Sunday, April 27, 2014

Circumcision

Circumcision;
The word packs quite a punch doesn't it? Unlike other blogs out there about circumcision, I am not going to share my opinion on whether it's OK or NOT OK to circumcise. No one other than you, the parent has the right to choose that for your child and furthermore, no one should make you feel bullied or guilty for your choice.

I have recently spent a lot of time doing research on circumcision. I am happy to say, I would make the same choice today, that I did when my son was born 6 years ago! And my husband agrees!

Circumcision is a hot button topic, there is a lot of heat when the word is said and it's simply impossible to have a conversation on a forum of any kind about circumcision without it getting really ugly, really fast.
So ugly infact, those that do circumcise I have found they simply stop talking and go silent. Not because they agree with what's being said but because no one likes to be ridiculed for their beliefs. I see it happen over and over and over again and it breaks my heart! No one should feel attacked for their choices about circumcision.

The one piece of advice I will give, look up objective reputable sources that weigh the pros and cons in a non emotional way. (You will find a few that I found helpful below) Medical advice is based on facts, not emotions. If you start reading an article, and you feel like perhaps there is a hidden agenda in the words you are reading, your instincts are probably right! Some of them can be pretty sneaky!! Once you have done a little bit of research, talk to your own doctor about the procedure, ask how it's done, ask if the area is numbed and if so, how? Ask about healing time, any other questions you would ask about any other medical procedure. Do not, I repeat, DO NOT go on a mother's forum and ask if you should or should not circumcise! This is a sure way to spark up controversy and you are looking for facts, not emotions.

Once you have done your research, think about what is best for your child. I hope beyond hope that when the day comes years down the road where you are faced with whether you would circumcise again or not, it's the same answer as you arrive at this time around.

I will leave you with a few articles that I find to be fairly objective. I hope they help!
http://kidshealth.org/parent/system/surgical/circumcision.html
http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/circumcision/basics/definition/prc-20013585
http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/130/3/e756.full?sid=bd9574fb-4575-4d35-a46e-a63394e68331

Parenthood is full of countless decisions that you as parent must make; some decisions we make are the right ones, and some are not, but often times, if you think logically about the pros and cons of each decision, you will come to the right choice for that moment in time.