Spinoff to Circumsicion.

I would love to hear some opinions on this. Will you insist on pain meds for your DS?

My mom is involved in research study for her hospital where they studied infant pain reactions to circumsicion. A lot of dr's tell you that your DS doesn't really need pain meds (topical numbing cream) and don't give the mother real time to consider the options. This is because it is inconvient to the dr's to not use pain meds. They have to wait an hour after the meds are applied to let the meds take effect. They would rather just walk in an snip it and go on with thier own schedule. When they use the meds they have to take a chunk of time out of thier schedule. My mom and her collegues started this study to help to change the dr's opinions and show through video tape and surveying pain reactions that is really quite painful for the babies. Many of the dr's are VERY resistant to change and don't want to hear that they should change the ways they do things.

I really thought it was a fascinating study. My mom says the dr's often bully the mom's and say.. oh he won't remember the pain just so they don't have to the topical cream.



Edited for spelling.. Hope I caught it all

Message edited 10/8/2007 7:26:04 PM.

Re: Spinoff to Circumsicion.

If I were to have a boy and circumcise (which I won't) then I would absolutely insist on topical numbing cream. If that doctor refused then I would take my child to someone who would use them once we were discharged.

Re: Spinoff to Circumsicion.

The topical numbing creams can cause swelling that can increase healing time and may increase the time needed for the procedure. I'm not saying not to request it, but I found the literature on this to be confusing as to the pros and cons of topical numbing creams. Having attended several brises, I will say that that the baby's expressions of pain are a lot less than one would expect. The Jewish ritual procedure is a bit different from a hospital procedure, though.

Re: Spinoff to Circumsicion.

They actually say that the EMLA cream (topical numbing) is not the best form of anesthetic. The AAP recommend EMLA and a DPNB or substanceous ring block. None of the methods are 100% though.

Re: Spinoff to Circumsicion.

hmmmm.. It is all so confusing. I hate that. I would just as soon not do it at all but DH insisits that if and when we have a boy we will do it. ugh.. Maybe they will have something soon that is more effective and has less side effects.

Re: Spinoff to Circumsicion.

Re: Spinoff to Circumsicion.

DS was circumsized for religious reasons and the Mohel did arrive over an hour early and applied the cream. I wasn't sure it work because I had heard mixed things. Well, DS did not make a sound during the circumcision. DH's uncle was in amazed at how well it had gone compared to his own sons' Brises.

So, if you are going to circumcise, I definately recommend insisting on the cream and insisting that it is applied correctly.