The topic of circumcision makes many people uneasy- some see it as cruel and barbaric, others see it as a necessary part of childbirth. Regardless, many parents are concerned with the trauma inflicted upon their newborn if they decide to have him circumcised, which is a valid concern. Although the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that pain control is used during circumcision, you should still talk with your physician before the birth about his views on pain therapy if you are considering the procedure.

Recent studies have revealed that newborns do in fact feel pain and could even experience severe psychological stress during circumcision- in fact, crying, heart rate, and blood pressure, all indicators of stress, increase dramatically during the procedure. Until recently, anesthesia wasn’t universal, so many physicians rely on a variety of options for pain relief for newborns during circumcision, and it is up to the doctor’s personal preference and/or the newborn’s vitals to determine which pain treatment will be used.

One option is a topical cream (EMLA or Tetracaine) that can be gently massaged onto the penis and surrounding area before the procedure, numbing the area within a half hour. Another option is an injection of lidocaine, another numbing agent, directly underneath the foreskin and into the head of the penis. This is also known as a dorsal nerve block, and is most common used during circumcision procedures. This option takes considerably less time to reach its full effect and usually lasts longer than a topical numbing agent. The physician may choose to give the child a surgery solution of gluclose or sucrose in the form of a pacifier to suck on during the surgery- the sugar will trigger endorphin release, which is a natural painkiller. Or, he might be given a small dosage of acetaminophen directly into his mouth using a medicine dropper. Some physicians even play music during the procedure and/or have the newborn suck on the gloved finger of a nurse to provide a calming effect.

One advantage to performing circumcision so soon after childbirth is that the newborn already has already generated elevated levels of stress-resistant hormones from the trauma of the birthing process itself. During this time, a newborn has the ability to heal quickly, and persevere and thrive under trauma- the newborn is amazingly resilient. By using any of these safe pain management methods, your infant’s ability to feel pain during his circumcision will be greatly reduced, and pain relief options will be used after the procedure to make sure your child is as comfortable as possible.

Posted in Circumcision

Related Articles:

• Can a Circumcision be Performed at any Age or Only on Infants?
• Christians and Circumcision
• Circumcision Basics
• Pros of Circumcision
• Why is Circumcision so Popular in the US and Nowhere Else?
• Can An Infant Die From Circumcision?
• Does Circumcision Leave A Scar?
• Circumcision and HIV
• Why Do They Circumcise Babies?
• How is Circumcision Performed?