Circumcision
Traditionally, circumcision of male babies was done as part of a religious ritual in Judaism and Islam welcoming and naming the new baby. While circumcision continues to hold religious and cultural meaning for some people, it is often done today as a routine procedure in hospitals.
Circumcision is not necessary for health reasons and is extremely painful and stressful for the baby.1,2 No anesthetic is completely effective for this procedure.1 More parents are questioning circumcision now for health and psychological reasons. Some are considering alternative religious rituals. See the links below if you are interested in reading what some other parents and health professionals are thinking about. They also have information for parents of uncircumcised boys about health considerations. You may need to educate your son's health care provider.
www.circumcision.org
www.nocirc.org
www.jewishcircumcision.org
References
1Taddio, A. Pain management for neonatal circumcision. Paediatric Drugs. 3(2):429-432. 2001.
2Varney, H. Varney's Midwifery, 3rd ed. Boston: Jones and Bartlett Publishers, 1997, pp. 888, 897. | 