Natural Birth and Baby Care.com

Circumcision/Homebirth

by Olivia
(Illinois)

Hi,

I have a question about having a homebirth if you're having a little boy and are wanting to circumcise.

My husband and I are really looking in to the possibility of a homebirth for the birth of our child in May. We will be finding out the gender in about a month. If it's a boy we are considering circumcision but do not know how that's possible with a homebirth.

It is not something we are 100% on yet, as we are still researching it, but I am leaving the final decision up to my husband and he is leaning towards it for personal and religious reasons.

Did you circumcise your sons? Or are they just not circumcised? If they are, where did you go to have this done? Thank you for any advice you may have.

Answer:

Hi Olivia,

I have three sons and they are not circumcised. I personally was not comfortable with the thought of circumcision, and my religious teachings specifically state circumcision is not a requirement for males.

However, circumcision is a personal choice, like so many other things. You and your husband will need to weigh it carefully.

It is completely possible to have your son circumcised, even with having a homebirth. You have a few options:

First, if you have a midwife assisting you, you can ask her if she can give you a referral or if any other families in her practice have used a specific provider.

Secondly, you can see if there is a Mohel in your community who would be willing to perform the circumcision for you. Even if you're not Jewish some will still attend.

Thirdly, a Pediatric Urologist is a specialist who can perform a circumcision. This is probably going to be your best option. You find out now who is practicing in your community and contact the office to learn how they'd work with you. You could ask about how soon after birth they would do it, what kind of pain medications are used, and if you could be present during the procedure.

Circumcision is a big issue that tends to stir up a lot of hot emotion. If you'd like to know more details about why I made the choices I did for my sons (and my husband is fully in agreement), let me know and I will be happy to discuss them further.