriate.

You can still observe Navkarsi in a practical way by:

• Keeping the intention of restraint and discipline.
• Avoiding unnecessary eating or drinking at night.
• Drinking only as much water as needed for health.
• Continuing Navkarsi after sunrise according to your capacity.

Spiritual Understanding

Jain Dharma values bhav—the inner intention. For a mother, caring for the baby is also an important responsibility. Tapasya and niyam should be practiced with wisdom, not in a way that harms the body or affects the child.

Takeaway

You may drink water at night if needed. Do Navkarsi with sincere intention, but do not put your health or your baby’s nourishment at risk. For a specific religious rule according to your tradition, it is best to ask your Guru Maharaj, Sadhviji, or local Jain scholar.