Implications for Observant Jewish Families in the Provision of Mother’s Own and Donor Milk for Their Very Low Birth Weight Infant

Abstract

Jewish law recognizes the importance of breast milk, and breastfeeding rates are high among religious mothers. Infants born at very low birth weight are medically fragile, and breast milk is of critical importance for their health protection and optimal growth and development. For observant Jewish infants and their families, there may be scenarios for special consideration in their health care. This report reviews briefly the relevant Jewish laws related to breast milk provision, both mother’s own milk and donor milk, in the neonatal intensive care unit with background information for counseling such families.