Breastfeeding on Shabbat
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Question
In Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim, Siman 328, סעיף 35, it is permitted for a woman to express milk on Shabbat. In Shaarei Tzion, סעיף קטן 81, there remains a question about this permission. Nowadays, with milk substitutes available or the possibility to express on Friday, perhaps it is appropriate to be stringent or even prohibit it? It might be permitted because if she doesn't nurse, the milk will cease, and this needs clarification. Due to the woman's discomfort, it is only permitted if the milk is lost, and this requires investigation. What should be done?
Answer
Shalom and blessings
It is permitted to express milk so that the woman has milk to nurse the baby.
Even when there are milk substitutes, mother's milk is still considered necessary for the baby's nourishment, and it is permitted to express for him.