I recently had the privilege of listening to a discussion about whether or not a nursing mother should fast during Yom Kippur, particularly if she had recently given birth and was also intending to lead services. It reminded me of another conversation a couple weeks ago, where the question of anorexics fasting was raised and the conclusion was that no, they should not fast since doing so could potentially cause a relapse.
In the case of nursing mothers - especially those in a leadership role who would lead services during Yom Kippur - the concern was that the milk supply would be affected and that a full fast would negatively impact the mother's health. One of the women participating in the conversation, who gave me permission to anonymously share her sentiments, remarked that she was never able to completely fast while breastfeeding. "I would always get dizzy," she said, "I felt like it was my obligation to eat and drink a bit - for my own health and my baby's sustenance." Other women expressed similar sentiments, some merely drinking water as needed during Yom Kippur, others allowing themselves a small portion of juice or food if they began to feel ill. One rabbi, who also asked to remain anonymous, compared the situation to that of a diabetic or someone else with a medical condition, saying "I think that is an interesting parallel to breast feeding. Fasting won't put mother or baby in danger since the baby can eat a bit more formula and most women's milk supply will soon recover from a fast - but that isn't true for all women and in general."
In other words, the consensus was: each woman must be attuned to her body's capacity for fasting and make a decision she feels comfortable with as a result. I am not an expert when it comes to halachic decisions of this nature so I thought I'd check in with the About.com rabbis to see what they thought. Just as with the discussion, their responses varied:
Rabbi Ari Enkin, who is an Orthodox Rabbi, sent this article to me, which states: "For the first three days after childbirth, a woman is... not allowed to fast. For the next four days, she may only fast if she feels up to it and her health care provider does not object." After that point, a nursing mother would be required to fast if she and the baby were healthy. Rabbi Marc Disick, who is a Reform Rabbi, emphasized the health of the woman, saying that if she thinks she is up to fasting she should do so - but only with the understanding that if she begins to suffer negative effects she should be prepared to break her fast.
To round off my research, I also contacted the About.com Guide to Pregnancy, Robin Elise Weiss, LCCE. Robin is Jewish and has spoken to many rabbis about the issue of nursing mothers (and pregnant women) fasting during Yom Kippur. Her advice was for women to fast as best they could, but if their bodies were not able to do without sustenance for such an extended period of time they shouldn't be too hard on themselves about it. Pregnant women need to be particularly careful since dehydration can cause preterm labor. Hence, they should pay particular attention to their bodies, sipping water or drinks as needed or even allowing themselves small snacks such as nuts or crackers if neccesary. In the case of nursing mothers, however, the age of the infant and the length of a healthy milk supply is paramount. A new mom with a baby less than six weeks old, for instance, might need water and nutrition to maintain her supply.
After listening to the variety of views one thing became clear: whatever a woman decides she can or cannot do for the Yom Kippur fast, it is a serious decision that should be made after thoughtful introspection. Clearly, there is no definitive answer for the entire Jewish community.
Decades ago my conservative rabbi taught and now reformed rabbis always tell me that life comes first no matter how you feel. You feel your own life. Without life one cannot have true faith in a true life.
I have fasted since I was twelve. During the years that I was pregnant and/or nursing (including leading services) I allowed my body to decide what to do. I am now 58 and disabled with fibromyalgia and diabetes. For the past 5+ years, I have stopped fasting because if I don’t eat I cannot take my medications. Perhaps twenty six hours without my meds will not hurt me but I am unwilling to try.
I think this would contradict God’s picture of a caring parent, to expect someone to fast when He knows harm can possible come from it. Hesed and Hanan describe God’s loving kindness and being merciful.
Hi y’all, how everybody be. Regarding the question of fasting on Yom Kippur, I, the expert in all matters, have the answer. In the book of Leviticus we are told FOUR times to afflict our souls, there is nothing said about wearing white sneakers with a black suit or fasting,and when it comes to abiding to all of The Creators dictates we are also told to not improve, increase,or diminish the order.
Look at Leviticus xvi verses 29 & 31 AND Leviticus xxiii verses 27 & 31. The Jews who are known as The Samaritans do only what is ordered in The Book and if anyone else wishes to perform mishugena shtiklach this is America and you may do as you see fit. A gmar chatima tova to everyone, y’all.
I love reading what der shkotz always says because he always has something to say. Is this guy a rabbi or a professor of somekind?? I think he is a jerk.
you failed to ask the most important person in all matters involving human life, especialy a newborn. THE DOCTOR. if the doctor say she can fast, she fasts. if the doctors has any concerns then you listen to the doctor. judasim values life and health above all else. and not once in your poorly researched and written article do you mention speaking with a doctor. any rabbi {orthodox and down} will tell you that you follow doctor’s instructions when dealing with the health and welfare of a human being and a newborn.
I agree with the guy who said that fasting is not written in the Torah, it only says to afflict your soul which means that a person should sit and think of who he caused harm to that year. Maybe he did not pay back a loan even if he had the means to do so, or he purposely and publicly embarrassed someone or he did not pay his workers the proper amount or pay them on time, or he acted in a manner which is not becoming to a person who identifies as as a Jew. Fasting and wearing sneakers does not pay off debts. The bottom line for the meaning of Yom Kippur is pay back what you owe and don’t do the same thing next year. There are a few orthodox guys who have still not paid me what they rightfully owe me.
For those who must eat (because their life is otherwise in danger), it may still possible to avoid transgressing the Biblical prohibition. Although it is forbidden to eat ANY food or drink on Yom Kippur, certain very small amounts are not fully considered “eating” or “drinking” and are thus not in the category of punishable offenses.
This “not really drinking” amount (called a shiur) is a cheekful, about 1.5 oz for the average adult. If necessary, this amount can be drunk approximately once every 7 minutes. (Use a medicine cup to measure.)
The “not really eating” amount is also about 1.5 oz (very easy to find out based on serving sizes on most products), and also should be spaced out at least 7 minutes.
Of course if there is an immediate threat to life and those amounts are insufficient, one MUST eat and drink as much as necessary.
By the way, it is better halachicly to drink 1 oz of orange juice every 10 minutes all day than to wait until you are passing out and have a cupful.