Feeling so happy!

[mamasgirls]

We found out a week ago that we are having a baby boy I have been researching circumcision since I was pregnant with our first daughter, 8 years ago. I knew that I could NEVER ever circumcise, but never really talked in depth with DH because it wasn't an issue. So last week after the u/s I mentioned circumcision and that I can't do it and asked how he felt. He said he didn't know- he is circ'd- he really didn't know anything about the foreskin, etc. Fortunately I knew he wouldn't be someone that would use the arguement of "looking like dad". Anyway- I started sending him some links this week, tried to start as non-biased as possible. He has been busy and just had a chance to look over everything today. I just got an e-mail and he agrees completely that there doesn't seem to be any good research that supports all the claims that circumcision supporters make, and that he agrees that there is no reason to do it to our son I feel like so much weight has been lifted off my shoulders! He even e-mailed me some "really good" (his words) links that he found that were very anti-circ!

I still want to show him the Penn and Teller show because I think just seeing that clamp is enough to turn anyone away from it.

EVERY male in our family is circ'd so we are definitely going against the norm and I am just thrilled!

I do have one question- from reading this forum it seems like a lot of people have ped's that try to retract them as babies. Is this the norm? We have used our ped for a long time- I really like her- I haven't seen been in with my other kids since finding out I'm pregnant. Should I ask her thoughts about circ? I would like to assume that she would not try to retract, but want to be prepared as well. This is the one thing that really stresses me out. Do most of you have ped's that know how to treat an intact penis (i.e, leave it alone)?

[Fyrestorm]

Congrats on your STB baby boy! What a lucky guy!

Most Dr's in the US are are completely foreskin ignorant. I would ask your ped to describe in detail how she would examine an intact baby and what her recomendations are for cleaning and general care. She will most likely have incorrect outdated information. You then have the opportunity to educate her or find out that she's not willing to be educated and will have time to either find a new Ped or decide how you are going to keep this Dr's hands off your son's penis. (I would suggest never allowing the diaper to be removed)

[DocsNemesis]

My doctors have both been fine-my current ped and my former family practice doctor-neither ever tried to retract and my ped isn't the least bit concerned over my 9 year old not retracting yet. That and honestly, she stays away from that area unless they're having an issue anyway.

However, it seems like most are completely foreskin ignorant. I'd talk to your doc about it yes, but also be aware that a lot of people have had docs say no, I won't retract-and then get caught trying to do it anyway "just a little." You HAVE to be watchful when they're looking down there, no matter what.

[Greg B]

Here si a good resource to share with your Ped:

http://www.doctorsopposingcircumcision.org/

And they have this specific information about your question:

http://www.doctorsopposingcircumcisi...kinleaflet.pdf

and

http://www.doctorsopposingcircumcisi...iansguide.html

and

http://www.doctorsopposingcircumcisi...etraction.html

Regards

[Night_Nurse]

Congrats on your pregnancy and on your decision to leave him intact!
Our pediatrician never once tried to retract. But I think it's best to mention you'll be keeping your son intact and you trust she won't try any movement or retraction of the foreskin whatsoever, as you know this is against AAP guidelines. You can get a sense of her feelings of circ and intact care when you mention this but also remind the pedi and nurse at every office visit - no manipulation of the penis, please. Actually, aside from checking the testicles, there is no real reason to remove the diaper for well baby checks, imo.

[Mary Contrary]

Congrats, mama!