For the Foreskin on Baby On The Way - Winnipeg - Baby Products, Baby Clothing, Baby Resources, Pregnancy Forums, Baby, Babies, Newborns, Expecting Resources

When my husband Christopher and I found out we were having a boy, the first thing I wanted to discuss was the fate of our baby’s penis. He was still in the womb, but my protective mother instinct was telling me to be vehemently against anything that would endanger my child or make him suffer the least bit of pain or discomfort. Like most men of his generation, Christopher is circumcised, and I feared that this would become a sore spot between us (sorry, couldn’t resist). I breathed a sigh of relief when he was at least open to leaving our son intact. Instead of pulling rank as “the boy’s father”, he acknowledged that it wouldn’t be right to circumcise our son if I was dead set against it. Still, he suggested we look into the matter further so that we could make an informed decision. It didn’t take long before Christopher was swayed to my side. Here is our response to the old myths that die hard:

This is one of the arguments that is mostly put forth by men and it’s a pretty weak one. Your child’s penis will not look like his father’s whether he is circumcised or not—because one belongs to a child and the other to a grown-up. If a boy has questions about the differences between his penis and his father’s, it’s not difficult to provide your child with a satisfactory explanation. Your child will not have an identity crisis because he is not circumcised like Dad. To explain, you need only say: “Doctors used to do circumcision when we were young, but now they don’t think it’s necessary”. Period. Move on, already.

In 1973, an average of 48% of males were circumcised in Canada, with slightly higher rates in provinces like British Columbia (55%), Ontario (60%), and P.E.I. (61%). Uncircumcised males found themselves in the minority, and likely endured higher levels of teasing at the hands of their peers. Thirty years later, the tables have turned. In 2003, just 16% of males were circumcised in Ontario. In other provinces, such as Quebec, the rates have fallen as low as 3%. The uncircumcised penis is now more the rule than the exception. Think I'm yanking your chain (heh heh), check, out this discussion thread on yahoo answers.

While circumcision does eliminate the need to retract the foreskin to clean the head of the penis, it’s like arguing for the removal of your fingernails so you don’t have to bother cleaning underneath. With simple guidance, a child is perfectly capable of cleaning his penis properly. By the time your son is 5 or 6 years old, you can teach him to retract his own foreskin and clean beneath it once a week during baths to promote good hygiene. Gentle reminders and supervision are necessary in the early years.

The Canadian Paediatric Society issued a statement in 1996, which strengthened its stand against neonatal circumcision by recommending that the procedure not be routinely performed on newborns. Complications from circumcision are rare, but according to the CPS statement, it is estimated that between 2 and 10% of circumcisions result in complications ranging from minor to severe. Incidences of hemorrhaging, amputation of the glans, acute renal failure, and life-threatening sepsis have contributed to a growing national consensus for genital integrity. In addition, all provincial health insurance plans have now suspended coverage of neonatal circumcision due to the lack of health benefit. Some major hospitals have even permanently suspended the performance of circumcision. These factors have all contributed to the decline in circumcision rates across the country.

It’s important to consider the rights of your child. Do you, as a parent have the right to force your son to undergo a painful and irreversible surgical procedure that is deemed unnecessary by the Canadian Paediatric Society? Please strongly consider your reasons for circumcision. For some people of our generation, it’s perhaps what you’re used to, and you think an uncircumcised penis looks strange. You have to ask yourself if this is a good enough reason to submit your child to pain and suffering during his first precious days of life.

In the end, to circumcise or not to circumcise is your decision to make as parents. You may argue, “what’s good for the goose is good for the gander”, and opt for the procedure. There are also cultural and personal reasons that will motivate you to do it. Keep in mind, both a mother and father should discuss the procedure and be in agreement before going ahead with it. Don’t add stress to your marriage, especially as you’re enjoying the blissful arrival of your precious baby boy. In our case, we decided it was not right for our son (my powers of persuasion reign supreme!) That said, it is a personal choice and entirely up to you.