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Bedikot after c-section

13 June, 2015

Question:

I had a c section 2 weeks ago and, though it’s my fourth, can’t remember: How long is it likely to take for the bleeding to stop? It’s slowed down to almost nothing, and I even wonder whether the color of what’s left might be okay, but maybe it’s premature to get my hopes up.

When I am ready to try starting shiva nekiim, though – my discharge instructions say nothing in the vagina for 4 weeks. I’m hoping to be ready for bedikos before that, though. When is it safe to do bedikos? (not quite sure how to ask my doctor that one)

Thank you.


Answer:

Mazal tov on the birth of your baby!

Even with a c-section, bleeding can last for well over a month.  On a halachic level, you are permitted to perform a hefsek taharah and observe seven clean days as soon as you think bleeding has stopped.  For the first cycle post-partum, you may omit the moch dachuk.

Medically, it should be acceptable to perform gentle bedikot.  For this cycle you can reduce to a minimum of hefsek, one bedikah on day one, and one bedikah on day seven. You should, however, confirm with your physician to be on the safe side.  You can refer him or her to the section of our website designed for medical professionals, Jewish Women’s Health, to facilitate this type of discussion.

Please write back with any further questions.


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