Think about circumcision early, before your baby is born

The American Academy of Pediatrics has stated clearly that the health benefits of newborn circumcision are not great enough to recommend it. ^[32]

Circumcision cannot be undone once performed. Many men are angry their parents had them circumcised. Allowing your son the option to choose when older is a loving decision.

There is a big debate about circumcising children, growing in intensity as more people question permanently removing a natural body part from a baby. Search "circumcision regret" to read what other parents are saying.

If you choose circumcision surgery, you are responsible for how his penis looks, works, and feels for his entire life. You cannot foresee the sexual or emotional harm he might experience later.

Risks include: infection, excessive bleeding, "degloving," meatal stenosis, damage to the glans, and—in rare cases—death. Is it worth subjecting your son to these risks for an operation with no medical necessity? ^[33]

Doctors want to give the best possible care; they trust their medical school education. But because newborn circumcision has been part of American medicine for 75 years, doctors are influenced by social norms and can have trouble accepting new ideas.

If your doctor is male and American, he is likely circumcised and may not want to question whether his own circumcision was good for him. Female doctors may have similar bias through circumcised family members and partners.

Many doctors—even some who perform circumcisions—have chosen to keep their own sons intact. Ask your pediatrician if he is "foreskin-friendly" and knowledgeable about the intact penis.

Many U.S. doctors see circumcision as the default choice and have never questioned it. They often assume parents will want circumcision and cannot offer good information about foreskin function or intact penis care.

Men are beginning to speak out about circumcision's negative impact, but many doctors who have performed circumcisions for years find it difficult to acknowledge these complaints. Times are changing.

Your child's well-being is most important. Regardless of your doctor's opinion, circumcision does not need to be done. It is OK to say no and allow him to decide when old enough.

If relatives try to convince you to circumcise, share the information that helped you decide. Tell them you appreciate their concern, but this is your decision, and you want them to welcome your baby regardless of his private parts.

If parents are conservative or religious, convey that times are changing: many parents from traditionally circumcising cultures now welcome children with non-cutting ceremonies. Children can still be faithful members of their religion.

In a baby, the foreskin is attached to the glans with connective tissue. Unlike a circumcised penis, an intact penis requires no special care. "Just clean what's seen"—plain warm water. That's it!

You must change dressings at every diaper change. Apply petroleum jelly, monitor for bleeding and infection, and watch for adhesions. Use cloth diapers so excessive bleeding is seen; a bloodspot larger than a quarter is cause for concern. ^[35]

Forcibly pulling back his foreskin damages his penis. Never allow anyone, even a doctor, to do this. It is painful and can lead to bleeding, infections and adhesions. Your son should be the first and only person to retract his foreskin. ^[34]

When he asks why some boys look different, explain you chose to protect him by leaving his body as nature made it. If teased, tell him nobody should be made fun of for how they look. Share age-appropriate information as he grows.

Many parents who allowed circumcision have come to regret it. An age-appropriate explanation: "I thought it was the right thing for you. I know now that wasn't the case. I am sorry."