Circumcision:To Snip or Not To Snip

Dear MrsM-I am 28wks along with a baby boy.  Since finding out I am having a boy,
 everyone seems to have come out of the woodwork with their….
 opinions on whether or not I should circumcisize my son.  I feel its up
 to me and my husband, and we personally see nothing wrong with the
 proceedure.  However, others tell me its barbaric and unneccessary cosmetic
 surgery that will deform his genetials.   Is this proceedure really
 wrong?  From what I’ve read, having him cut will not harm him in any way,
 and can possibly benefit him.  Are we really wrong for wanting our son
 to look like daddy? 

First of all, congrats on your baby boy~and welcome to the world of parenting decisions.  Almost all parenting decisions have controversy surrounding them and this is no exception.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics website, they are neither for or against circumcision, but say that it is entirely a personal decision of the parents.  On their site they list reasons why some people choose to get the procedure done, and why some people choose not to, but according to these doctors (considered a high authority in pediatrics) there are neither significant risks or benefits enough to form a recommendation either way.

Basically, it’s up to you and both decisions are medically sound.

Don’t let anyone bully you for making a parenting choice that you believe in.  This is just the first in a long line of decisions you will make for your baby and your family that other people might not agree with-just remember YOU are the parents and YOU make the decisions for your family based on what you believe is right….and no one has a right to ”make” you to do otherwise.

Congrats again-enjoy your baby boy!