After discussing the laws of Kosher and non-Kosher animals and related impurities, the Torah then discusses the impurity related to Jewish women (Rashi to Bava Kamma 38b and Sifra) after having given birth (Vayikra 12:2). The Rosh explains that these two sections are connected as the foetus prior to birth is administered an oath from Heaven not to eat non-Kosher, and only after accepting the Kashrus restrictions is the baby delivered and born.
Regarding the timing of a woman giving birth, unless it is medically advised, it is important not to schedule a date for the birth of a baby (Chazon Ish). There is a concern that it may lead to the child being born prematurely (Rav Kamenetsky) or because it may affect the Mazal of the child (Rokeach and Arizal). Rav Moshe suggested further that the mother is not allowed to select a delivery date unnecessarily because giving birth is considered a time of danger (see Shabbos 32a) and one is not allowed to put themselves into danger and hence birth should occur through natural biological means. Perhaps this idea can be traced to the Parsha as it reads ‘when a woman gives birth’, indicating that ideally birth should be natural and not induced.
When a doctor suggests that the delivery of a child should be induced, one should consult a Rav, as certain days of the week should be avoided to prevent Shabbos desecration (see M.B 248:4). If a woman gives birth on Shabbos, since it is considered a matter of Pikuach Nefesh (Shabbos 128b and S.A O.C 130:1), she may desecrate Shabbos personally or have Shabbos desecrated on her behalf where needed. One should try to minimise and organise things that can be done to avoid preventable Melacha prior to the birth (S.A H 330:1 and M.B 330:1) such as having payment pre-arranged for a cab where possible, or using an ambulance rather than driving personally to the hospital (S.A.H 330:3, M.B 336:9 and S.S.K 36:8). The husband or her mother may also accompany the woman in labour where required (S.S.K 36:11).
If a woman feels the onset of labour prior to Shabbos, it would be advisable to go to the hospital before Shabbos to avoid further Shabbos desecration if feasible (Ketzos HaShulchan and S.S.K 36:7). Furthermore, a woman may organise to go to the hospital on Shabbos as soon as contractions begin, even though they may continue for some time (M.B 330:9).
The generations we find ourselves in is an era known as the pangs of childbirth (Sanhedrin 98b) and so may we merit to witness the birth of the Messianic Redemption though adhering to these unique laws.
Have a good Shabbos,
Rabbi Simons (Based on an excellent article by Rabbi Doniel Neustadt ‘The Yoledes in Halacha’)
