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

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Safe to do a hefsek four weeks postpartum?

3 May, 2016
Question:

I am postpartum now 4 weeks. My bleeding has stopped. I can start counting my seven days at anytime. However, I am concerned about performing the hefsek taharah. My doctor instructed me not to place anything internal until 6 wks postpartum and I am still healing. Performing the internal check might cause significant discomfort and if I attempt it might not be an adequate check. Please advise. Thank you.


Answer:

Mazal tov on the birth of your baby!

The brief insertion of a clean bedikah cloth is likely not of medical concern to your physician, unless there were unusual complication with the childbirth.  Please check back with your physician to clarify.

We suggest being particularly gentle and careful with your hefsek taharah.  Lying down may increase your comfort.  If necessary, inserting only to the first knuckle may be permitted as long as the bedikah cloth is carefully rotated internally.  The cloth may be lightly moistened with a drop of water before use.

For now, you may omit the moch dachuk.  If you experience discomfort during the clean days, the number of bedikot required may also be reduced to one a day.

Please be in touch with any further questions.

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