In memory of Chaya Mirel bat R’ Avraham

In memory of Chaya Mirel bat R' Avraham

Uncomfortable asking about stain on underwear
April 13, 2005

Question

I am 3 months post partum. I did a hefsek and moch dachuk yesterday. Both were clean. Did a bedikah this morning, and was clean. Noticed a light brown stain bigger than a dime on my underwear this morning. I should probably do a count starting tonight right? I know I should take my stain to a rav, but I have 4 kids, and I don’t have time to go to the shul to drop it off, and I am too embarrassed to pick up the envelope containing my underwear afterwards…thanks.

Answer

Mazal tov on your new baby!

Not all colors put a woman in niddah. This is the case with some browns. If the stain is a light brown (the color of coffee with milk) with no reddish hue, it is acceptable and you may continue your count.

If the stain is darker or appears reddish, you should continue counting your clean days and drop off your underwear when you have an opportunity. You should take care to continue with your bedikot so that you have a valid hefsek and day one bedikah if the stain is a niddah color.

Many women understandably feel uncomfortable bringing personal items for evaluation to rabbi. If you are willing to sacrifice the underwear, we suggest cutting out the area around the stain, and sending in just the piece of fabric with the stain on it, which may be less embarrassing. Just be sure to write down that it is a stain is on clothing and not a bedikah cloth. You might prefer to send your husband to drop it off for you. There may also be a yoetzet halacha in your area who can assist you; a list of yoatzot worldwide is available here.
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