672. Shabbos After Childbirth

Please consult with your own rabbi regarding the practical application of laws in this area.

93:3 For the first three days after delivery, we disregard Shabbos for the mother even if she says that she doesn't need us to. After that, up to the seventh day, if she has no pain other than the after-effects of childbirth, if she says she needs something, we disregard Shabbos for her; otherwise, not. We count these days from the day of childbirth, not in 24-hour increments. For example, if she gave birth on Wednesday close to the evening, then Shabbos is after the three days. If she gave birth on Shabbos close to the evening, then the following Shabbos is after the seven days. If there is some concern of danger because she is weak by nature, we may act leniently in this matter and count the days in 24-hour increments from delivery. 93:4 After seven days, we don't disregard Shabbos for the mother even if she says she needs something. She is considered a person who is sick but not in danger, so we may perform any task needed for her through a non-Jew. If a non-Jew is not available, even a Jew may light a fire for her, even in the summer, because a woman who has just given birth is in danger from the cold for those first thirty days.