And it makes me so sad, especially after the lovely cover with the breastfeeding baby, I gained some respect for them after that (I actually think that is why I subscribed)...
On page 46-47 (April 2007 issue) there is a chart called "babytalk/American Academy of Pediatrics guide to newborn health" written by Dr. Jay E. Berkelhamer, M.D. president, American Academy of Pediatrics it says:
(I checked the posting/copyright rules and feel that this is a reasonable amount of the article to post to have clarity, if it isn't let me know!)
"Circumcision is the removal of the foreskin covering the end of the penis. Pain medication is used for comfort; it is a safe, routine procedure.
"You'll probably be asked before you deliver whether you want this operation if you have a boy. The best time to circumcise is just after birth (it may be riskier later in life). It generally occurs on the second or third day, or a bit later for religious reasons."
"After the procedure is complete, the penis tip will look raw or red, sometimes with a yellowish discharge. If a bandage or gauze is used, you'll need to replace it at each diaper change. Keep the penis clean, wiping away any stool with soap and water. Petroleum jelly can also be used to soothe the wound."
Now this isn't exactly a very informative piece, and it is not exactly giving balanced information, which I am sure you can agree. I know that the AAP policy on circumcision doesn't exactly condemn circumcision, but it doesn't exactly endorse it either, imho this article looks as though they do, especialy being written by the president of the AAP, and I think it goes against their policy of providing "unbiased information" and that it is not essential for newborn health (like the title of this chart claims).
From the AAP Circumcision Policy Statement (Pediatrics Vol. 103 No. 3 March 1999, pp. 686-693 this was reaffirmed in Pediatrics 2005 116:796)
"Existing scientific evidence demonstrates potential medical benefits of newborn male circumcision; however, these data are not sufficient to recommend routine neonatal circumcision. In circumstances in which there are potential benefits and risks, yet the procedure is not essential to the child's current well-being, parents should determine what is in the best interest of the child. To make an informed choice, parents of all male infants should be given accurate and unbiased information and be provided the opportunity to discuss this decision. If a decision is for circumcision is made, procedural analgesia should be provided."
So, anyone in a letter writing mood? I am writing one to the editor of BabyTalk and I guess now I am writing to Dr. Berkelhamer/the AAP too especially since I believe this goes against their own policy statement and is just plain wrong.
the AAPs address is
141 Northwest Point Blvd.
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
I couldn't find an email address that might get anywhere on the website, maybe someone else will have better luck?
Babytalk's editor in chief is Susan Kane, managing editor is Maureen Shelly, executive editor is Lisa Singer Moran, Senior Editors Patty Onderko, Christina Vercelletto (Style)
Direct address is:
Babytalk
135 W. 50th St,
3rd floor
New York, NY 10020
Email: letters (at) babytalk (dot) com (the only email addy I can find in the mag)
The magazine is published by The Parenting Group (also publishes Parenting and Parents magazines) and their vice president/editorial director is Janet Chan and the same address as above is listed in the magazine for The Parenting Group.
Thanks for reading!
On page 46-47 (April 2007 issue) there is a chart called "babytalk/American Academy of Pediatrics guide to newborn health" written by Dr. Jay E. Berkelhamer, M.D. president, American Academy of Pediatrics it says:
(I checked the posting/copyright rules and feel that this is a reasonable amount of the article to post to have clarity, if it isn't let me know!)
"Circumcision is the removal of the foreskin covering the end of the penis. Pain medication is used for comfort; it is a safe, routine procedure.
"You'll probably be asked before you deliver whether you want this operation if you have a boy. The best time to circumcise is just after birth (it may be riskier later in life). It generally occurs on the second or third day, or a bit later for religious reasons."
"After the procedure is complete, the penis tip will look raw or red, sometimes with a yellowish discharge. If a bandage or gauze is used, you'll need to replace it at each diaper change. Keep the penis clean, wiping away any stool with soap and water. Petroleum jelly can also be used to soothe the wound."
Now this isn't exactly a very informative piece, and it is not exactly giving balanced information, which I am sure you can agree. I know that the AAP policy on circumcision doesn't exactly condemn circumcision, but it doesn't exactly endorse it either, imho this article looks as though they do, especialy being written by the president of the AAP, and I think it goes against their policy of providing "unbiased information" and that it is not essential for newborn health (like the title of this chart claims).
From the AAP Circumcision Policy Statement (Pediatrics Vol. 103 No. 3 March 1999, pp. 686-693 this was reaffirmed in Pediatrics 2005 116:796)
"Existing scientific evidence demonstrates potential medical benefits of newborn male circumcision; however, these data are not sufficient to recommend routine neonatal circumcision. In circumstances in which there are potential benefits and risks, yet the procedure is not essential to the child's current well-being, parents should determine what is in the best interest of the child. To make an informed choice, parents of all male infants should be given accurate and unbiased information and be provided the opportunity to discuss this decision. If a decision is for circumcision is made, procedural analgesia should be provided."
So, anyone in a letter writing mood? I am writing one to the editor of BabyTalk and I guess now I am writing to Dr. Berkelhamer/the AAP too especially since I believe this goes against their own policy statement and is just plain wrong.
the AAPs address is
141 Northwest Point Blvd.
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
I couldn't find an email address that might get anywhere on the website, maybe someone else will have better luck?
Babytalk's editor in chief is Susan Kane, managing editor is Maureen Shelly, executive editor is Lisa Singer Moran, Senior Editors Patty Onderko, Christina Vercelletto (Style)
Direct address is:
Babytalk
135 W. 50th St,
3rd floor
New York, NY 10020
Email: letters (at) babytalk (dot) com (the only email addy I can find in the mag)
The magazine is published by The Parenting Group (also publishes Parenting and Parents magazines) and their vice president/editorial director is Janet Chan and the same address as above is listed in the magazine for The Parenting Group.
Thanks for reading!
: I'll whip a letter out! 
:Puke
:
