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Questions of the Week

• Our doctor told us that my daughter—six months old—has phimosis, and her opinion is to do genital cutting. What is your opinion? Must I do it and [if so,] when? Read Mothering Expert Marilyn Milos' reply.

• My son was diagnosed with a hydrocele at his two-week checkup. At every checkup after that, the pediatrician told us it had resolved on its own, however, at his one-year checkup it reappeared, and we were told to have it surgically removed. Obviously, we are very against having this done at such a young age, especially if it is medically unnecessary. What are the reasons to operate, and what other things can be done to resolve the hydrocele? Read Mothering Expert Sherri Tenpenny's reply.

• I currently have two children, ages five and two. I have experienced symptoms of light-headedness (low blood pressure), tiredness, and muscle weakness. I have been diagnosed with Adrenal Fatigue and have been treating it holistically (Vitamin C, Vitamin Bs, adrenal glandulars) for about six months. My symptoms have improved by about 60 percent. My husband and I would like to have a third child. The timing is right for us but my question is if my body is up for it. I am 34, work full-time, and I have a very helpful spouse. Is it unwise to get pregnant until my body is at 100 percent? I'm concerned that [I] might [have to wait] a while, and I prefer my children to be spaced closer together. If I get pregnant now, how will I feel during pregnancy? After pregnancy? Can I continue taking my supplements while pregnant? While breastfeeding? If my Adrenal Fatigue worsens to the point of needing to take physiological doses of hydrocortisone, is that safe during pregnancy? And during breastfeeding? Please advise. Read Mothering Expert Sarah J. Buckley's reply.

• I had a baby 17 months ago, and my first period since baby was five cycles ago. The first three [cycles] were anovulatory, and during the fourth I ovulated. All were about 42 days long. On the fifth cycle I got pregnant. Now my question is about my due date. My fifth cycle started January 27—that was the first day of my period—and I ovulated on February 22. I got a positive pregnancy test 12 days post-ovulation. I have been charting on Fertility Friend, and they say my due date (going from ovulation) is November 14. I just saw my OB/GYN today and she didn't want to hear anything about when I ovulated, just when my last period was. Going by that date (January 27), she calculated my due date as November 3. I know doctors go by the last period, but not all women ovulate on day 14! So how can she give me the textbook due date instead of really looking at my 42-day cycle and seeing that it would [be] almost two weeks off? I only ask this question because I know that if I go past my supposed November 3 due date to my real due date of November 14, she's probably going to want to induce me, and I will not induce. What do you think? Read Mothering Expert Sarah J. Buckley's reply.