Questions & Answers

There was a similar question a few weeks ago and I'm just going to repeat what I posted. It might not help you and your hubby decide which way to go, but hopefully it will soothe your fears that you would be doing the wrong thing either way.

It's a fairly controversial decision at this time, but I don't think it should be! The AAP leans slightly in favor of circumcision, but does not think everyone needs to do it (basically saying, it's your decision). Here is a quote from their website:

"After a comprehensive review of the scientific evidence, the American Academy of Pediatrics found the health benefits of newborn male circumcision outweigh the risks, but the benefits are not great enough to recommend universal newborn circumcision."

It is possible, but highly unlikely, that your son would develop a problem from the procedure. It is also possible, but highly unlikely, that your son would develop infections in the future from NOT getting the procedure. Cont'd

It's not a surgery. It's just a minor procedure that they do in the newborn nursery that literally takes 5 minutes. They do numb the area before hand, so the baby does not feel anything. The nurses afterwards will show you how to take care of it.

Circumcision is certainly a personal choice. But babies do just fine. Listen to your husband and ask why it's so important - then share yours. See if you can agree on what matters most for baby boy. It's ok I promise - i just had a little son and he is fine!

It's about cleanliness and the ability for a boy to take care of his uncircumsized penis without you. My son is 10 and he started wanting full privacy a few years ago! We decided on having our son circumsized and don't regret that decision. I would side with your husband because he has a penis and knows what it's like to care for it.....where as you don't. You just want it because it's natural....but again, you're not left with taking care of it and dealing with it the rest of your life.

Hi, I understand your worries. I have 2 sons and they are both circumcised and doing perfectly well. The first one was circumcised by a Rabbi when he was 14 days old (it was going to be when he was 8 days old but he had jaundice) and my 2nd son was circumcised when he was over a year because he was born with a condition called hypospadias (it was a mild form and to correct it he had to be at least a year old) and with this I didn't have a choice anyway because it would have had to be done.
For me I was happy about this as I was brought up in a family and culture where this was normal. I also believe it is much more hygienic and the sight of the penis looks the same anyway when it is erect if you are also worried about that.
If you do decide to go ahead with it I'm sure you will get lots of support from your doctor and the care and cleaning is quite easy. Try to speak to your hubby again so you can enjoy being pregnant with a boy.
Good luck with whatever you decide to do. :)

So, either way, there is a tiny risk, as with anything. Try not to stress about it too much; it will be ok!

We've decided to have it done to my son when he comes in a few weeks!

You can ask 50 women how they feel about the issue and they will all tell you yes or no for different reasons.
If I have a boy, these are the reasons we WILL have our baby cut:
*My husband is cut.
*Yeast infections are more common in uncut baby boys, particularly if they are in damp diapers for too long.
*Not only are they easier to clean for mommy and daddy, but for the rest of the family when changing him, and also for himself when he becomes potty trained and starts bathing himself.
*I dated a guy who had to be cut when he was 16, as did his identical twin and their older brother, because the cord attached to their foreskin was so tight that erections were ungodly painful. Not remembering the pain as an infant vs. two days on light duty/bed rest for a guy seems a little nicer.
*It's a parent's choice.

Do you want your child to get sick with infections or do you want him to have a normal if. God may have put it there but you can take it off and that is whats best. Its called being clean. I know a lot of people including myself that wont have anything to do with guys that arnt cut. My first time I got a uti from a guy that wasnt cut.

I understand that it isn't something done in the UK, and so if I was there, my hubby and I probably wouldn't have it done. There are ways of "undoing" in the future, which are painful, but available. Just as there is still the option of circumcision when they are older, but it is more painful. It's kind of like dew claws on a puppy. They're taken off because there is the risk that they'll snag on something when the dog is older and running around. When they're taken off as a puppy there is VERY minimal pain and bleeding, however, if done as an adult, the dog must then be taken into actual surgery for it to be done. But again, some dogs do just fine with dew claws. It's kind of like, if you think your son will ever want it done, or wished it had been, then you may decide to just do it now since now is when it's the easiest. I love the comment about finding out why it's important to your husband. Whatever you decide, be in union on the decision :)

My son is circumcised just like his daddy and we are happy with our decision i know it sounds scary but it really is not that bad if we are having another boy this time we will also be doing it to him as well.