In memory of Chaya Mirel bat R’ Avraham

Donate
Donate

In memory of Chaya Mirel bat R' Avraham

Mikveh without relations
January 3, 2006

Question

Thank you so much for this wonderful site.

I recently had a baby girl. My night to go to the mikvah is approaching, but my OB has not said it's okay yet for sexual relations, and most likely won't be for about another week. Should I go to the mikvah on the night I'm "supposed" to go, or do I wait until after I get the all clear from the doctor?

Answer

Mazal tov on the birth of your daughter!

You may go to the mikveh on the night you have scheduled. Although you should not resume relations until your doctor approves, you may go to the mikveh to enable other forms of physical closeness. As long as your husband is careful about hotza'at zera levatalah, this is permitted. You may also wish to contact your physician to clarify when you can resume relations.

Related Q&A

» Seder night at in laws

» Postponing mikveh from seder night

» Contemporary relevance of meineket

» Bleeding after relations postpartum

» Declining segulah offer to immerse for fertility

» Is leaking urine a possible hargashah?

» Mikveh for spiritual purpose

» Untruthful excuse to keep immersion private?

» Backup contraception for pills when taking antibiotics

» Mikveh night conflicts with event attendance

View All Q&A

Facebook
WhatsApp
Email

Related Content

PODCAST: Navigating Postpartum Depression

In this episode Yoetzet Halacha Lisa Septimus brings on guest Aviva Bennett Tribuch who shares her personal struggle with postpartum
Click Here

The Postpartum Period

A new mother needs support and rest, and is in niddah for the first weeks postpartum. Her recovery from childbirth,
Click Here

Postpartum Conception & Contraception

Contraception is medically recommended and halachically permitted postpartum to allow a woman to recover from childbirth and focus on caring
Click Here

Mikveh Postpartum

Postpartum bleeding typically continues for weeks, and can stop and start again. Gentle bedikot and halachic guidance can help a
Click Here

Mikveh Overview

Click Here

Mikveh Timing & Scheduling

Mikveh immersion takes place after nightfall, on the night following the completion of the seven clean days. A woman should
Click Here

Barriers to Immersion (Chatzitzot)

Anything that impedes the mikveh waters from reaching any part of a woman’s body or hair may be considered a
Click Here

Mikveh Preparation (Chafifah)

Mikveh preparation includes bathing, combing hair, and removing chatzitzot. A woman can prepare at home or at the mikveh, and
Click Here

Nails and Mikveh

There is a strong custom to trim nails before mikveh. Accepted practice is also to immerse without nail polish. Some
Click Here

Hair and Mikveh

Ideally, water should be able to reach every surface of a woman’s body when she immerses, including her hair. The
Click Here

Mikveh, Cosmetics & Jewelry

Makeup and jewelry should generally be removed as part of mikveh preparation. It is often permissible to immerse with items
Click Here

Mikveh Checklist

Consult this checklist as you prepare for mikveh, or review it just before immersing.
Click Here

Mikveh Immersion (Tevilah)

Proper immersion in a mikveh requires that a woman's entire body, including all of her hair, must be submerged in
Click Here

The Mikveh Attendant

A mikveh attendant's primary halachic role is to confirm that a woman has fully immersed in the mikveh, including all
Click Here

After Mikveh Immersion

If a woman suspects a problem after immersion, she may or may not need to re-immerse, depending on the circumstances.
Click Here

Shabbat & Yom Tov Mikveh

Mikveh preparation and immersion on a Friday night or Yom Tov night are somewhat different than on a weeknight.
Click Here

Mikveh & Makeup on Shabbat & Yom Tov

Makeup should be removed before mikveh, and there are restrictions on applying makeup on Shabbat and Yom Tov. This can
Click Here

Mikveh on a ‘Three-Day’ Yom Tov Ending with Shabbat

A practical guide for preparation and immersion when mikveh night falls out during a "three-day" yom tov.
Click Here

VIDEO: Mikveh on Shabbat & Yom Tov

Click Here

VIDEO: 6 Mikveh Myths

Click Here

VIDEO: Mikveh Tour

Click Here

Vesatot Postpartum

Many women do not menstruate for a number of months postpartum, especially if they are breastfeeding. This has implications for
Click Here

Yom Kippur & Fast Days

Mikveh immersion is delayed only for the major fasts of Yom Kippur and Tisha B'Av. Immersion following a fast day
Click Here

Mikveh After Menopause

After menopause, a woman no longer needs to immerse regularly in the mikveh. There are still some situations in which
Click Here

Yoatzot Halacha: Answering Women’s Halachic Questions

Call the Golda Koschitzky Hotline

Ask a Yoetzet Through the Website

Consult with a Fertility Counselor

Locate a Yoetzet Halacha Near You

Appreciate Yoatzot Halacha?

Donate

Support our work & allow your donation to make a difference.