The current policy from the American Academy of Pediatrics states the benefits of circumcision are not significant enough for it to be recommended as a routine procedure.
With this statement and knowing that worldwide this is no longer a common procedure, we decided against circumcision.
There will always be anecdotal evidence one way or the other with complications either from having it done or not. That's the things with statistics- there are always outliers.
Interesting choice of wording. Why not give the entire opinion?
This is what I said when I read the title of the original post "Not this again!". But I still read through the comments on this just to see what people said. I get so tired of women judging other women on their choices as parents. We are all supposed to be in this journey together! No matter what decisions we make as parents, our circumstances are all different and we choose these things for our kids because they are. I will never judge another mom on her decision to breastfeed or not, to cloth diaper or not, to babywear or not, to let cry to sleep or not, to co-sleep or not. There are no right or wrong answers in these parenting decisions. We all do what we think is best and that should be the end of the discussion.
I have throughly done my research on this topic. Discussed this with my DH and pediatrician and we had/have decided to circumsize our boys. This was the decision we decided upon but I will not be putting down any parent who decides not to.
Can we all have a little compassion and understanding for others decisions?
SO and I didn't even need to discuss it. For us it was something we knew we were going to do. All my brothers are circumsized. My SO and his brother are both circumcised. We don't really have very many justifications and I didn't even feel compelled to delve into the cesspool that is the internet's opinion on the matter. It is what is right for us and our family. That's all that matters.
I'm still on the fence about it, but I do know my stepdad had to have it done as an adult (for the military I believe) and said he wished he woulda had it done as a baby because if in fact there is some reason u have to have it done as an adult it's apparently God awful...
My sister works in an Urology Office and she tells me that all of the docs that work there will tell you to circumcise because it is not something a male wants to go through as an adult. She gets calls back about lots of bruising & tenderness. My husband asked her if they put you under for the surgery as an adult...nope, just local.
We are having a boy and after research are against circumcision. The medical benefits are few, complications are real and honestly it's not a big deal that he doesn't "look like daddy". While I live in the U.S. where this is commonplace, where I come from it is not. It's stuck around mainly as a religious practice IMO.
Regarding cleanliness etc. it doesn't take much to teach your son to clean - pull back, wash, done. Of course it will be several years before the skin is able to retract.
Just a heads up: I've read that you aren't supposed to pull the foreskin back to clean. Just a regular ol bath will do! Girls don't pull pack the clitoral foreskin to clean I am also definitely not cutting my boy! And the whole "we want him to look like daddy" sounds crazy to me. My husband has red hair..if our son had blonde are we going to dye it red!? Lol
@GardenMama116 surely you could ask to go under for it though right? Just curious. I wonder why they only do local as an adult
I'm sure you could request to be put under as an adult but you'd have to pay the out-of-pocket for it because insurance wouldn't cover that portion (kinda like getting your wisdom teeth extracted...if they are impacted, they put you under; but if they've broken the skin, you only get local). According to my sister (who is a surgery scheduler), the standard procedure calls for local. But I'm no expert on the topic.
When I asked DH if we are going to circumcise our son his exact words... "Damn right we are, I don't want him walking around looking like he has a used condom hanging off the end of it." Sorry but I found his response very funny. Anyway my other 2 sons are. I know of a 90 yr old man (past nursing home work) that was not and obviously had no issues. But then again I also know of a 12 yr old who had to have it done due to complications of not having it done. When my son's were trimmed they didn't cry, didn't act like they hurt when they peed, or when the gauze was removed and when the vasoline was applied they didn't seemed bothered by it at all. And by the 3rd day it was no longer an issue it was all healed. The 12 yr old cried every time he moved for a week. He couldn't pee for 2 days without his mom helping him. He had to be prescribed pain medication and it was almost 2 weeks before he was back to somewhat normal. To each their own. Not knocking those who don't have their boys trimmed.
@GardenMama116 I think that must depend on the insurance and/or dr for the wisdom teeth because I had mine out a few years ago and they weren't impacted and had broken the skin but my dr put me out. It wasn't like out out like at a hospital with an anaesthesiologist but what my oral surgeon called "twilight sleep". I would be asleep and not remember anything but he would be able to communicate with me, there was an iv and everything. I was actually having such severe anxiety about even this and that I would remember it that they even gave me some intense oral anxiety medication the hour before surgery and THAT alone made me loopy enough not to care what they did to me haha. All was covered by my insurance tho!
There are very few men in my family who have been circumcised, even the older ones. They never had issues and some had to be placed in long term care facilities. A lot of elderly males I have cared for as a tech never had problems, either. Knowing this and doing my own research is what went into our decision not to circumcise. Honestly, this is such a personal decision for most people and I couldn't imagine judging someone as to whether or not their son was snipped at birth. People should do what they feel is best for their family.
Like an idiot, I watched an educational video about circumcision surgery on babies. Guys, DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT do that. Just don't. Trust me... I'm telling you out of love, don't do it.
Like an idiot, I watched an educational video about circumcision surgery on babies. Guys, DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT do that. Just don't. Trust me... I'm telling you out of love, don't do it.
Lol, I think this depends on your background. As a nurse I've seen and assisted in many circs, I really don't think it's bad, but I have a tough stomach since I'm desensitized maybe.
Like an idiot, I watched an educational video about circumcision surgery on babies. Guys, DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT do that. Just don't. Trust me... I'm telling you out of love, don't do it.
Lol... I've been to approximately 100 circumcisions. Although I've never had my face very close to what is going on, I would imagine that it's not any more unpleasant than watching a woman being stitched up after giving birth.
And on that note, I would advise everybody not to look at your vaginas directly after giving birth if you are squeamish.
@bostonbaby1@yl1m32015 I think it was the baby's reaction that did it for me. But I also am someone on the fence for the decision.. so that may not have been the best research method. I cry watching cartoons though... so guys I'm an emotional mess. Lol
@ChiccoBeanz I have a love/hate relationship with Disney lately and all the tears they've made me shed. I was even watching Doctor Who earlier and was full on bawling.
I watched videos during my last pregnancy after reading detailed descriptions of the procedure. It wasn't too bad but I'm used to watching similar videos. When it was all done I had a harder time with DS getting shots. It's the reaction, I still cry more than he does every time until he's staring at me like I sprouted another head. His circumcision, on the other hand, he slept right through without issue.
@bostonbaby1@yl1m32015 I think it was the baby's reaction that did it for me. But I also am someone on the fence for the decision.. so that may not have been the best research method. I cry watching cartoons though... so guys I'm an emotional mess. Lol
I totally get being an emotional mess. Seriously, I cry if I'm singing a sad song to myself. But don't forget, you're not going to be the one doing the actual circumcision if that's what you choose for your son. Like I said, I've been to about 100 of them. Yes sometimes the babies cry. Sometimes they don't cry at all; I mean not a whine. I've even seen babies sleep through it. But I definitely would not be doing it myself. I'll leave it to a doctor.
Just sharing my personal experience: We did not have DS circumcised and at 2 months old he woke up with testicles the size of a tangerine. We rushed him to the hospital where we were told he got a UTI that spread to his bladder, kidneys and testicles. He was in the hospital 3 nights on antibiotics and having tests done. It was the worst feeling in the world as a new mom. He was seen by multiple urologists who said it would benefit him to be circumcised. Keep in mind we are clean people who cleaned his penis as told and were adamant about keeping his diaper changed and cleaned to the point of obsession. I not saying having him uncircumcised was the cause but have never had any problems since we had the procedure done. As parents we do what we feel is best for our children and saying the practice is barbaric is not only shaming parents who choose to do so but entirely unnecessary. I will raise my children as I see fit and you will do the same with yours. I would never judge a parent who chooses differently. Let's keep the radical remarks to ourselves.
Like an idiot, I watched an educational video about circumcision surgery on babies. Guys, DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT do that. Just don't. Trust me... I'm telling you out of love, don't do it.
Imma tell you like my hubby told me... stop watching these videos lol! Their intent is good but the really mess you up sometimes. I met the pedestrian performing the procedure minutes prior and asked her questions. Not only did she answer them candidly she invited me to stay and watch bc i was so curious (I was once a pre-med major and love biology). My son slept thru the procedure and so far no issues.
You never truly know if it's the right decision but that's why you have to make it for your reasons and not other peoples. You still have a few months to decide so take your time and (famous last words) do what's right for you.
Re: To circumcise or not?
"New scientific evidence shows the health benefits of newborn male circumcision outweigh the risks of the procedure, but the benefits are not great enough to recommend routine circumcision for all newborn boys, according to an updated policy statement published by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The revised policy, like the previous one from the AAP, says the decision whether or not to circumcise should be left to the parents in consultation with their child’s doctor." - See more at: https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/Pages/New-Benefits-Point-to-Greater-Benefits-of-Infant-Circumcision-But-Final-Say-is-Still-Up-to-parents-Says-AAP.aspx#sthash.kA7l8Aud.dpuf
I have throughly done my research on this topic. Discussed this with my DH and pediatrician and we had/have decided to circumsize our boys. This was the decision we decided upon but I will not be putting down any parent who decides not to.
Can we all have a little compassion and understanding for others decisions?
ok, wrong video. edited because I give up for now and have to go back to work and stop bumping
"Damn right we are, I don't want him walking around looking like he has a used condom hanging off the end of it."
Sorry but I found his response very funny. Anyway my other 2 sons are. I know of a 90 yr old man (past nursing home work) that was not and obviously had no issues. But then again I also know of a 12 yr old who had to have it done due to complications of not having it done. When my son's were trimmed they didn't cry, didn't act like they hurt when they peed, or when the gauze was removed and when the vasoline was applied they didn't seemed bothered by it at all. And by the 3rd day it was no longer an issue it was all healed. The 12 yr old cried every time he moved for a week. He couldn't pee for 2 days without his mom helping him. He had to be prescribed pain medication and it was almost 2 weeks before he was back to somewhat normal. To each their own. Not knocking those who don't have their boys trimmed.
I was actually having such severe anxiety about even this and that I would remember it that they even gave me some intense oral anxiety medication the hour before surgery and THAT alone made me loopy enough not to care what they did to me haha. All was covered by my insurance tho!
Honestly, this is such a personal decision for most people and I couldn't imagine judging someone as to whether or not their son was snipped at birth. People should do what they feel is best for their family.
And on that note, I would advise everybody not to look at your vaginas directly after giving birth if you are squeamish.
*clarity
I watched videos during my last pregnancy after reading detailed descriptions of the procedure. It wasn't too bad but I'm used to watching similar videos. When it was all done I had a harder time with DS getting shots. It's the reaction, I still cry more than he does every time until he's staring at me like I sprouted another head. His circumcision, on the other hand, he slept right through without issue.
We did not have DS circumcised and at 2 months old he woke up with testicles the size of a tangerine.
We rushed him to the hospital where we were told he got a UTI that spread to his bladder, kidneys and testicles.
He was in the hospital 3 nights on antibiotics and having tests done. It was the worst feeling in the world as a new mom.
He was seen by multiple urologists who said it would benefit him to be circumcised.
Keep in mind we are clean people who cleaned his penis as told and were adamant about keeping his diaper changed and cleaned to the point of obsession.
I not saying having him uncircumcised was the cause but have never had any problems since we had the procedure done.
As parents we do what we feel is best for our children and saying the practice is barbaric is not only shaming parents who choose to do so but entirely unnecessary.
I will raise my children as I see fit and you will do the same with yours. I would never judge a parent who chooses differently.
Let's keep the radical remarks to ourselves.
You never truly know if it's the right decision but that's why you have to make it for your reasons and not other peoples. You still have a few months to decide so take your time and (famous last words) do what's right for you.