Explaining circumcision to mom....

I have researched for myself that the AMA, the pediactric association (whatever it names itslef) and many other references all are acutally against the procedure.

Existing scientific evidence demonstrates potential medical benefits of newborn male circumcision; however, these data are not sufficient to recommend routine neonatal circumcision. In circumstances in which there are potential benefits and risks, yet the procedure is not essential to the child's current well-being, parents should determine what is in the best interest of the child. To make an informed choice, parents of all male infants should be given accurate and unbiased information and be provided the opportunity to discuss this decision. If a decision for circumcision is made, procedural analgesia should be provided.

To make an informed choice, parents of all male infants should be given accurate and unbiased information and be provided the opportunity to discuss this decision.

Yes, if most people were to look at the facts, I don't think they would circumcise a boy or girl. The problem is the issue isn't about facts. It is about religion, culture, appearance, & last but not least, hospital revenue. It is as if the foreskin was a mistake-in-creation or some form of Devine design flaw. As with other polarizing subjects such as abortion, stem cell research, opposite-gender intimate care, and racial attitudes, most people’s minds are made up before we healthcare professionals even see them. So quite honestly I don’t know if “patient education” is even warranted here.

Very soon height, skin color, hair texture, eye color, nose shape and bust size will be selectable. I have the feeling a few years in the future parents will be able to genetically engineer their newborns to be absent of religiously/culturally undesirable genitalia (foreskin, labia, clitoris, etc.). Maybe none of use will be having this conversation in the future.

To answer your post, I'd probably tell them that there is debate on the topic, and to discuss the pros and cons with their doctor. That way you were being factual and putting the ball back in his and their court, where it rightfully belongs.

I have to share my story about this topic, even though you'll all laugh at me about it....

When our oldest son was born, I hadn't even had a thought about becoming a nurse. Had no experience with the medical community at all beyond your typical doctor's visits as a child, then with my OB. At that point in my life, I had seen exactly three penises...my baby brother's, my hubby's, and my step-son's. All were circumsized.

When DS was born, and I was out of the drug haze, I was almost hysterical...there was something wrong with my poor baby's penis! My husband and my nurse almost died laughing, as they tried to explain to me that he just wasn't circumsized yet, and there was nothing wrong with it. I was so relieved!

Our sons are all circumsized, by the time I realized that there was a debate about the topic when our last baby was born, I had seen WAY too many nasty old men uncircumsized penises from NHs, and figured that if I could give him a shot at avoiding that discomfort later on in life it was worth the quick snip. (They did give him something first; my OB and I were definately on the same page about that....she seemed shocked that I even asked to verify that there would be pain control during and after.)

... If nursing assistants and nurses were taught to take care of uncircumcised penises correctly, then you wouldn't be seeing that problem with the "nasty old uncirc'd penises" from the NH's...

This is very true. When I was practicing in parts of Europe where circumcision was virtually nonexistent, we did not have a lot of foreskin problems. Besides, I wonder how many health professionals would advocate cutting off labial tissue to prevent vaginal infections? Is the foreskin that much "dirtier", problem prone and a such a maintenance nightmare compared to the labia?