Title: Contraceptive considerations for breastfeeding women within Jewish law.

POPLINE Document Number: 314831

Author(s):

Chertok IR
Zimmerman DR

Source citation:

International Breastfeeding Journal, 2007 Jan 4;2(1):[6] p.

Abstract:

Breast milk has been shown to have multiple benefits to infant health and development. Therefore, it is important that maternal contraceptive choices consider the effects on lactation. Women who observe traditional Jewish law, halakha, have additional considerations in deciding the order of preference of contraceptive methods due to religious concerns including the use of barrier and spermicidal methods. In addition, uterine bleeding, a common side effect of hormonal methods and IUD, can have a major impact on the quality of intimacy and marital life due to the laws of niddah. This body of Jewish laws prohibits any physical contact from the onset of uterine bleeding until its cessation and for an additional week. Health care professionals should understand the issues of Jewish law involved in modern contraceptive methods in order to work in tandem with the halakha observant woman to choose a contraceptive method that preserves the important breastfeeding relationship with her infant and minimizes a negative impact on intimacy with her husband. (author's)

Keywords:

Israel
Recommendations
Evaluation
Jews
Women
Breastfeeding
Religious Aspects
Contraceptive Methods Chosen
Bleeding
Taboo
Lactational Amenorrhea Method
Natural Family Planning
Developed Countries
Middle East
Ethnic Groups
Cultural Background
Population Characteristics
Demographic Factors
Population
Infant Nutrition
Nutrition
Health
Religion
Sociocultural Factors
Contraceptive Usage
Contraception
Family Planning
Signs and Symptoms
Diseases
Culture
Family Planning, Behavioral Methods