1. As mentioned previously, a woman in labor generally has the status of a choleh sheyesh bo sakanah, and melachah may be performed on her behalf when needed (though ideally with a shinui if possible). Even after birth, the mother maintains this status for an additional three days, which are calculated as exactly seventy-two hours from the time of birth (Mishnah Berurah 330:10; Yabia Omer 7:53). Although some calculate the time from earlier in the birthing process, the accepted halacha is that it is counted from the time of birth (Shemirat Shabbat K'hilchatah 36:13). As we learned with regard to performing melachah for a woman in labor, after the birth as well it is preferable for the melachah to be performed with a shinui or by a non-Jew, if possible.

2. If the newborn’s life is in danger, G-d forbid, melachah may certainly be done to save its life. This is true even if it is very premature and diagnosed as unlikely to survive or to live for only a short amount of time (Shulchan Aruch 330:7; Bi’ur Halachah; Minchat Yitzchak 4:123).

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Dedicated by Fran Broder as a zechus for everlasting peace in Eretz Yisrael in the merit of learning Hilchos Shabbos.