Circumcision

[Ivortheengine8]

Me and DH were having a conversation a couple of nights ago about it.
We are not sure yet what we are having but DH says he would want a boy to be cirumcised. I'm not keen myself, When I was in hospital with my DD last time there was a little boy there who had been circumcised and it had gone wrong and got infected etc and I just cringed when his mum told me.

DH is of African origin so I can see why he would want to culturally, I'm sure my dad would have been because his mother is of Jewish descent but personally I don't have any reason and the thought makes me whince. DH also informed me I would have to take the baby because he would be at work!!!
He only wants it done by a professional Dr though.

Has anyone any experience of it and what are your views?

Ivor, good on you for wanting to be informed. I am not pro or against circumcision, but on here the mere mention of the C word descends into mass hysteria. If you wikipedia 'circumcision' you will find a fairly balanced article on the subject which covers both the historical, cultural and religious aspects and the current prevalence and medical references.

I second that

It is one of the reasons I just wouldn't be able to do it.

Prima you make two very good points there.

Ivor I would say just do what is right for you, even if that is having the circumcision done. It is your choice and though I don't think it is for me or agree with it, I don't think people should be pressured to do it but equally I don't think people should make you feel like a monster for doing it either.

I made this point on another thread about this and it is simply that many who bleat on about how barbaric circumcision is also make life changing choices for their children by maybe raising them within a faith the child has not chosen or even simple things like choosing to raise them eating meat or not. We all make choices for our children.

Circumcision is not reversible (although I think there is a new surgery that some men can opt for to reverse it somewhat) but neither is the psychological or physical impact of the things I have mentioned above.

And before anyone says anything, if it were female circumcision my response would be totally different. But that is a whole other kettle of fish.

'Ivor I would say just do what is right for you' -LDNmummy - interesting, shouldn't what is best for the child be the first priority?

I would also like to point out that it is accepted medical practice to give pain relief prior to the surgery, first as a topical anaesthetic and then (once the skin is numb) with a local anaesthetic.

Oh FGS ASB by that I meant for the OP to do what she felt is in the best interests of her family and thusly her child.

Thanks primafacie and LDN. I have done a little research on google today as I honestly didnt know much about it. I would not think about it without the area being numbed first prima. I think we need to talk about it again and see his reasons and if he is still adament. I would still prefer not to simply because I wouldn't want to cause any pain/stress to a newborn.
ASB there are times that parents have to decide to do things for their children, thats why we are parents and to some parents the right thing to do would be to cirmumcise, because they feel that is in the best interests of the baby to do that. If a deeply religious person believes that to have Gods full protection over their child they need to be circumcised then that is what they are goign to decide. Its very easy to see how horrid it looks to us who don't have any strong beliefs but to them it may mean a lifetime of consequences.

I'd definitely research the pain relief options. From what I have heard it isn't actually that effective.

:( Bertie, I will do thanks. TBH I don't think I could go through with it and will be trying to get DH not to. I think he will come around in the end seeing as he doesnt really have any major reason to have it done.

Or maybe I should just hope for another little girl!

maybe u should wait until he is old enough to decide. i personally would even consider it but i understand your reasons.