Birkat Hagomel after childbirth - Nishmat Yoatzot Halacha

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Birkat Hagomel after childbirth

January 4, 2006

Question

What is the halacha concerning birkat hagomel after giving birth? How long do I have to say it? Can my husband be my proxy at shul and say it for me? Or do I need to go? (I'm 2 1/2 weeks postpartum and not ready to go back to shul yet.)
Thanks!

Answer

Mazel tov on your the birth of your baby!

According to many minhagim, a woman recites birkat hagomel for herself in shul. However, your husband may recite it for you. Rav Yehuda Henkin, the rabbi of this website, discusses this issue in his book Responsa on Contemporary Jewish Women's Issues in the chapter entitled "Women and Birkat Hagomel."

Ideally, this bracha is made within three days of childbirth. Failing that, the first thirty days after childbirth are preferred.