FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
PREGNANCY
Q: During the pregnancy, the doctors or hospital have mentioned only a possibility at this stage of a medical problem possibly affecting the baby such as kidney or heart. Will this affect the circumcision?
A: Please obtain all the medical information from the pregnancy doctors, Dr Harris will be happy to discuss this with you, and if indicated with your doctors at your request.
BOOKING
Q: After delivery, when should I make contact to book the circumcision, since several health professionals have suggested delaying the procedure, after which time they have also told me it will then be too late?
A: After delivery, suggest you contact Dr Harris.
JAUNDICE
Q: The baby was born and the midwife and/or the doctor have mentioned jaundice, but they are not concerned with the baby who is well since the degree of jaundice or blood level is “below the medical line” and needs no specific treatment like ultraviolet light?
A: Baby being jaundiced (yellow colour) appearing on the third day is very common, called physiological jaundice which generally clears spontaneously by 14 days in full term baby. However if the jaundice level is high with a high bilirubin blood test, or the jaundice is prolonged in time, then this may require investigation and treatment. Please obtain all the medical information including any blood test results, and then Dr Harris will be happy to discuss this with you. The procedure is not performed while the baby is jaundiced, or there is any health problem.
HYPOSPADIAS
Q: What is “hypospadias” of the baby mentioned by the hospital, doctor or midwife?
A: Hypospadias is a common occurrence where the urethra (urine opening) development appears in a slightly different position. In general, if the hypospadias is mild, with the opening of the urethra just a little down from normal and with no bending of the penis, then no treatment may be needed. In general when treatment is indicated, repair operation is performed when aged one year, with Bris combined under the same procedure. Dr Harris will be happy to discuss this with you.
PREPARATION
Q: What is the preparation before the procedure? Please advise regarding bath, feeding and dress?
A: Dr Harris will give you instructions and be happy to discuss this with you.
AFTERCARE
Q: What are the instructions after the procedure? Please advise regarding baby position for sleeping and for winding?
A: Dr Harris will give you instructions and be happy to discuss this with you.
HEALING
Q: After the procedure what is the normal course of the healing process?
A: Dr Harris will give you instructions and be happy to discuss this with you.
BREAST FEEDING & DRUGS
Q: Why can the breast feeding Mother not take aspirin or certain drugs, but may be advised to take paracetamol?
A: Certain drugs taken by the Mother pass through her body and appear in the breast milk. Breast feeding will then pass these drugs taken by the Mother, into the baby. Aspirin taken by the breast feeding Mother may appear in the milk and be passed on to the baby. Care is always needed in advising all drugs including the breast feeding mother.
DATE
Q: Can the Bris take place on Shabbos, Yom Tov or Yom Kippur?
A: Yes, if it is the eighth day, not born by caesarean, and the baby is well. Yes I have performed a Bris on these days.
The information on this site is for information purposes only. This information is not intended or understood to replace your general practitioner or any other professional advisor, whether or not medically qualified practitioner. The website content is not medical advice, treatment or diagnosis.
