Okay, I'm 24 weeks and having a boy.. I want to have him cicumcised.. But I don't know the best way to have it done.. I heard the pediatrician does it.. but is it better to have a rabi do it? I'm not Jewish.. But I think a Rabi is doing it for God, and a doctor is doing it 'cause it's their job.. It seems to me a Rabi would do a better job?
Opinions, personal stories, information?
Thanks!
2007-06-25 13:16:09 · 47 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
In order of how much they typically cut OFF:
Gynecologists/Family Practitioners cut the most foreskin
Pediatricians/Urologists cut a little less
Mohel's (Jewish circers) cut a little less
The reason why this is important is, babies who have too much foreskin cut can have bent penis'. Later in life, bent penis' CAN (not WILL) be at higher risk for penile cancer). Also, tighter scar tissue means increase incidence of splitting open and infections. It also means less feeling at the scar sight.
Downside to mohel's, many traditionalists will not use any local numbing agents. Some more progressive will - they will use a topical local swab. Most peds, family practitioners, and OBs do use numbing agents.
I would interview them if I were you. I don't have to deal with it, though, as my son is intact. Good luck!
2007-06-25 14:35:33 · answer #1 · answered by Nicole D 4 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Fist of all, let me say that I am not Jewish, and have never attended a bris before.
Anyway, to give you my honest opinion, if you are not Jewish, then why have a Rabi do it?
I also feel that if you are going to have your son circumcised, then you should allow the doctor to do it. I feel this way mostly because they are trained professionals. While a Rabi definitely has skill, the doctor has more (a doctor went to 4 years of medical school and then 4 or so years of residency). Also, the doctor will have sterile medical supplies and advanced medical equipment ready at hand should something happen. A doctor will also be able to give you a topical cream for your son should he develop an irritation (which a lot of newborn circumcised boys do).
The decision is up to you, but if it were my son, I would have my pediatrician do it because of the medical skill and equipment available.
2007-06-25 14:00:26 · answer #2 · answered by plastic_seraphim 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Hum...Rabi, some old shakey guy who snipps the tip of penis' using a 2000 year old practice or a Dr who does a million circumcisions a year using seteril and medically advanced technology? I pick the DR! Both of my boys were circumsised in the hospital by a DR. The first one they did moments after birth. The fact is, the baby is not going to remember a thing. So you do what feels right to you. And just so you know, they are both doing it because you are paying them to...not for God or for medical advancement!
2007-06-29 08:30:11 · answer #3 · answered by foxxinaboxx 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, I am Jewish so I would use a Rabbi qualified to do circumcision (called a mohel). However, since you are not Jewish, if a rabbi did it for your son, he would not be doing it for G-d, he would be doing it because you value his expertise.
There are differences in how they do it. Generally, doctors use a clamp - all mohels cut with a knife. I have heard that it is more painful for the baby and takes longer to heal with the clamp. Also, I think that a mohel averages more circumcisions than most pediatricians, so he has more experience and is probably better at it.
Whichever way you decide to do it, try to get it done on the 8th day (if the baby is not jaundiced). That is the time when the levels of vitamin k, which helps with clotting, are the highest.
If you decide to go with a rabbi/mohel, Chabad can help you find one in your area. Check out http://www.lubavitch.com/?OVRAW=chabad&OVKEY=chabad&OVMTC=standard&OVADID=4447064011&OVKWID=14496222511
EDT: Wow, people are really down on the rabbis. 1) They use sterile equipment, give you creams, and will follow up with the baby to make sure they are healing ok 2) A doctor may have gone to school for 6 years, but they spent most of the time learning about other things, and who knows how long, maybe only a few days, learning about circumcision. A mohel spent a concentrated amount of time learning nothing but how to do a circumcision 3) My friend is a mohel, he gets a lot of requests from non-Jewish parents. When he does them, he only performs the actual procedure - he does not do any of the rituals or say any of the prayers
2007-06-25 14:00:34 · answer #4 · answered by baby_savvy 4 · 2⤊ 3⤋
Best to have it done in the hospital. Both my sons were done in the hospital by different doctors and both had very tidy circumcisions done. Of course doctors get paid - I've never heard of a Rabi doing it to no Jewish boys for free!
2007-06-26 07:53:08 · answer #5 · answered by istaffa 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
My opinion althoug i dont know how much it will help is.... why do yu need to cicumcise your child. If god wanted that piece of skin gone he would have made up without it. It was beleived to be done in the older days because of the cicumstances ( wind storms etc) these day it is done for relsgious reasons only. If you are not jewish then why? It is a unnecessary procedure that has no medical values. Also did you know that sexual intercause is better for both parties if not ciircumcised? I am not making this up here is the link for you info
2007-06-25 13:32:47 · answer #6 · answered by Iamme 4 · 4⤊ 2⤋
Funny little thing about the Jewish religious practice of circumcision, even if you are circumcised and you want to convert to Judaism, you still have to go through the ritual and do a little more snipping down there. So if you think your son will ever convert, for his sake, leave a little extra hanging.
2007-06-25 13:29:05 · answer #7 · answered by Mr None Applicable 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Usually the OB does it the day after delivery. From what I understand they have to wait a certain number of hours to make sure the baby doesn't have any underlying issues that could be complicated by the procedure. My son was circumsized the morning after delivery by my OB, and I had no problems. But the bottom line is, you make the decision that is best for your family. This seems to be a hot button issue that can lead to some serious arguments amongst people all over, but at the end of the day he is your son and you have the final call about what he has done. Do your research, make an informed decision, and follow your motherly instincts and everything will be fine.
2007-06-25 13:24:53 · answer #8 · answered by klance05 3 · 2⤊ 3⤋
Hi! Congrats.....I think you should have a doctor do it. Doctors do it all the time. I know what your saying about the Rabi and it is a good point however what if the Rabi feels this child is not Jewish let me mess him up. It sounds funny but hey you never know. Your son will be fine witchever you choose don;t be worried it is for the best.
~Kimberly
2007-06-25 13:22:17 · answer #9 · answered by K J 3 · 3⤊ 3⤋
We had our son circumcised at the hospital for a few reasons: 1) we have a relative who was uncircumsized and had a very traumatic experience as an adult leading to a necessary circumcision... and it hurts a LOT more for adults. We didn't want to chance anything like that. 2) hygiene - it seemed to us that it would be easier for us (while he is a baby and child) and him to keep 'the area' clean and 3) aesthetics - his dad and half brothers are circumsized.
If your pediatrician performs circs, they will do it at the hospital before you are discharged in many cases. Sometimes, your OBGYN will also perform the procedure (we had the choice - we went with our pediatrician). I would ask both doctors so that you understand your options.
If you are not Jewish, I'm not sure a rabbi would perform the procedure for your son. Doctors are trained in the procedure... some elect to do it, and some do not, so you will need to ask.
2007-06-25 14:04:44 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 4⤋