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

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Onot while breastfeeding

31 July, 2008
Question:

I started getting regular periods, whilst nursing full time, after my baby was 3 months old. I kept all the onot. Was this correct?


Answer:

Mazal tov on the recent birth of your baby!

Once a breastfeeding woman resumes menstruating after childbirth, she should observe her onot. Therefore, you were correct to observe them.

There is dispute among the poskim whether a breastfeeding woman observes the onah beinonit. Our position is that she does observe the onah beinonit.

The veset calendar and calculations start from scratch with the first menstrual period after the postpartum bleeding (lochia) has ended.

A woman does not establish a veset kavua during the 24 months after childbirth. If she had a veset kavua prior to pregnancy, then it is suspended during pregnancy and for 24 months postpartum.

Many women (especially those who haven't dealt with vesatot for a while due to pregnancy and breastfeeding) find these halachot confusing. You might find it helpful to read our articles on vesatot to refresh your memory on the specific details.

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