Blood on moch postpartum - Nishmat Yoatzot Halacha

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Blood on moch postpartum

October 3, 2012

Question

I gave birth 9 weeks ago and have been trying to do a clean hefsek tahara for 3 weeks.

I started trying when I felt certain that there was no further bleeding following the birth and have not seen signs of bleeding on underwear since about 6 weeks postpartum.

However, for two weeks, every time I did a moch dachuk, there were traces of blood (according to a Rav), or fresh blood on the bedika. All other bedikot came out completely clear but the moch dachuk has always been stained.

On the most recent attempt, there was fresh blood on the bedika before I did the moch dachuk despite no bleeding prior to or after the bedika.

During the birth, I had to have an episiotomy. It has been seen by my ob/gyn, who said that the scar has healed well and I feel no pain whatsover from it.

Could the bedikot be irritating an internal scar from the episiotomy?

Is there a way that I can acheive a clean hefsek tahara (and shivah nekiim) without causing this kind of bleeding?

Answer

Mazal tov on the recent birth of your baby!

While it is normal for the postpartum bleeding to stop and start, it is definitely possible that the bedikot are irritating you and causing the bleeding.

We recommend that you perform a hefsek taharah, omit the moch dachuk, and perform only one bedikah per day during the seven clean days. You may slightly dampen the cloth with water if that makes it more comfortable. Be sure to go slowly and gently to avoid irritating yourself. If daily bedikot are causing you discomfort, you may reduce even further to the hefsek taharah, and one bedikah each on days one, seven, and one additional intermediate clean day. Be sure to bring any questionable stains to a halachic authority for evaluation since not all stained bedikot will invalidate the clean days.

We hope these suggestions prove helpful. If you still experience difficulty getting acceptable bedikot, please get back to us for further guidance.

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