Circumcision - Seattle,WA

I didn't do it to either of my sons. My kids get to keep all of the parts they come into the world with! I don't see any good reason to subject a baby to it.

We did not circumcise. Cutting off a healthy part of the body seemed illogical to us. So far the fact that he does not look like daddy has not caused any problems.

I wasn't going to.
I wish I hadn't. It was awful for him. I think it's barbaric.
I know people say it would be difficult for him when he was older and in the locker room w/other boys.
So we do it to be part of the societal norm?
Again, I wish I hadn't done it. I think it's putting them through undue pain.

This and breastfeeding questions can bring out some passionate responses. Some will tell you, that you're mutilating him, abusing him, etc. I don't care about those people, they aren't the mother of my child.

My son is circumcised. One of my very best friends is a nurse in a nursing home. Infections in uncircumcised elderly men are rampant. Many have to get circumcised, and it's VERY painful. Not to mention extremely difficult to heal from for an aging person. It's much more dangerous for a person of a certain age to go through this. That's not the only reason we made the decision to circumcise, but that was a contributing factor. Is it barbaric to hopefully prevent much more severe pain and trauma in the future? To some, it may be. To me, it's not. I don't care what other people think. And I have met some mothers of uncircumcised boys, who are simply a terrible parent. Oh, but her son isn't circumcised! His life must be better!! You see, in the end...things like this don't often matter.

I've never met a man who cared if he was circumcised, have you? Most, have not. Sure, there are some out there. But, there are also some who wished they were. This is a choice YOU have to make. People will always judge you for your choices. Especially, ones like this. There are extremes in this debate, and you have to find the middle.

P.S.
My husband is circumcised, and he doesn't get the whole debate. He says "Woman don't even have the darn part, why do they sit around and debate it?" He has also never met another man who even cares if he is circumcised. Truth be told, I would not be with a man who wasn't circumcised.

Are your son and his dad going to be standing around comparing penises? If not, then why does he need to "look like Daddy?"
I would say don't do it - there's no medical necessity for removing healthy functional tissue from a newborn baby's genitals.

This is obviously a polarizing issue. There is so much judgement from both sides.

So many here have said what a painful procedure it is for babies. My younger son SLEPT through his! How painful can it be?

I am curious... if there is no medical reason for circumcision, why do I know of several older boys and men who have "had" to have the procedure - for
medical reasons?

Edited to add: after reading some of the other comments, I would like to clarify that my son did not sleep through the procedure because he had "shut down" from the trauma. He was asleep before they started and never woke up. He quite literally slept through the entire thing. He didn't seem uncomfortable when he had wet or dirty diapers. It was truly a non-event.

I know everyone is passionate about their own stand on this, but it would be really great if people would stick to facts and their own experiences. Someone who says that she has no experience with a circumcised baby stating (as fact) what these boys feel, kind of makes me want to scream.

I believe that this is a personal choice. I respect your right to choose for your child and believe that you have/had your child's best interest at heart.
I'd appreciate the same courtesy.

Good luck to the OP and all of you faced with this decision. As others have said, either way it will be the right one for you and your child.

Oh one more thing... I once asked my sons (individually ) if they were tramatized because they were circumcised. They each informed me that they were not. However, my asking the question has scarred them for life! LOL. (they were kidding).

My stepson is circumcised (obviously not my decision) and all three of my sons are circumcised (both my husband and I agreed). If I ever have any more sons, they will be circumcised also. I don't regret our decision for even a second.
I see a lot of people saying that it isn't important for boys to look like their dads. I really disagree with that. ALL of my sons absolutely worship their dad. He is, and should be, their largest role model. They want to be just like him. And yes, my kids see their dad naked. We have a large shower with dual shower heads and very often, I will throw them in there with my husband to avoid doing three baths (stepson is older and takes his own showers). Of course they would notice if their penises were different from their dad's. So, that is one reason why I wanted my son's circumcised.
My mother was a clinical nurse for many years and has shared horror storries of infections in uncircumcised penises. That is another reason- you never hear about infections in circumcised penises.
My bio dad was born on a farm in the 1950's and was not circumcised. After numerous infections, he had to be circumcised at age 7. Lets just say that he remembers it and he is well into his 50's now.
Anyway, if you don't want to circumcise your boy, then that's your choice. But I am not barbaric because I did it.

Oh gosh, a son does NOT have to look like Daddy.
Everyone in the world is different.
In school, in "gym" well there will be tons of boys who are not, and are.

My son is not. I did not want to have my son's skin... cut off and him in pain. How barbaric.
My Husband is not either.
But all along, I teach my kids that everyone looks different. Just like hair color.
No biggie.

It really is an antiquated thing... that a boy has to look like Daddy.
And SO many boys now, are not circumcised.
Even my Pediatricians sons, are not.

Do you know in some cultures, they even circumcise girls?
It is cruel.

** And might I had: My Husband has NEVER had any genital infections or diseases. And he is NOT circumcised. And he is a grown up Man. AND my son has not either.
It is a BAD stereotype, that uncircumcised "Men" are not clean.
Anyone, can be dirty and diseased/infected. If they do not have proper hygiene.

We didn't. No problems yet; they are nearly 6 and 3. It's unnecessary. Would you have your baby's tonsils or appendix taken out just to avoid a chance of pain and surgery later?

For some, like the baby who slept through it, maybe it isn't painful. We were at the doctor's office once, and from the waiting room 30 feet away, we could hear, clear as day, a baby screaming it's head off. We were told he was being circumcised. Not trying to scare you against it, but just giving you my experience.

The American Academy of Pediatrics no longer recommends the procedure (neutral), and many states' Medicare programs are no longer paying for it.

Personally? I would prefer circumcised...you opened up a can of worms here!! (LOL!!) this is a VERY hot topic as well as breast feeding....

The look like daddy is lame.

It's about hygiene and your personal preference.
Some say it's barbaric - if it's so barbaric why do kids "remember" it? BECAUSE THEY DON'T!!!

There are a lot of reasons for and against...it comes down to personal preference. I've volunteered in old folks home where guys in the 70's and 80's are having NOTHING BUT TROUBLE being uncircumcised and enduring it NOW....infections, pain, etc....

Get educated. Get informed...

If you had a girl and after she went through adolescence if her breasts did not look like yours would you have plastic surgery done on her so she would 'look like mommy?'

Not addressed to you E....but there is harm in circumcising. Take some time to research all the babies who have died or were mutilated due to this unnecessary cosmetic surgery. It will break your heart.

My son and my husband do not have matching penises.

If you were the infant being circumcised you would NOT think that it was "no big deal"!!! Why is it that we are so incensed over female circumcision in African nations and refer to it as female genital mutilation but we do the exact same thing to our sons and call it no big deal???
I have 3 daughters, so I never had to make that decision but two of my daughters have had sons and they have both chosen to leave their sons intact. Go to this website to learn valuable information about circumcision... http://www.intactamerica.org/ One of the things you can point out to your husband is that over SIXTY PERCENT of newborns are no longer being circumcised...so if he wants his son to be in the majority..he will allow him to remain intact.

After reading up on the debate I kinda left the decision mostly up to my husband. I figured he has one so he would be the better person to make the decision. We ended up getting my son circumcised and he was fine. :)

my son is not. There is no medical reason to have it done, so we left it the way it's supposed to be. My husband is, and was very happy to not have it done to our son

I am pregnant now and if I have a boy I will circumcise him. Me and my husband have talked about it. We have both come to that decision. I know that more people are not circumcising these days. My poor grand father has now had to be circumcised 3 times in his 80's. He said it was the worst experience ever. I also know that I prefer circumcised.

Hello E.!
Go with your mama instincts on this one and protect your baby from unnecessary surgery. It makes absolutely no sense to amputate part of a healthy, functioning organ. Your baby has the human right to a whole body - the body will be born with.
Here's a video you can show your hubby about the "look like daddy" issue:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yRFNciRUAk&feature=mf...

And here are some great websites for info: (I personally highly recommend the first one!)

http://circumcisiondecisionmaker.com/

http://www.intactforlife.com/expecting-a-boy.php

http://www.drmomma.org/2010/01/are-you-fully-informed.html

Blessings!

Unless you are doing for religeous reasons or have a strong reason to circumcise, why do it? It sounds like you don' t really want to and you are reasoning that you should because your hubby is. I would go to the AAP website and see the info they have on circumcision. Get all the facts pros and cons before making an informed choice. But I wouldn't do it based on just to look like daddy. Your son will never look exactly like daddy and guys really don't compare penises! Take care and good luck with your decision!

M

Prior to finding out we were having a boy we both assumed having a circ. is what you did. Dad is & initially thot son should look like him. (interestingly enough, his dad isnt). After reading up on it we were really on the fence about it. In talking around, our friend's son's circ. was botched (reputable Seattle hospital) and he had to have corrective surgery at 2, and my nephew's is really crooked and looks funny. altho neither of those are common, it added to the reasons we decided not to. in the end, we felt that there were some plusses and minuses both in favor of and against but the biggest factors for us were that it is not that common in WA (locker room argument) and that it is not a necessary proceedure so why cut off any part of someone's body that grew as God or nature intended?

our son is 3 1/2 now & no problems with it. i dont know what age he will notice he and dad are different. He has been big into differences the last half year (eye color, hair, short and tall, boobies,etc), but that one hasnt come up even tho they are naked around each other regularly. until puberty, they really dont look that much alike anyway, regardless of the circumcision factor.

Good luck with your decision

I work in a hospital in the mother baby unit. As a part of my duties I have to assist in circ's. In the past five years the number of circ's I assist with has gone down. I ask mom's each day if they are going to have it done. The number one reason they don't is insurance doesn't pay for it anymore. It is considered non-medical. Each and everyone of my doctors uses a local to numb the area. The little boys protest at that. Well who the heck wouldn't, right?
Also they won't remember this as they grow. But I can guarantee that if that if they have this procedure done when they are older they will remember the pain that will occur.
It really is your choice there isn't a right and wrong answer. Good luck!

DO NOT DO IT !!!!
I wish I could go back in time and have done things differently. This ridiculousness about 'we want to look like daddy' give me a break. Do girls say 'let me get a boob job to look like mommy' ? NO !!! I mean, unless you live in a nudist colony, are you going to be walking around naked where a child would care ? I mean, everyone's body is different, no child would notice something like that. Why mutilate a part of the body that had a purpose. If boys were better off circumcised they would be born that way. No one ever tells you about the 'botched' circumcisions that happen - and then what ? What will you tell your son then ? I strongly urge you to read up on this, most of the world Does NOT circumcise (just us stupid americans). Its something I was clueless about in the past, and wish we never did it.

Also, do NOT believe these idiot doctors or midwives who say, 'oh don't worry about it the baby won't feel pain' Oh really, is that why they are strapped to a board and parents are kept a mile away when its done because your infant is being tortured without any pain killers, and blood curdling screams are taking place (unaware to most parents) if they actually were there seeing it, no way in hell would you put your sweet baby through this. The doctors who can say this are total barbarians. Don't traumatize your baby with this unnecessary procedure, that can physically and emotionally harm your baby.

I was actually NOT going to circumcise my boy but I happend to talk to my uncle about a week before he was born. He didn't even know my feeling on it but he happened to mention that he, my other uncle and my dad actually had to get it done when they were adults which was horrible and painful. They all had to get it done becuase they were all having so much trouble. I didn't even know my dad had it done as an adult - or my 2 uncles for that matter. I then talked to my mom about it (my dad passed away several years ago) and she said he was always in pain and had several infections. I'm glad I found this out because I think its better to do it as a baby than wait for when they are adults. My son won't remember it, it wasn't that bad and I'm happy with my decision.

I wouldnt, it's an unnecessary surgery on an infant. But if your husband really wants it, it's not really that big of a deal. You probably aught to check with your insurance provider, since many are not paying for it anymore.

Circumcision was a religious thing until the 1800s when some dude (I think it was the Kellogg of cereal fame) decided that circumcision would keep boys from masturbating. Most of the men I know are circumcised (I know 2 who aren't, one who's an ex of mine and one who is just a good friend) and they all seem to think that's pretty silly. And having my 2 main relationships being with one guy who wasnt and one who was, I can say as a woman that it didn't matter.

I agree with some of the posts here that it is purely choice. In my experience with my 7 and 11 year old boys (uncircumcised), until recently we had no issues as far as health concerns go. My 11 year old did just have a very slight urinary tract infection, but we were able to nip it quickly by reviewing hygiene and getting him to drink lots of water, etc., to clear himself out. My 11 year old told me recently that most of his friends are also uncircumcised, and while some people worry about the locker room stigma of not being circumcised, at least in the area we live in, that is not an issue in the least.

I think there are some valid reasons for circumcision, but it really comes down to a personal choice. My boys know why they don't look like their dad (as far as their penises go), and my husband has always been very straightforward about it when they're together. As very young boys, they used to shower with him sometimes, and he'd just tell them that nearly all boys were circumcised when he was a baby, but that we made a choice to let THEM make that choice when they grow up, if they want to be circumcised. I think they feel lucky to have been given that choice.

I have two boys ages 17 and 13 neither one is circumcised -never have had a problem. Their dad is not circumcised and he has never had a problem either.

Hi E., I had both my boys circumcised, exactly for the reason you site. I left it up to my husband. We had no problems of course with either one of their circumcisions (they are 18 and 16 now).

However, knowing what I know now, I would probably not do it. I really do not see any benefit to it now, particularly since so many boys are not having it done.

:)

As a person who worked in medical surgery, I can tell you that I was very surprised how many men over 50 end up having it done. Cleaning is very important and specific way of cleaning that little/young boys don't always do when it's uncomfortable for mom to approve. I am sure there are just as many pro's as there are cons and in the end it is your choice. There is no right or wrong answer here. Just adding my thoughts that it is common place for older men to have it done for medical reasons.

My husband is uncircumcised and was insistent that our sons be circumcised. He had several infections as a child and wishes his parents had done it. It was a norm in my family to be circumcised so we went ahead and had it done on our sons. Everything was fine and I'm glad I did it.

My husband is, our sons are not. We discussed it quite a bit and just decided that we did not want to put our kids through the pain of it just to look the same. So far our oldest (3.5) has not noticed anything different and I don't think it is that big of a deal to explain it to them when they get to that point. It is a personal choice for you and hubby to make. Honestly I get a little nervous about the cleaning aspect but everything I have read says to just let things be until they are older, then start teaching them the hygene, nothing retracts at their current ages anyway.

Our almost 4 year old son is not circumcised and my husband is. On the few occasions it has come up (usually with his cousin, not dad), we just tell him that everyone looks different and he accepts it without question.

I did a lot of research before he was born and couldn't stand the idea of putting a newborn through an unnecessary procedure. It seems like something that people just assume you need to do out of tradition rather than any medical necessity. Our son has never had any problems with it and can pull it back for cleaning himself. Current stats show that almost 50% of newborns aren't circumcised anymore so it's not like your son would be the odd kid out.

Don't do it if you have any hesitation!

This is a personal choice and one you and your hubby need to talk about and agree on.

Both of my sons are circumcised, mostly because my husband is. We have not had any problems or complications. They both had a plastibell and healed quickly.

My son was born with a kidney condition and his pediatric nephrologist was happy that my son was circumcised and would have recommended a circumcision if he already didn't have it done. So YES, there are medical reasons for having it done.

My husband thought the same way and then he did some research and changed his mind. I was very relieved because I did not want it done. Your son will never look like his daddy because they are different people. I have a friend whose son will be 4 in September and his was botched and it is causing him some pain and his mom wishes they wouldn't have done it. Also our pediatrician told us to check with our insurance because some insurance companies aren't covering it because it is considered cosmetic surgery.

Since hubs has the same 'boy parts' then I let him decide on this one. I didn't even get to see my little baby boy completely buff until after the procedure was done. It was quick and easy. I don't know if he even cried or not. The pediatrician came to the hospital and did it while I was asleep/resting (I had a C-section).

So what does hubby think after you present him with the information you read?

This is a really personal decision. My husband knew a man in the army that got a lot of infections (I don't think this happens to everyone and I don't necessarily think it's because he was unclean. I've know several friends who get urinary tract infections easily and I've never had one, so I think some people are just more prone to things like that then others). The man decided to be circumcised as an adult and it was very painful, so my husband was very adamant that he wanted our son circumcised. Like another poster said, he cried a little when they numbed it, but stopped when they gave him the pacifier with the sugar water.

My youngest is a boy... he is now 19.

Hubby is circumcised...... he didn't feel it was necessary, so we didn't have our son circumcised.

As far as I know, he hasn't had any problems. We taught him how to keep himself clean, hopefully he still does that.

I don't really know how he feels not being circumcised... we don't talk about that.

I've only been with my hubby, so I can't compare notes on whether there is a difference.

It's really up to you. My husband is from Ireland and no one over there gets circumcised, so we didn't do our sons. I'm from Canada and it seems circumcision is much more common in North America, but I read about it and I think I would have opted not to anyway.

we chose circumcision and we are happy with our choice. all the men in our family are and it just made sense to do it.

I'd listen to your husband. He is the father and of the same gender.

If our baby is a boy or we have a boy in the future then we will be circumcising to be honest. Easier to keep clean really. I don't see anything wrong with doing it. I'm sure I'll have some nut job email me on this though. lol

I didn't read the other responses, but wanted to share my experience. Being a woman and not very educated about circumcision when I was pregnant with my son (he's now 4.5yo), I left the decision up to my husband. He chose to get our son circumcised, and because he was born at home, he didn't get it done right after birth like most boys born in a hospital. He was 3 weeks old when we opted for it, and we weren't allowed in the room during the procedure. Not knowing what was going on and what I saw him go through during the healing process just broke my heart. It was very painful for him, he was uncomfortable, and he would cry pitifully during diaper changes. It was awful! Plus, our insurance company really pushed back about it (because he was born at home, and it wasn't done right at birth), and we almost had to pay the $700+.

Then, a friend of mine found a video of an actual circumcision, and I was horrified!! To this day, I'm still very upset with myself that I wasn't more involved in the decision because it would've been a resounding NO!

I evaluated this decision just like every other medical decision I make for my children. Does the benefit outweigh the risk? In the case of circumcision, I saw only risk with absolutely no benefit. I also question why parents feel they have the right to cut anything off of their baby. My husband and I chose not to circ and my son is happy, healthy, clean and intact.

Well, my only son (out of 5) is circumcised and we did it mainly because it was under anesthesia when he had it done (was born) and so he would be like his dad. We recently had another child and did not know the gender before the baby was born, and decided if it was a boy (it was not) he would be circumcised. Because there was no pain associated with my son's circumcision, I would have had another without a second thought -- mainly to be "like his dad" which may be a silly reason to some, but makes sense to us.

We did what Anne did - Our nurse midwife referred us to a great mohel and he was so wonderful. Our son came through great (I was still a wreck though!) and with no ill effects.

We also chose to have him perform the procedure as they did in Biblical times - 8 days after birth - instead of right away. The reason for this is because 8 days after birth, the body finally has the optimum amount of vitamin K for the blood to clot. I was not in favor of our newborn being given any vaccinations - including the vit K - right after birth. I chose to keep things as pure as possible and follow the timeline nature intended for such a development.

I am also not truly convinced of the necessity of the procedure, but my husband felt strongly about it, so this was the best way to go for us.

We went ahead with it, but we were on the fence too. Our reasoning was basically based on family information that some of the men had surgeries later in life because they weren't circumcised when they were babies and it was causing physical issues and health/cleanliness issues for them. So, we did it and we are happy we did. I don't think it's necessary though. For us, it seemed like a good idea.

I understand this is a touchy subject. My husband is circumcised but we decided (based on the process) that this was going to have to be something our son would choose to do in the future. I don't know why (besides peer pressure and the Jewish culture) that this still goes a mas today, but the outer layer is very sensitive and can cause serious issues for men when they reach puberty; and for the rest of their lives too.

I hope this helps - whatever decision you make it should be as an informed and loving family.

obviously a lot of opinions here. When my son had his done, he was given 4 small shots of an anesthetic, but he screamed in pitches I had never heard before, so I know he was in pain. I was sobbing. It was horrible. But a nurse told me that most babies don't scream that much. When it was over, he looked pale and tired like he had been through something very traumatic. I don't think I would do it again. It still makes me tear up to think about it and he is 1 y/o now. If I were to start over, I would opt not to do it and tell my son when he is a teenager that if he wants to do it then, by all means do so.

I know everyone has an opinion on this some are extremely heated about it too. BUT I want to say that I have 2 boys ages 9, and 3 and they are not circ'ed and they have never had an infection and they are very healthy. My 9 y/o knows that he is not circ'ed and it has come up with his friends and he just tells them as I told him, that some people choose to cut that skin off and others don't. No biggee. Daddy is circ'ed BTW.

My mother has been a nurse for almost 30 years. I've heard stories over that timeframe of issues regarding infection etc. I think it is perfectly ok not to circumcise, but teaching the child hw to properly care for that area is imperative. I just see it as something extra to have to take cre of and we all know how teenage boys are..

You will get a lot of strong reactions from people on this subject. Number one you have to do whatever it is you and your husband feel is in the best interest of your child. That being said, given my research on the matter and the health risks associated with not being circumcised and my experience, I would recommend it.

When I was young and we were expecting a baby I thought I would not do it. I had a girl so no need. However, I did over the years see boys who would have benefitted from being circumcised. And had to be at three or four years of age.
I also saw that women whose husbands were circumcised got far fewer cases of yeast and protozoa infections.
Do I think it is cruel. No. Millions of men, actually billions of living men are circumcised. They also don't get infections and irritations that the uncircumcised do.
And they have just as good sexual lives as men who weren't cut.
Jewish boys are cut by a special man who is trained in that job and they never have infection or difficulty from it afterward. I have been to a few circumcisions and have seen them give the baby a bit of wine on a gauze to suck on.

Updated

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION is recommending circumcision against AIDS. It reduces incidence of AIDS by 60 %.
That's enough for me, circumcise.

Updated

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION is recommending circumcision against AIDS. It reduces incidence of AIDS by 60 %.
That's enough for me, circumcise.

It's costly these days and my Dr, for my boys (three of them) i was told years ago it was a traditon they done it for a medical purpose as some read it from the bible, when mine were born he refused saying the last thirty years its only been known as cosmetic all you need to do diffently is keep it cleaned and when you do slightly very easy push it back to clean no more they all work the same as adults. Have no guilty feelings my boys are all grown and have no problem so relax save a couple hundred dollars. S.,