This topic has been on my heart and mind in the last few
days…I figured I would roll with it. I
am going to write about one of the “touchy” subjects today. And no, I am not talking about "the cut" of an episiotomy today...One of the topics we cover (albeit briefly) in our Bradley Method® class series is circumcision. Today’s post will be short and sweet as I intend
it to be more for you to think about and discuss with your partner, than for me
to offer specific information or an opinion.
As I have mentioned before, choosing to have a natural
childbirth opens up a myriad of other options related to natural living (read
more). Along that train of thought,
comes the topic of circumcision. If you
believe that your children were created perfectly and born with all the “parts”
they need to survive as human beings, it begs the question – do you or don’t
you “make the cut” if you are having a boy?
Given that we have two sons, we have had students expecting
boys ask us our opinion on the matter.
As childbirth professionals, we tell them we cannot give you an
opinion. We tell our students that they need
to do their own research and decide what works best for their family.
Each family has to make their own individual choice based on
what is best for them. At the end of the
day, as parents, we alone are responsible for the choices we make in regards to
the care and treatment of our children.
Especially when it comes to changing the physical structures our
children are born with – make the decision for your family, and make it
together as a couple. Your child will look to you alone for answers when they
have questions about the choices you made for them. Do your research and be confident in your
choice so you can answer them honestly.
Here are the things we do ask to facilitate their
discussion: - Which way are you leaning now? Why?
- Do you have a cultural and/or religious belief or doctrine
in regards to circumcision? If yes, then
do you agree with their inclination towards or against circumcision? If you agree with it, then the choice is
clear. If you don’t agree, are you
willing to go against your cultural or religious beliefs?
- Still on the fence: Have you been to the National
Organization of Circumcision Information Resource Centers website? Have you watched their 20-minute public service announcement that explains
their position on keeping boys intact? Could
your husband watch the video segment that shows the graphic details of what a
circumcision looks and sounds like? If
he could, would he be willing to go with your son and hold his hand and soothe
him as he is being circumcised?
We do share the following information with our students: The foreskin is a vital, functional part of the male genital anatomy. The foreskin is part of the male’s sexual structure,
complete with nerve endings. Circumcision is compared to performing a clitorectomy on a
female.
If you choose to circumcise, think about following the
Jewish tradition of circumcising on the eighth day after birth, when Vitamin K,
the vitamin that helps with blood clotting, is naturally at it’s highest. If you are concerned with injecting things
into your newborn: by waiting to circumcise, this is one newborn procedure you
could decline given a normal, uncomplicated birth.
Want more foreskin facts? Click here.
We direct our students to www.nocirc.org to read the
various informational articles and pamphlets on circumcision, and for them
to learn how to care for the circumcised and uncircumcised penis.
I hope that these questions and information help you come to
a decision about how to proceed with your newborn son, or maybe it will help
you counsel a friend or family member expecting a sweet baby boy.
Disclaimer: The material included
on this site is for informational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a
substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult
her or his healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the
information for their own situation. This blog contains
information about our classes available in Chandler, AZ and Payson, AZ and is
not the official website of The Bradley Method®. The views contained on this blog do not necessarily reflect those of The Bradley Method® or
the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth®. |
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