With the Jewish High Holy Days coming this week, I felt it was important to answer frequently asked questions about breastfeeding and fasting on Yom Kippur. Different rabbis will give different perspectives and therefore provide their own recommendations as to whether or not a breastfeeding mom should fast.

I feel you should read the articles presented here (from Nishmat: The Jerusalem Center for Advanced Jewish Study for Women) and then discuss the issue with your own rabbi. But, please remember that your own health, and the health of your baby, takes presendence on this day and any other...