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No niddah while breastfeeding?

7 April, 2003

Question:

My husband and I are expecting a baby next month, and I am also hoping to breastfeed. I understand that some women do not get their periods while breastfeeding.

Once I have gone to the mikvah for the first time after giving birth, am I not considered to be niddah as long as I do not get my period again?


Answer:

B'Sha'ah Tovah!

Once you have gone to the mikveh after childbirth (please note that it may take a number of weeks for that to happen), you are not a niddah again until you resume your menses or stain enough to render you a niddah (see article on ketamim). The return of menses can take a number of months for breastfeeding women, although the amount of time varies from woman to woman and from birth to birth.


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