Hi Julie and all,
As you can well imagine, everyone is busy compiling articles and information
to enable moms to get over the fast safely and with no untoward responses
from the wee ones.

The bottom line is, those who have no problem fasting for the day usually,
will probably have no problem fasting even when breastfeeding a baby. The
fact that she is only one week after birth might be worrisome having gone
thru childbirth which certainly does take its toll on ones body but again,
it is impossible to say what condition the mom is in without actually seeing
her. The sources of Jewish halacha have stated that those who are one week
after birth prior to yom kippur should consult their rabbi regarding the
fast. There are rabbis who say that if there is a fear that the milk is
being compromised then mothers should drink tiny amounts, throughout the
day, not of water, which would be considered breaking the fast, but soup or
something nourishing. We as IBCLC's are not here to advise regarding
halachic practices - that would be placing ourselves up there with the
rabbi, so I would just advise moms to drink lots the day before the fast,
and eat well in order to make it thru the day. 

Of course many of us fast on Yom Kippur and we have all had babies,
breastfed and managed to get by on Yom Kippur. It is the holiest day, and
therefore many Jewish moms (and others of course) feel that even though they
are not religious, they do wish to fast on this day. So, yep, go ahead. Just
make sure her health is not compromised in the case of this doula. 

Shana Tova, Happy New Year and keep well over the fast, to our Jewish
colleagues!!

Ellen Shein, IBCLC LLLI
Tel Aviv

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