Nishmat's Women’s Health and HalachaIn memory of Chaya Mirel bat R' Avraham

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Nursing while pregnant, tandem nursing

17 July, 2017

Question:

I just found out I am expecting my second baby. I am still nursing my 17.5 month old, only 3 times a day since I work full time. Are there any halachic implications of continuing to nurse while pregnant? I have researched the benefits and possible negative side effects of continued nursing. Also, is tandem nursing halachically allowed? Is there an age or situation where nursing must be stopped?


Answer:

B'sha'ah tovah!

Nursing while pregnant is halachically permitted. Tandem nursing is permitted as well.

Breastfeeding is halachically permitted until a child reaches age 4 (with leniency to continue until age 5 if the child needs it). Once a child is over 24 months and stops nursing by choice for 72 hours, s/he may not resume breastfeeding. Under the age of 24 months the child may resume nursing even if s/he stopped for more than 72 hours. Please note that if a child over 24 months stopped breastfeeding for 72 hours not by choice (e.g., if the mother was away or sick, etc.), breastfeeding may be resumed if both mother and child desire to continue.

Please feel free to get back to us with any further questions.

B'hatzlacha!


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