In memory of Chaya Mirel bat R’ Avraham

In memory of Chaya Mirel bat R' Avraham

Mikveh after C-Section: stiches, tape, and health concerns
April 20, 2004

Question

My baby was born by cesarean. I still have tape over the stitches. If it doesn't fall off before I would otherwise go to the mikveh, is that a barrier problem?

Also, as I am not supposed to swim in a public pool, is it a health problem to use the mikveh?

Answer

Mazal tov!

You are correct that the tape would be considered a barrier. However, by the time you immerse, the tape will have likely fallen off or will be easy to remove (even after a week or two it can generally be removed). Mikveh after a cesarean birth is subject to the normal laws for a niddah: bleeding has to cease, and the woman has to perform a hefsek taharah and count seven clean days. It usually takes a number of weeks for bleeding to subside and until a woman can immerse postpartum.

Stitches are a barrier if they are removable, but non-dissolvable stiches after a c-section are generally removed within a week or two after surgery. Absorbable stitches are not a barrier.

If concerns about infection are still relevant by the time you immerse, they should be discussed with your physician. Both you and the physician should be aware that arrangements can be made for you to be the first to immerse in the mikveh pool after it has been drained and disinfected.
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