Sweets for a Nursing Mother on a Fast
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Question
Should a nursing mother refrain from eating sweets and similar items on the Fast of Gedaliah?
Answer
Hello,
The poskim have written that even those who are permitted to eat on a fast day should not eat for pleasure, but only what is necessary for their body.
Therefore, if she does not need sweets and similar items, she should refrain from eating them.
However, if she feels weak and needs something sweet to strengthen herself, it is certainly considered food for her, and it is permitted.
Source
Mishnah Berurah, Siman 550, S"K 5
Nevertheless, even one who needs to eat should not indulge in meat and wine, only as much as is necessary. Similarly, minors who have the understanding to mourn, even though they are not obligated to be trained, even at the age of 12, and even in partial fasting, it is still appropriate to train them to eat only for the sustenance of the body, bread and water.