How to bring up circ to someone you don't know well...book recommendations?

[LoveChild421]

I just found out that the secretary at my chiropractors office is have a boy ina few months. We have always chit-chatted and talked about ds and her little cousins, things like that- I really want to at least say something about circ or give her a book that has a strong anti-circ message but I'm not sure how to go about it...I was going to buy a copy of Dr. Sears baby book to give to her but I really don't feel he has a strong enough anti-circ stance. Is there any other book that won't strike a mainstream mom as "out there" that you would recommend giving to her?

[Pandora114]

Originally Posted by LoveChild421

I just found out that the secretary at my chiropractors office is have a boy ina few months. We have always chit-chatted and talked about ds and her little cousins, things like that- I really want to at least say something about circ or give her a book that has a strong anti-circ message but I'm not sure how to go about it...I was going to buy a copy of Dr. Sears baby book to give to her but I really don't feel he has a strong enough anti-circ stance. Is there any other book that won't strike a mainstream mom as "out there" that you would recommend giving to her?

Anything by Paul Fleiss!

YEAH!

[Revamp]

Paul Fleiss is great!

If that fails and you end up in a face-to-face sorta thing then ask Frank, he has done that sorta thing loads of times before and I have seen him giving the -best- advice elsewhere on this forum.

[phatchristy]

Originally Posted by LoveChild421

Is there any other book that won't strike a mainstream mom as "out there" that you would recommend giving to her?

Hmm...a mainstream mom...that might be a toughie as I have dealt with a lot of mainstream moms and keeping a child intact was probably one of the most "extreme things" that some of them reacted to.

I personally would just go the medical route as much as possible. Doctors Opposing Circumcision has "Doctors Re-examine Circumcision"...you could show it to her/suggest she reads it saying "my pediatrician recommended that we read this book before making a decision on circumcision, etc." Something like that.

I had one friend who was pretty positive she was going to circ (her DH was circ'd) then after reading that book, she felt VERY strongly about keeping him intact...then even showed it to her DH. Neither of them really knew what it did/what circumcision involved before that.

[Revamp]

That books sounds good!

I agree with keeping it medical, that is what people tend to respond to.

[Quirky]

I would have a direct conversation about it and give her an article or two, NOT a book. IME, people are willing to read something short and sweet but they're not going to dive into the Paul Fleiss book or any other book. In fact, the book may turn people off. i also think it's better to bring the subject up in a friendly way - that way if she is leaning towards circ you can hear her reasons why and tailor your response to suit.

Since she's in a chiro office and many chiros lean towards crunchy/natural/alternative rather than mainstream, I would emphasize that circumcision is a product of mainstream medicine and has been discredited by the medical organizations but doctors continue to push it even though it has no health benefits. Try to invoke the "us alternatives" vs. "them mainstream doctors" to get a little team-building going.

My suggestions would be: this great article that another poster just linked on another thread: http://www.hpakids.org/holistic-heal...ision-Decision

and/or the Mothering articles reprint that you can order from Mothering magazine

and/or the first pamphlet from www.coloradonocirc.org or the printout from www.oknocirc.blogspot.com

[LoveChild421]

Thanks! I think I will go with an article...I really like the idea of "my pediatrician suggested we read this before making a decision"

[Frankly Speaking]

Jen, you might be surprised how easy this one is.

The Southeast region has the second lowest circumcision rate in the country and it seems from my experience at a baby fair in January that the rate for the Atlanta area is even lower. I was very surprised how many parents said "Oh no, we're not going to do that!" It was at least half of them. Also, because of the doctor being in Atlanta, it is almost a certainty that he graduated from Life College which is very holistic in their approach and teachings and she is probably already thinking in that direction.

I would just mention it and see where it goes from there. I know you are well versed in this issue and can handle all of her questions. I would also invite her to come here. She would probably make an excellent MDC'er.



Frank