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A few simple preparations on your part will minimize your anxiety and ensure the least discomfort to your child.
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INTRODUCTION
A basic understanding of the medical aspects of circumcision will hopefully allay your fears regarding the comfort of your son. Physicians tend to agree that children younger than three months do not experience a circumcision as an adult would. They cannot form memories at this young age, and are therefore unable to experience the adult emotions of "anxiety" and "fear". To your son, the circumcision will be a "non-event"—a brief moment of discomfort. Similarly, infants are incapable of being embarrassed by the fact that others will observe an act which, to adults, is very personal and private. Nonetheless…….
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PAIN MANAGEMENT
...Infants do experience comfort and discomfort. For this reason, I have made efforts to provide an environment which is as comfortable as possible. He will receive a topical anesthetic during a prep procedure soon after I arrive, and you (or the Sandek) may give him wine during the bris. In addition, you may choose, with the consultation of your pediatrician, to give your son liquid Tylenol before the bris. Your child will cry, not usually out of fear or pain, but rather from the simple act of being undressed and exposed to the coolness of room air. And, he will be irritable due to the unavoidable requirement that he not be fed for at least one-half hour prior to the circumcision.
Additionally, you may want to consider your pediatrician's advice regarding a topical anesthetic he/she can suggest or prescribe. Feel free to discuss with me any alternatives you are considering. |
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