I'm confused as to what is proper or allowed when a mother is nursing. I have been told that common practice is for the mother to take birth control pills during nursing to prevent her from getting pregnant.
Why is Rebbi Eliezer's permit to begin Bi'ah naturally, but to withdraw before ejaculating not used? I thought that one of the general prohibitions on birth control was that it is considered as "wasting seed" because the seed cannot be used for procreation?
If both methods (birth control and Rebbi Eliezer) yield the same net result, that the seed cannot be used for procreation, then would they not be equally forbidden? With two equals, plus the health risks associated with birth control pills (raised risk of heart attack, stroke, and trouble getting pregnant in the future, just to name a few) I would have thought it's a no-brainer that Rebbi Eliezer would be preferable to birth control pills.
Can you help me with this one?
Much appreciated,
Gedaliah
Let's start with your second question. We clearly don't Pasken like Rebbi Eliezer, and therefore his method is not used (see Rambam Isurei Bi'ah 21:18, Shulchan Aruch E.H. 23:1).
Regarding birth control pills and all methods of birth control, one absolutely must consult with a reliable and competent Rav who knows these Halachos well before using any form of birth control. This does not mean that there are not leniencies available in many situations. However, which leniency to use in which type of situation requires consultation with a Rav.
In closing, I will summarize R' Yissachar Frand's words from the introduction of one his tapes regarding birth control. He basically stated that many people seem to be ignorant extremists regarding birth control. Either they think that everything is permitted, or they think that everything is forbidden. Bottom line: consult with a Rav.
All the best,
Yaakov Montrose