Circumcisions

​​What are circumcisions?

Circumcisions involve removing the foreskin that covers the tip of the penis. Families choose circumcision for various reasons, including religious or cultural traditions, personal preference, or perceived health benefits. The procedure is optional, and the decision belongs to you as parents.

At The Birth Center of New Jersey, circumcision is a relatively simple procedure performed in the birth center with few complications.

When do circumcisions happen?

Circumcisions typically take place on the first or second day after your baby’s birth, though The Birth Center of New Jersey team can perform one within the first few weeks of life. 

Performing the procedure in the early days allows for quicker healing and less discomfort for your baby. The timing also ensures your baby receives proper care and monitoring immediately after the procedure.

The team schedules the circumcision at a time that works for your family and confirms your baby is healthy and stable enough for the procedure.

What happens during circumcisions?

The team cleans the area and applies a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort. Your provider then carefully removes the foreskin using surgical instruments. The entire procedure takes 10-15 minutes. Your baby may cry during the procedure, but the anesthetic reduces their pain.

Your provider applies petroleum jelly and a gauze bandage after the circumcision to protect the area while it heals. Before you leave, they explain how to care for the circumcision site at home.

How do you care for circumcisions?

Circumcision care involves keeping the area clean and protected while it heals. Apply petroleum jelly to the tip of the penis at each diaper change to prevent the diaper from sticking to the healing skin. Use warm water to clean the area when changing diapers. The circumcision typically heals within a couple of weeks.

Watch for signs of infection such as increased redness, swelling, pus-like discharge, fever, or excessive bleeding. Contact The Birth Center of New Jersey immediately if you notice any of these symptoms.

Can you perform a circumcision if my baby has a urological condition?

The Birth Center consults with a pediatric urologist for conditions such as testicular torsion or anatomical concerns that may affect whether circumcision is appropriate or requires specialized care.

To schedule a circumcision or discuss whether this procedure is right for your family, call The Birth Center of New Jersey or book a visit online.