Search Results for: blog circumcision care

Revisiting Circumcision

Circumcision is one of those controversial decisions that every parent of a boy must make. We have blogged on it before but I felt it necessary to revisit the issue. The AAP has been neutral on the issue saying that the potential benefits of circumcision do not necessitate the procedure. They describe it as “preventative” rather than necessary. However, based on two new studies showing that circumcision substantially reduces the risk of spreading HIV and STDs, the AAP is reviewing their stance. One point that has been brought out repeatedly by those on both sides of the debate is that … Continue reading →

Circumcision: Joining the Covenant

Abraham, the first Jew, was the first human being to practice circumcision. Since then, circumcision has been a ritual that brings Jewish babies into the covenant with G-d. In fact, the Hebrew name for circumcision, or brit, is the same word for covenant. In Soviet Russia, where all Jewish rituals were outlawed, and in concentration camps during the Holocaust, there were many who risked their lives to bring their sons into the covenant, and in spite of many who disapprove of the custom, the number of Jews seeking kosher circumcision for themselves and for their infant sons in increasing. Circumcision … Continue reading →

How to Set Up a Baby Station

One of the things that I did for my first few weeks as a mom was to set up a little baby station on the pack and play that I kept by the couch where I was resting. The first few days at home can be hard because you are very sore, regardless of whether you had a vaginal birth or a cesarean. Keeping everything in one location can make a world of difference when its hard to move from one room to the next. The pack and play had a changing table, which I kept stocked with diapers and … Continue reading →

Breastfeeding and HIV

Until recently, it has been thought that an HIV positive mother should not breastfeed her baby. However, recent research is showing that breastfeeding is so incredibly beneficial that even HIV positive moms should breastfeed their children. I do need to point out that the research I’m referring to in this blog, has been done in Africa. While I don’t think that this fact makes the conclusions null and void it is something to keep in mind while reading. When I say that breastfeeding increases chances for survival for babies–that may very well be true in Africa where health care and … Continue reading →

Let’s Talk About Making Informed Parental Decisions During Pregnancy

When you are expecting, there are going to be some specific parenting decisions that you will need to make long before the baby arrives. Because you are completely responsible for another person’s well-being, it is very important that you make sure to become as informed as possible on the many issues parenting will present you with. Here’s a break-down of some of the important decisions you will be immediately faced with: Where and How You Will Deliver – There are several places to give birth – at home, a hospital, a birthing center. There are several ways in which to … Continue reading →

To Circumcise or Not?

Do you have a little boy? Did you have him circumcised? I don’t talk about this particular topic very often because I don’t have a baby boy. This choice and option is not something I had to consider because we found out we were having a girl during the fourth month of my pregnancy. But I have two nephews and I have watched my sister-in-law have to make this decision. I’ve also seen the problems my youngest nephew experienced in the last year since his circumcision as some of the remaining foreskin adhered around the head of the penis and … Continue reading →

Father Blocks Circumcison

Like many boys born in the United States, Tyler was circumcised in the hospital after he was born. Although I would have opted for the procedure anyway, it never dawned on me that I had a choice in the matter. A growing number of parents, however, are opting not to have their baby boys circumcised. In fact, the percentage of circumcision has fallen since 1970, from 90% to about 60%. A Chicago father actually sued to block the circumcision of his 9-year-old son. He was quoted as saying that “circumcision is an extraordinary medical procedure,” and he feels his son … Continue reading →

Can Your Pediatrician Fire You?

Can you imagine your pediatrician firing you? Can you imagine how you would feel if the pediatrician informed you that you can no longer bring your child to their practice? It’s actually happening in some areas where parents are refusing immunizations for their infants for whatever reason. Some parents are not comfortable with immunizing an infant due to religious or medical practices. Still others would prefer to wait if their child has a cold. Many pediatricians will go ahead and give an infant their shots as long as the baby is not running a fever. If you’re like me, the … Continue reading →