Moms Talk Q&A: Circumcision

Moms Talk Q&A is a forum designed to give hard-working parents a place to ask questions and have an open and honest discussion about the issues they face. You ask the questions and the offers their answers.

This week's Moms Talk Q&A focuses on the controversial practice of circumcision.

You're in labor giving birth to your new bouncing baby boy. Emotions are high, and after a long and productive labor, you spend the better part of a day getting to know your son. The two of you are blissfully happy, then in comes a nurse jolting you back to reality with the question:

Q: Are you going to have your son circumcised?

A: With all four of my sons, within moments of knowing I was bringing a baby boy into our lives, I had the feeling in my belly of dread and anxiety over circumcision. I was pretty certain it had to be performed, but not knowing how it would affect my son was horrible.  

Each time it was done, there were different protocols in place. Over the span of 14 years, the actual procedure was nearly identical, but the preparation of the baby was vastly different. Knowing what I know, I've compiled a few tips to help lessen the discomfort of your son (and his mommy!)

• If it can be done in the presence of the baby's parents, insist on being next to your baby to soothe him and hold him.

• Ask your pediatrician if it's possible to administer some pain medication (Tylenol) about an hour before the circumcision.

• Time it to where your baby will be able to nurse (or take a bottle) immediately following the procedure (most nurses will let you know their schedule ahead of time so you can plan your baby's feeding times).

• Depending on the current protocol in place, you will need to treat this area with antibiotic gel or something of the like, topped by a small square of gauze. Keeping the area protected from the diaper, and its contents will keep the baby comfortable after the circumcision is complete.

A: Well, not having sons, I have never had to wonder, but when I found out about both my pregnancies, the question came up for sure.

My husband, the naturalist, was completely against it. I was for it given my (few and far between) experiences working in a hospital and hearing horror stories of adult men who suffered the indignity of having it done as an emergency procedure. So there are a few considerations to keep in mind including: personal experience, religious affiliation and medical history.

The one point I would like to clarify is that circumcision should be discussed and decided upon prior to the day you give birth!