Irregular bleeding as baby starts solids
17 April, 2005
Question:I started my baby on solids, and I had some staining. On the 7th day of my shivah Nekiim, I started staining again, and could not go to the mikvah, and the Rav told me my period was coming. The next day I had heavy bleeding which I thought was my period, and then by the afternoon it stopped. Is any of this normal? Is there anything I can do to stop this staining and get my period so I can go to the mikvah? Thanks
Answer:We're sorry to hear you've had such trouble becoming tehorah.
It is not abnormal for a woman to notice changes in her cycle when she begins weaning her baby. Unfortunately, there is not much you can do in this situation. Since your staining began during the shivah neki'im, you are permitted to make a new hefsek taharah as soon as the bleeding stops, without a new five-day minimum. You may also wish to review our article on the laws of stains, to be sure that you are not being too stringent with stains. If the color or size of a stain is doubtful, it is worth showing it to a rabbi for adjudication.
If you continue to have trouble, it is a good idea to ask a specific halachic question of your rabbi (or through this website) about whether and how you should temporarily modify the number of bedikot during your shivah neki'im.
Should the situation continue for more than a month or so, please consult with your physician.
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