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

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Breastfeeding on Shabbat

26 March, 2024

Question:

Is nursing baby directly on the breast allowed on Shabbat, or do I have to use milk I pumped during the week?


Answer:

Thank you for reaching out to us

Nursing a baby directly is fully permissible on Shabbat. This is the natural way that a baby eats, and not akin to milking. Therefore, you should breastfeed your baby normally on Shabbat.

Even pumping breastmilk on Shabbat can be permissible in some circumstances. Learn more about this here.

Please let us know if we can be of further assistance.


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