[QueenOfThePride]

I'm just feeling down about how common circumcision is. I go to a local playgroup and I suspect my son is the only intact one there. I really like this group, I need the friendships, I need to meet other moms. I'm an introvert so I don't make friends easily without planned meetings. So I know circ is really common here in WI, so it doesn't surprise me to know that most boys I know are probably circ'ed, but I'm still sad. Over the last few months, I keep witnessing diaper changes, and one by one, I've been able to see that all the boys are circumcised. WTF? ALL OF THEM?

: Don't their moms know how mutilated and amputated their son's penises look? All these moms seem so cool - most BFed for at least a few months or longer, some are cloth diapering, some babywear, etc.

I'm proud of my son (and his soon-to-be little bro) being intact, I'm not having second thoughts or regrets or anything like that. I'm just disappointed in humanity I guess.

: I'm proud that my son seems to have the most tolerance for pain and is the most emotionally stable of all the boys. I have to believe that circumcision must damage a child's ability to handle stress.

 

[frontierpsych]

I know how you feel. I hate when the circumcision issue arises in conversation and the general concensus is "Of COURSE we're circing, DUH!" like it's obvious we're all SUPPOSED to mutilate our children.

 

[guestmama9908]

I'm so sorry mama. I know how you feel. I don't know any intact little boys either. Not even my own

:

It is so sad and depressing for me. Not only when I see other little boys but when I have to change or bathe my own DS.

I keep hoping this babe is a boy. Then I would know at least he is protected.

 

[Tinker]

The thing is that people really DON'T know that circumcision is bad. It is so common that people don't question. We are told as a society that it's not painful and that is nessecary(why can't I spell that?). It's up to those who know to educate the rest.
My SIL, who BTW is one of my favorite people, says "If you don't tell them how will they know?" I think is so appropriate for circ.
Tell them. Tell everyone. tell the women in your play group and the ones in the grocery store and every where. It take a second of your time to say something like the Have you researched circumcision? The circ rate are down to 55% now that people are researching. Or maybe we could print business cards with some basic facts and websites for more info. You never know who you might reach.

 

[kldliam]

your son is very very lucky. I know that it is still quite trendy in the midwest and east to remodel the baby penis. Be happy that you didn't buy into this crazy trend. Your son sure will when HE leanrns the truth about it. Only lucky little boys with WELL educated parents escape it!

 

[bluetoes]

I find it the worst when it's someone you would never expect the circ their little man. You expect it from a certain type of person but not from someone you would consider humane and free-thinking. The sort of parent who talks about establishing the nursing relationship and won't pierce her daughters ears until she's old enough to make the choice for herself but will happily lob off a chunk of her boys penis. Seriously MESSED UP!

The problem really is that people just don't know better, or at least I would like to think it is. That is why I do try to educate people. The funny thing is that everyone i know is having girls and everyone I know that is pregnant and far enough along to know is having girls. I know at some point I will lose friends over it though, just like I don't want to be friends with someone who does ear surgery on their dog to make them look 'right' or declaws their cat.

And then of course you have the people who don't give a damn even if you do educate them. Those are the worst.

 

[quarteralien]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tinker They make me want to lop off a chunk of their head, they aren't using it anyway!

OP, I'm in the same boat as you at playgroup. I've spoken out and ranted and raved, all to either blank looks or outright hostility.

I do what I can.

 

[kldliam]

Quote:

tinker:They make me want to lop off a chunk of their head, they aren't using it anyway !

:

:

 

[GoodMomma]

Just keep in mind that maybe 1 or some of them regret their decision. This is the exact reason why I never changed DS in front of people after I became anti-circ because I didn't want people knowing what I did to his penis. And I still feel this way... so just know that maybe 1 of the moms regrets having her son circ'ed.

 

[bdavis337]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoodMomma Just keep in mind that maybe 1 or some of them regret their decision. This is the exact reason why I never changed DS in front of people after I became anti-circ because I didn't want people knowing what I did to his penis. And I still feel this way... so just know that maybe 1 of the moms regrets having her son circ'ed.

:

I'd be the mom with 2 circ'ed boys, one still in diapers. We are definetely in the minority, as ALL of my older son's friends are intact. I do regret my decision to have them circed, and while I don't at all mind another mom asking questions during diaper change time, I would be upset if someone passed judgement on me without knowing the back-story. And it's not like you can just say "Hi, I'm Jane NewKidInTown. Nice to meet you. I see you have boys, are they intact?" It just doesn't work like that.