A woman who gave birth a week before Yom Kippur
Question
Hello, I wanted to know about Yom Kippur. I gave birth to twins on 18/09/23 at 12:15 at night, 3rd of Tishrei 5784 by Caesarean section. It was a premature birth, they are currently in the incubator. I am not breastfeeding because I don't have milk at the moment. When I do begin to lactate later, G-d willing, I want to breastfeed. Do I need to fast on Yom Kippur? If so, are there any leniencies? Thank you very much!
Answer
Shalom, congratulations and have a blessed year!
Until 12:15 on the night of Yom Kippur [a full seven days from the birth], there is no need to fast.
From then on, if you feel good, you need to fast.
If you are not breastfeeding at the moment, fasting will not affect your future breastfeeding.
Source
Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim, 617:4