Is Baby Circumcision Painful?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Circumcision can be done at any age. Traditionally, the most common time to do it is soon after your baby is born, or within the first month of life. Because

the process is painful

, a local anesthetic is used to numb the area and the surgery is performed while the baby is still awake.

How long will circumcision hurt a baby?

This pain often gets better

in 3 or 4 days

. But it may last for up to 2 weeks. Even though your baby's penis will likely start to feel better after 3 or 4 days, it may look worse.

Do babies cry a lot after circumcision?


It's normal for the to cry

, especially in the first 24 hours after the procedure. This is a big day for him. Some babies might have a change in feeding and/or sleeping patterns, while others may just be overall fussier.

Do babies suffer during circumcision?


Newborns do feel pain

, but they seem to get through the procedure easier than older children do. In newborns, we numb the penis and perform the procedure in the hospital nursery while the baby is awake. We use a clamp technique, which does have a small risk of bleeding.

How long does a baby cry after circumcision?

may be fussy and in pain for some hours after a circumcision, but this usually does not last

more than a couple of days

. Signs of pain can include crying and problems with sleep and feeding. During the first 24 hours after circumcision, you may give acetaminophen regularly to manage your child's pain.

What age is best for circumcision?

Most religious traditions recommend an early circumcision. From our experience, we have seen the Plastibell method work best when a child is circumcised between the ages of

one and three months old

. This is the age that has been most comfortable for mother and child both during the operation and in the recovery period.

How do I comfort my baby after circumcision?

To avoid distressing your baby, hold him gently and avoid placing pressure on the penis. Always loosely fasten your baby's diaper until the wound is healed.

Nursing the baby often, holding him, and sleeping with him

can comfort your baby if he is in pain.

Does circumcision hurt at 13?

A

teen circumcision performed at Gentle Circumcision should be virtually painless

, as Dr. Pittman makes every patientʼs comfort a priority at every stage. Teens should take the pre-surgery loading dose of extra- strength acetaminophen at bedtime before, and again, the morning of their procedure.

Can you circumcise a 1 month old?

But if parents choose this for their baby, the procedure is usually performed on the first or second day after birth in a healthy baby. However,

it can be done within 10 days of birth

. Circumcision is riskier and more complicated in infants older than 2 months of age, and in older boys and men.

When can baby take a bath after circumcision?

Bathing. It's best to avoid full-body bathing

until the second day after surgery

, but sponge bathing is fine. After the second day, you can bathe your baby or toddler as normal; with newborns, you should wait until the umbilical cord has fallen off, at about two weeks.

Do Babies sleep a lot after circumcision?


It is common for your baby to be sleepy after circumcision

. Be sure to wake him to eat if he sleeps longer than 2 to 3 hours since the last feeding. To soothe your baby after circumcision: Swaddle him and hold him close.

What does a baby's healing circumcision look like?

The

tip may be sore

, and the penis itself may look red and swollen. You may see a yellow crust on the tip as well. This is normal and should go away on its own in a few days. It will take a week to 10 days for your son's penis to heal completely.

Do pediatricians recommend circumcision?

A revised AAP policy statement

does not recommend routine circumcision for newborn males

, but it does say current evidence indicates the health benefits of the procedure outweigh the risks.

Is 3 weeks too old for circumcision?

Some doctors recommend

waiting two or three weeks

. When the birth occurs in a hospital, circumcision is usually done within 48 hours. If the baby was born in a birth center or if it was a home birth, circumcision can wait up to two weeks and can be performed either in your pediatrician's office or with a Jewish Mohel.

Do doctors recommend circumcision babies?

After studying scientific evidence, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) found that the health benefits of circumcision in newborn boys outweigh the risks of the procedure. But the AAP also found the benefits are

not great enough to recommend that all newborn boys be circumcised

.

How often should I change diaper after circumcision?

Only use water, and be gentle. For the first day, the penis is covered with a gauze dressing, which you should replace with each diaper change. You can expect your baby to urinate within 12 hours of the circumcision. Clean the site with warm water and a cotton ball

once or twice a day

.

Maria LaPaige
Author
Maria LaPaige
Maria is a parenting expert and mother of three. She has written several books on parenting and child development, and has been featured in various parenting magazines. Maria's practical approach to family life has helped many parents navigate the ups and downs of raising children.