Question about not circumcising in the US

Sew_Sweet · Mar 18th, 2012, 14:11 PM

My husband and I are not circing our son. We are in the US. I am a little worried about the doctors and or nurses here not being as familiar with uncirc'd babies and wonder if they understand not to retract the foreskin. I feel I have more control over this after we are out of the hospital - but my main concern is for when we are still IN the hospital. Like when they give him a bath and such or if he has to go to the nursery for something and he is out of my sight.

What is the best way to inform and make sure ALL nurses and doctors are informed not to touch my boy's foreskin or try to retract it during our hospital stay? This really concerns me.

mrsthomas623 · Mar 18th, 2012, 14:14 PM

The nurses should know better but you can also request to be there for the bath (even do it yourself

) A lot of circs happen outside of the hospital for different reasons so they should be familiar with not pulling the foreskin back.

I would be more concerned about the pediatrician- some seem a little misinformed from some post I have read in Baby Club.

Randianne · Mar 18th, 2012, 14:20 PM

Most nurses are also used to cleaning up baby boys directly after birth and should know not to do that. But if you're nervous about it, ask them to only bathe the baby when you are there. Lots of moms are unsure about bathing their babies at first, so it's not an uncommon request.

Sew_Sweet · Mar 18th, 2012, 14:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrsthomas623

The nurses should know better but you can also request to be there for the bath (even do it yourself

) A lot of circs happen outside of the hospital for different reasons so they should be familiar with not pulling the foreskin back.

I would be more concerned about the pediatrician- some seem a little misinformed from some post I have read in Baby Club.

Yeah I've read too many horror stories about nurses and or doctors doing this but yes it was more the pediatricians office than at the hospital - but it got me wondering if it could happen at the hospital too and I'd never even know.

TheNewMrs · Mar 18th, 2012, 14:25 PM

Im wondering why they'd be near your babys foreskin in the hospital without you present??

Aidan's Mummy · Mar 18th, 2012, 14:28 PM

Just make it clear to all staff about your wishes hun and make sure it is written in your notes x

modo · Mar 18th, 2012, 14:37 PM

Agree with everything said. Just wanted to say Good for you and good luck

I am Arabic and it's in my culture to circumcise and I have faced a lot of criticism for not doing it to my son. Just stand your ground

branjo · Mar 18th, 2012, 14:53 PM

From my experience they have always gave the babies first bath in the room that I delivered in with me in there still. And no baby gets circumcised right away. that happens after they are released and go to their first doc appt. SO all the nurses always deal with the uncut. I circumsize my boys. I just like the look better like their fathers and know it's easier for them to clean and take care of it. Ever since my cousin at age 7 had to get it done because repeat infections. My friends don't though.

Mrs.Ping · Mar 18th, 2012, 16:38 PM

I would just as your doctor if the ob nurses have that kind of knowledge. also write it in your notes and make sure you as them your self when you get the the hospital and dont feel like you are calling them stupid for asking a ? I am sure they have been asked some pretty strange things. just tell them that you are concerned about it and want to make sure that your wishes are clear! plus you can give lo his first bath and as far as I know either mom or dad has the right to be with the baby 24/7. my hospital dosent have a nursery so if lo need the incubator or uv therapy she will be wheeled into my room and just stay there the whole time!

DaisyBee · Mar 18th, 2012, 16:52 PM

My dh gave Megan her first "bath" in the hospital and our nurse left the room during that time... It was amazing for bonding and I highly suggest it. The nurse explained a few things to dh before she left and I was still in bed with my epi ( it was only an hour after birth ) and I took pictures of the 2 of them together.

Megan did have to go to the nursery at times because she was born at 37 weeks vs later and the pediatrician wanted to check her there. I never questioned her being away from me because it seemed that was how they did it. But after having a baby I now know that I can question anything and everything and I plan to. So don't be afraid to speak up.

Mar 18th, 2012, 14:11 PM	#1
Sew_Sweet Pregnant (Expecting) Chat Happy BnB Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: USA Posts: 1,910	Question about not circumcising in the US My husband and I are not circing our son. We are in the US. I am a little worried about the doctors and or nurses here not being as familiar with uncirc'd babies and wonder if they understand not to retract the foreskin. I feel I have more control over this after we are out of the hospital - but my main concern is for when we are still IN the hospital. Like when they give him a bath and such or if he has to go to the nursery for something and he is out of my sight. What is the best way to inform and make sure ALL nurses and doctors are informed not to touch my boy's foreskin or try to retract it during our hospital stay? This really concerns me.

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Mar 18th, 2012, 14:14 PM	#2
mrsthomas623 Mum (Mom) BnB Addict Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Ohio, US Posts: 4,163	The nurses should know better but you can also request to be there for the bath (even do it yourself ) A lot of circs happen outside of the hospital for different reasons so they should be familiar with not pulling the foreskin back. I would be more concerned about the pediatrician- some seem a little misinformed from some post I have read in Baby Club.

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Mar 18th, 2012, 14:20 PM	#3
Randianne Mum (Mom) Chat Happy BnB Member Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 1,234	Most nurses are also used to cleaning up baby boys directly after birth and should know not to do that. But if you're nervous about it, ask them to only bathe the baby when you are there. Lots of moms are unsure about bathing their babies at first, so it's not an uncommon request.

Status: Online

Mar 18th, 2012, 14:25 PM	#5
TheNewMrs Mum (Mom) BnB Addict Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Leinster, Ireland Posts: 2,760	Im wondering why they'd be near your babys foreskin in the hospital without you present??

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Mar 18th, 2012, 14:28 PM	#6
Aidan's Mummy Mum (Mom) BnB Elite Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Hull Posts: 12,275	Just make it clear to all staff about your wishes hun and make sure it is written in your notes x

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Mar 18th, 2012, 14:37 PM	#7
modo Mum (Mom) BnB Addict Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Greater London Posts: 4,157	Agree with everything said. Just wanted to say Good for you and good luck I am Arabic and it's in my culture to circumcise and I have faced a lot of criticism for not doing it to my son. Just stand your ground

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Mar 18th, 2012, 14:53 PM	#8
branjo Mum (Mom) Active BnB Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: California Posts: 452	From my experience they have always gave the babies first bath in the room that I delivered in with me in there still. And no baby gets circumcised right away. that happens after they are released and go to their first doc appt. SO all the nurses always deal with the uncut. I circumsize my boys. I just like the look better like their fathers and know it's easier for them to clean and take care of it. Ever since my cousin at age 7 had to get it done because repeat infections. My friends don't though.

Status: Offline

Mar 18th, 2012, 16:38 PM	#9
Mrs.Ping Other Chat Happy BnB Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: USA,Maine Posts: 2,347	I would just as your doctor if the ob nurses have that kind of knowledge. also write it in your notes and make sure you as them your self when you get the the hospital and dont feel like you are calling them stupid for asking a ? I am sure they have been asked some pretty strange things. just tell them that you are concerned about it and want to make sure that your wishes are clear! plus you can give lo his first bath and as far as I know either mom or dad has the right to be with the baby 24/7. my hospital dosent have a nursery so if lo need the incubator or uv therapy she will be wheeled into my room and just stay there the whole time!

Status: Offline

Mar 18th, 2012, 16:52 PM	#10
DaisyBee Mum (Mom) BnB Addict Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: MN, U.S. Posts: 8,485	My dh gave Megan her first "bath" in the hospital and our nurse left the room during that time... It was amazing for bonding and I highly suggest it. The nurse explained a few things to dh before she left and I was still in bed with my epi ( it was only an hour after birth ) and I took pictures of the 2 of them together. Megan did have to go to the nursery at times because she was born at 37 weeks vs later and the pediatrician wanted to check her there. I never questioned her being away from me because it seemed that was how they did it. But after having a baby I now know that I can question anything and everything and I plan to. So don't be afraid to speak up.

Status: Online

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