Frequently Asked Questions
Why should my son be circumcised?
There are some medical benefits to circumcision—reduction of bladder infections in baby boys, sexually transmitted infections in men, and cancer of the penis. But the reason for Jewish parents to circumcise their sons is a religious one, not a medical one. Despite a small number of Jews who advocate against circumcision, it is an almost universal practice in the Jewish community. It is my belief that if your son is not circumcised, he may encounter problems with acceptance in the Jewish community. Conservative, Reconstructionist and Orthodox congregations will probably require that he undergo circumcision before his bar mitzvah or wedding.
Why should I have a Brit Milah ceremony? Can't I just have my son circumcised in the hospital?
It is true that a hospital circumcision results in the same surgical outcome. But a Brit Milah is a statement by the family that this child will be raised as a Jew. The ceremony keeps your son surrounded by his loved ones during the procedure.
What technique do you use to perform the circumcision?
Using sterile technique, your baby's skin is cleansed and draped, foreskin adhesions are removed and a Mogen clamp is carefully placed. A swift, precise cut removes the foreskin. I prefer to use the Mogen clamp because it is the fastest and least traumatic way to perform a circumcision. There is minimal bleeding or discomfort experienced using this instrument.
What type of anesthesia do you use?
The American Academy of Pediatricians recommends the use of anesthesia, preferably local anesthetic, for routine circumcision. In most cases, I will administer injected lidocaine just prior to the procedure, and this will significantly decrease the baby’s perception of pain and reduce the amount of crying he will experience. I prefer not to use anesthetic creams (such as EMLA) because they can cause swelling and redness, making the circumcision difficult (or rarely impossible), and it does not penetrate well enough to be of significant benefit. In addition, it is well documented that sucking on a sugary substance (sweet wine and sucrose solution) is very soothing for newborns during procedures, so we utilize this as well. If you have any special questions or concerns about the use of anesthetic, please feel free to discuss them with me beforehand.