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

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Mikveh postpartum without relations

3 January, 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.


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