Tonight Jews commemorate the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem. We observe all mourning rituals, and fast from before sunset on Wednesday until after dark on Thursday.
Here are two posts from previous years on breastfeeding and fasting:
Fasting on Tisha B’Av for Breastfeeding and Pregnant Women
A Radical Ruling: Fasting on Yom Kippur for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women. This post post contains important tips on getting through the fast.
I’m just glad it’s an off year for me!
Abbi – me too! Didn’t plan it that way, but I’m happy to fast and not worry about affecting milk supply.
From what I understand, in the U.S. pregnant and nursing women are expected to fast on Tisha B’av unless their is a medical reason. I have heard that in Israel it’s far more common to allow the woman to eat. In my brief blog post this morning I mentioned how Tisha B’av once fell on the thirtieth day after I had given birth, and I did not fast.
I was always told that unless I had a reason, when I was pregnant I was supposed to try Tisha B’Av and see how I felt. I don’t think I ever made it all the way through but I’ve gone until chatzos, and the last pregnancy I was diabetic, so no fasting for me. I also have two kids born in the three weeks, so there’s that 30 day heter. I don’t think I’ve ever not fasted just for nursing, though.
Interesting note- I used to fast well before I had kids. I now fast horribly even when not pregnant or nursing. Recently, I went three years straight without doing either, and I found I fasted well again.
It is MUCH hotter in Israel than in many places in teh USA. It is very difficult to fast.
I got dehydrated and needed an intervenous infusion on Yom Kippuer when I was nursing one of my babies. After that I learned several things:
Stay put – don’t go to synagogue, park or anywhere – being outside it very deydrating.
Start drinking in siurim before you get dehydrated. If you wait until the symptoms appear it is too late.
Drink Drink drink drink the day b4 the fast.
Good luck.
I find it shocking that any woman would be expected to fast while nursing or pregnant. it’s also ridiculous to run to your rabbi to ask for an exception to a rule.
Staying in good health, and taking care of your family does not conflict with a just faith.