To Circumsize or Not To Circumsize...

I would have it done if i was you. It does not cause as much pain as you think. It will also protect your baby boy more from getting infections and stds later. Plus when hes older hes not going to want to have that extra skin... most guys are embarrassed by it (or so i'm told)

Hello RyanneD. It don't really hurt the baby for long when I had my son I had it done to him for health reasons. The fore skin if left on is harder to keep clean that can make it smell if not washed properly. No there is no real reason to have it done. But if your going to have it done have it done as soon as the doctor says it is safe don't wait cause the longer you wait the more it will hurt. It isn't a big deal. They pull the skin up and clip it and then bandage it up for a few days and it will heal quickly.

Circumcision is a personal decision, decided by the family. Don't let someone you've never met on a message board tell you how to feel. It's something that you have to work out for yourself. Sit down and talk to your husband. Find out exactly why he wants it done. For most it'll be because he wants his son to look "like him" or "like the boys in the locker room". (Yep, peer pressure can have a factor.) Discuss with him your issues with circumcision and find out if there is room for further discussion. Remember, this doesn't have to happen directly after the baby is born! Also talk to a pediatrician and find out how they feel. Oftentimes they will have pamphlets on whether or not to circumcise. Read them and discuss them with your husband. Talk to friends and family members about the subject, especially those who have had sons in the past ten years. They will have a definite opinion and will offer points in favor or completely against the subject. Some consider it butchery while the UN recommends it. (The recommendations have to deal with cleanliness in third world countries, something that you shouldn't have to deal with as long as you teach him good hygiene. But this is something to think about.) For some, it's about aesthetics. For others, it's the beginning of a spiritual journey. The best thing you can do is to get as much information from reliable sources and then review them with your husband. This is also his child so he does have a say. Between the two of you a resolution will be attained.

I haven't been circumsized and neither has my boy. I personally think that it should only be done for medical reasons as the skin usually loosens with age aswell. From my perspective what right do we have as parents to do anything to our children that he doesn't have a say in unless its for medical reasons. Though I know that some religions will do it for religious reasons, but personally I don't agree with it good luck with ya new addition x

hi ryanneD, i think, things have mostly been covered in your discussion with xmas74... hope, it will be easier now for you to take the decision... i just like to inform you that things are much simpler at younger age... it usually heals in 2-3 days...but, not necessarily it should be just after birth... i think, it is better to be at the age 3-5, when a kid starts to understand things... but, no harm even if it is just after birth... only thing is that the kid won't remember anything... won't they use any aenesthesia? for my kids, they had local... i don't know, may be an aenesthesia for a new born is not wise... another thing, the more you keep it open, the better... so, it should be better not be done in winter...

If you're talking about doing it for religious reasons, I don't see the need. That was an old covenant that was used to mark out God's people (Israel), but it has since been replaced by baptism, just as animal sacrifice was replaced by Christ's blood :) Otherwise I would say it's just preference of the parents. It may be a bit healthier but it's not dangerous or anything not to.

Having your baby boy circumsized would NEVER make you a bad mom! This has been done for SO many years! Yes it may hurt, but when he is a little ball of enargy getting cuts and scrapes just like every other little boy he will hurt, too, again and again, but let me ask you: Do you remember when you were born? Do you remember screaming even as a little baby? If your like most people you answered no to both questions, so having the circusizion is nothing, you'll probibly be passed out after labor and birth and wont even know it happened! Also to keep in mind it helps with hygen, its easier to clean, for you when he is a cute baby and for him when he is grown!