Is it ethical for a OB to deliver and/or circumcise his own baby?

Jolie, BSN · Jun 20, 2005

I have no problem with an OB delivering his own baby. Many times, I have seen the OB or midwife step aside and allow the father to "catch" his baby at delivery, so this is no different, in my mind.

Now, I don't think it is particularly wise for an OB to be the sole healthcare provider for his partner during pregnancy, or the sole decision maker managing her labor, for the same reasons I wouldn't allow my sister to be my primary physician. We often downplay the importance of our family member's complaints and problems, and while my sister is an excellent physician, it is not possible for her to be completely objective when it comes to my care. There are also some very personal issues that I would be more reluctant to discuss with her than another doctor. Not to mention that even the best of physicians and nurses make honest mistakes, and I wouldn't want her to suffer mental anguish if she made an error that harmed me.

Which brings me to the part about circumcision. I don't think it is the best idea for the father to circumcise his own child, for the reasons I just mentioned. There must be another capable physician that this father can trust to provide this care.

While I think it is ill-advised for the father to do this, I guess it is not unethical, as long as the mother freely consents.

Gromit · Jun 20, 2005

Likewise I have no problem with it ethically. I agree where the circumcision is concerned, but ethically? No. If the OB feels up to it, why not? People were delivering their own in homes for many decades before they started getting hospitals involved -my mother and her sister were home-deliveries. I was the first in the family that was delivered in a hospital, with medical intervention (thankfully, or I'd not be around today. Complications. ) Although I think my dad had a doctor in their home when HE was born, back in '42.

Of course, Id recommend people be delivering their young in hospitals, but my point should be obvious.

sgent · Jul 1, 2005

Well... I'm going to take a different tack.

The AMA code of ethics frowns on family care. It specifically allows it in the case of "minor" ailments, but otherwise the physician is supposed to hand off the care as soon as possible (treat in emergency, but not regularly).

Now, if he's the only OB in 100 miles, I don't think its a problem, otherwise I think he needs to pass it off to one of his collegues.

Conversely, the circumcision is a minor procedure often performed by nonmedical personel (Mohel's & Rabbi's). Given that, I don't think there is a big issue with the circumcision.

Gromit · Jul 1, 2005

Well... I'm going to take a different tack.
The AMA code of ethics frowns on family care. It specifically allows it in the case of "minor" ailments, but otherwise the physician is supposed to hand off the care as soon as possible (treat in emergency, but not regularly).
Now, if he's the only OB in 100 miles, I don't think its a problem, otherwise I think he needs to pass it off to one of his collegues.
Conversely, the circumcision is a minor procedure often performed by nonmedical personel (Mohel's & Rabbi's). Given that, I don't think there is a big issue with the circumcision.

Am familiar with that code, but where births are concerned, I'm not entirely in agreement with them -otherwise we should never allow fathers to 'cut the cord' -which is basically commonplace now. -my feelings on the circumcision were basically personal (first time I saw this done in person (was in paramedic school, many years ago, and this was an opportunity extended by a pediatrician), -my knees buckled and I became pale. The nurse next to me thought it was funny as hell, until I looked at her, then she became silent. Guess she figured I might not have a sense of humor at that time. She was right. The doctor was quick and efficient, but I felt pretty bad for the baby who was restrained and screamed its head off. Very glad that this is USUALLY done to an infant, and they don't recall this event later in life.

barefootlady, ADN, RN · Jul 1, 2005

Is this father following a religious tradition? If not, then while not totally unethical, it might be unwise.

Gromit · Jul 1, 2005

Is this father following a religious tradition? If not, then while not totally unethical, it might be unwise.

no, I'd say not. The docs I've seen in the (few, admittedly) hospital-based births I've been witness to, offered it up as a courtesy to the father.

AS to its wiseness, I'd have to agree. If (God forbid) something went wrong, even unrelated, the father would probably blame himself (or the parents would themselves). However, I've always wanted (just cant have) children, and I have to admit that I'd want to deliver my child if such were possible. Of course, for me, its a moot point.

By the same token, I don't agree with allowing families to videotape the actual birth, either. But it seems many facilities allow it.

NikkiS · Jul 1, 2005

What do you think about this?

I've worked with two OB's who have done this (delivered their own children) both had a "back-up" OB in-house (partners) in case things didn't go well, ie: need for emergency c/section. Things went well both times, once did his own child's circ, the other was a girl.

JRmsw · Aug 3, 2005

It is traditional in many (Jewish) communities to have the father (and, once in a while, a mother) perform the bris if he is trained as a mohel (he may be a physician, he may not be).

NurseRatchetSr · Sep 16, 2005

Who cares??? It's his kid and his wife. They can make whatever decisions they want to make regarding delivery, etc. He just happens to be a doc.

blue_epiphany · Sep 27, 2005

I am indecisive. On one hand I feel that it is a great thing for the whole family. The mother is cared for by someone she trusts above anyone else. Father gets the joy of delivering his own child and by someone he trusts above all, himself. Care during pregnacny and labor would probably be more than standard. Plus, no doctor bills are involved. However, on the other hand, what if something goes wrong. The father may not be able to handle the situation appropriately. He would always blame himself and have deep regret. The mother and other family members may also harbor resentment toward him. I believe it should be an extensivley thought out plan between all members of the family. I also think there should be an emergency back-up person available. For me personally, I would not want my husband delivering our child.

sbic56, BSN, RN · Sep 27, 2005

I once knew a doc who delivered his the wife's baby (er, his, too) via C/S and another who delivered his fathers' lovers kid...his mom never knew. I dunno about ethics, but I think it can get pretty weird, nonetheless!