GP not being very helpful regarding Circumcision

[Debster7808]

I went to see the GP recently at the first check-up after DS2 was born, and I said that because DS1 was circumcised (-he was born in US, where it kind of gets done as a routine just after boys are born-), we wanted to get DS2 done as well, while he's still a newborn. I was really surprised when the GP tried to talk me out of getting it done, which means that I'm a bit lost as to where next to turn to get this done. I can understand that circumcision isn't available on the NHS, which is fine, but if I want to go private, don't I need a GP referral? Should I just seek a second GP's opinion?
Anyone have any experience of getting their boys circumcised in a culture that generally doesn't do it?

MrsMicawber - you can add me to your list of people who think it's unacceptable for any reason.

Actually, I don't agree with circumcision for religious reasons either, but I was being PC.

When DS2 was born, he was a month premature, and had to had lots of blood tests, taken from a heel prick. By the time he was deemed well enough for these to stop, both his heels were black and blue. His cries each time this happened (and they had to happen for very sound, medical reasons), my heart broke. Why, why, why would any parent willingly put their son through a circumcision when it is unnecessary?

OP, I remembered this article which is all about a clinic you might be interested in.

www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2011/aug/27/circumcision-children-religion-sarfraz-manzoor

No, I personally would be against circumcision of young babies for religious reasons as well.

I can understanding people who are religious wanting to do it for religious reasons. If they truly believe that their child will be compromised from a "god" point of view if they are not circumscribed. Or if they genuinely believe their child will be rejected from their religion because they are not circumscribed.

I still think it is wrong to actually do it to a small child. I would, however, be slower to condemn if I felt that parents genuinely felt they had to go through with it, and not just did it because they thought it looked nice .

I know, thats why I said "for security reasons, for eg."

Frigg - ah didnt see your post, I wish I could forget what Ive just read

There seem to be a shit-load of deletions on this thread .

I would like to point out that my post deleted above was not insulting the op, but was simply saying that I was reporting the thread as it was going to turn into a bunfight (for obvious reasons).

Fecking spell-check - of course I mean circumcised, not circumscribed .

MrsMicawber - I wasn't meaning that only the needle would hurt him. I meant the whole process, including the squeezing of the heels. It all hurt, but it was essential. A circumcision is not essential.

I thought circumcision was going out of fashion in the US anyway. They've woken up. Wasn't 2010, or something, the first year that less than 50% of male babies were circumcised?

swedish i think you are right. it was almost headline news at the time

Why don't you just wait and see how you feel about it in time, just because you first DS is done , it doesn't mean your second has to be if there is no medical reason for it.
Our DS was done but only when he reached above the age of three on the NHS, as having a medical reason, and I know for a fact unless serious self non-resolving medical issue is presented they won't touch him.
Great Portland Hospital has a great paediatrician- urologist, who examined our boy only for second opinion, at the time, long time ago we didn't need a referral letter, you can try there, but I doubt even on private, surgeon will advocate unnecessary procedure on a newborn.

marthastew I have just read the Guardian link you put. I do hope the OP reads this, as if nothing else puts her off doing this to her son, this just might.

Debster, it is a totally personal decision and it sounds like you and your DH have made the choice that works for you. Since you have not asked for opinions on whether or not to do this, I'm not offering mine.

But I do think my first step in your shoes would be to contact a Jewish hospital (try google, i think there is one in LOndon?) or even your local synagogue. They will perhaps be able to refer you to a mohel. I am not Jewish and do not know how the mohels operate (so to speak), but it is possible that you would find someone willing to perform the service privately, outside of a religious ceremony. It is not true that everyone in the UK views this as mutilation, and while it is viewed as medically unnecessary, that does not mean that you are asking for something illegal or immoral by the national standard.

Actually, brdgrl, think it is immoral to circumcise a baby for non-medical reasons and when they are unable to give consent.

I am perfectly prepared to condemn people who circumcise their babies for religious reasons too. Look- this is me doing it. And I've done it before, lots. On here and in real life.

OP, I live in Canada and have a circumcised DH and two circumcised boys. I totally understand your dilemma but can't offer any helpful advice, I'm afraid.

I get really, really fed up with these threads. The hysteria and frothing is completely ridiculous and unfounded since so many of you have no experience of circumcision at all. Those horrific videos that you see on the internet are absolutely nothing like the routine, non-religious procedure that is carried out in GPs offices all over North America every single day. It's quick and simple and quite frankly my babies (and I) were more distressed during their vaccinations than during this procedure. Most families we know have had their baby boys circumcised; I've never heard of anyone having any issues or complications whatsoever. It's done very routinely by lots of families, both religious and non-.

Popbiscuit - just because you've never heard of any issues or complications does not mean that they don't happen! Have you looked at any of the links on this thread?

Not all of us are hysterical popbiscuit. Your arguments in favour of child circumcision (everybody's doing it, I've never heard of any problems) are not really a valid justification.

But Popbiscuit, why?

I mean, I recognise (even if I don't agree with you) that you believe there is no reason not to, but what is the reason for doing it?

I would apply the same to piercing newborn babies' ears, btw.

I echo the question- why?