I posted on here about a month ago that I knew a casual work acquaintance that was expecting a boy. I wanted advice on how to approach her regarding circumcision. Well, I did it. I was so nervous and scared that she would react badly but held on to hope that she was crunchy enough to hear me out.
I waited until we had a moment alone and just asked if she was planning on circumcising. She looked at me with a sad expression and said "yes". Then she said " I don't really want to". So I asked her why she was doing it and she told me about hygiene etc. etc. It is so sad that people are so misled and misinformed. So I asked her why she thought it would be hard to clean and she was under the impression (as so many are) that you have to retract and clean under the foreskin. I took a deep breath (because I was shaking on the inside and wanted to appear calm and knowledgable) and told her how most people don't realize that the foreskin is attached and isn't retractable at birth yada yada yada. She was very receptive and was surprised at what I told her. I told her that my DS was always easier to clean than my DD and that when he is older and retractable he can clean himself.
I also handed her a folder of printouts from Nocirc on normal anatomy and function, care of the intact penis, protecting boys from premature retraction and photos from a circ with a plastibell. Not horrifyingly shocking like a video with sound but horrible enough that she knows what actually happens.
She seemed really happy and even thanked me for the info. I told her that I always hated unsolicited advice when I was pregnant but felt the need to share what I know and leave it at that. She said she wasn't offended at all and was glad I told her. I let her know she could ask me anything anytime and I would be more than willing to help. I also gave her nocircs web address.
Now I wait and see if her husband will be on board. He is circd and I think leaning more heavily towards it. She is a pretty strong mama though and I'm hopeful this will have a good outcome. Send lots of prayers everyone!!!
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I waited until we had a moment alone and just asked if she was planning on circumcising. She looked at me with a sad expression and said "yes". Then she said " I don't really want to". So I asked her why she was doing it and she told me about hygiene etc. etc. It is so sad that people are so misled and misinformed. So I asked her why she thought it would be hard to clean and she was under the impression (as so many are) that you have to retract and clean under the foreskin. I took a deep breath (because I was shaking on the inside and wanted to appear calm and knowledgable) and told her how most people don't realize that the foreskin is attached and isn't retractable at birth yada yada yada. She was very receptive and was surprised at what I told her. I told her that my DS was always easier to clean than my DD and that when he is older and retractable he can clean himself.
I also handed her a folder of printouts from Nocirc on normal anatomy and function, care of the intact penis, protecting boys from premature retraction and photos from a circ with a plastibell. Not horrifyingly shocking like a video with sound but horrible enough that she knows what actually happens.
She seemed really happy and even thanked me for the info. I told her that I always hated unsolicited advice when I was pregnant but felt the need to share what I know and leave it at that. She said she wasn't offended at all and was glad I told her. I let her know she could ask me anything anytime and I would be more than willing to help. I also gave her nocircs web address.
Now I wait and see if her husband will be on board. He is circd and I think leaning more heavily towards it. She is a pretty strong mama though and I'm hopeful this will have a good outcome. Send lots of prayers everyone!!!
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