I just gave birth/I am nursing. Do I have to fast on Yom Kippur?
A woman after birth – up to and including the third day since birth – need not fast.
Within seven days – consult with a Rov.
After that period of time – she must fast as normal, even though she might be feeling very weak.
The dispensation from fasting is only if it’s potentially a life-threatening condition. Therefore, in low-risk pregnancy, one should fast regularly unless accompanied by severe headaches, dehydration, dizziness etc.
It’s important to fast even at the expense of sleeping in bed all of Yom Kippur. Where practical, it’s important that husbands remain home instead of going to Shul to help their wife who is fasting.
If, however, one feels that their condition has deteriorated Chas V’sholom to the extent that it becomes a question of Sakana, then one can break their fast with Shiurim.
One can assess their health situation themselves. If they’re feeling very faint, they should break the fast, using Shiurim. See the following post for more information on Shiurim:
Featured: How do I eat and drink on Yom Kippur with Shiurim?
See here for some general tips:
