Circumcision

Did you do it?

Why or why not?

I read a thing about breastfeeding earlier and some of the statements in it made me think about other ongoing "issues" in the parenting world. Here recently I have seen a million things about circing and thought I would get some input on why you did or didn't do it. We chose to have our son circumcised and were there to watch (I dunno why but at the time I felt better knowing I had seen it done) our reasoning was mostly due to what myself and my husband believe religiously (not up for discussion) and what we believed was the right choice for us.

So what did you do/are doing and why?

PLEASE NO FIGHTING !!! I just want some honest answers and no bashing on so and so because they did/didn't do it.  

Our sons are both circumcised and if we had more sons they would be as well. Nobody should have to explain why they did or didn't that's a decision for that family to make. DH wasn't circumcised until he was 11, at his own request after coming to this country and he decided that it was best for our sons to be. Every man in my family is. I don't have a preference TBH.

My son is circ'd. I did my research and wasn't swayed one way or the other so I let my DH make the decision.

I did do it because of religious reasons which I actually learned are not valid through BG. I now find myself wondering if I have another son if I would be willing to do it again. The thing is DH wants it done but I just don't know anymore. After actually researching it I am starting to think I should not have it done if we have another son. Really though that is for God to decide. I in no way, shape or form regret getting my son circed even if it was through "ignorance". I feel at peace with that decision and I feel like I was lead to do it.

We chose not to because it is unessasary. If you teach your child proper hygiene there won't be an issue. I would never let anyone cut off my baby boys skin unless it was medically nessasary. Also I would want him to be different from his daddy.

Did it. Twice.

It was our choice. We wanted them both to look like daddy and not feel indifferent(though now its more likely being theyre the indifferent ones because most of their peers will be intact).

My first had alot more foreskin so it was alot more traumatic. My second, just a snip, didnt bother him at all..he was content and quiet afterward..never cried.

Quoting Andi+Andy=Marley+1:" My son is circ'd. I did my research and wasn't swayed one way or the other so I let my DH make the decision."

After our religious views on it I was in this position that I wasn't really swayed either other than what I felt. I asked DH and he said he would prefer his son to be like him so if questions were asked he could have a better understanding (plus DH just doesn't believe in being uncirc'd)

I did it. Just my personal choice. No big reason behind it.

I did not because I don't think it's necessary.

Quoting j0des(+2):" Did it. Twice. It was our choice. We wanted them both to look like daddy and not feel indifferent(though ... [snip!] ... it was alot more traumatic. My second, just a snip, didnt bother him at all..he was content and quiet afterward..never cried."

Oh no poor DS  . I am glad ours didn't cry just grunted a lot.

Quoting j0des(+2):" Did it. Twice. It was our choice. We wanted them both to look like daddy and not feel indifferent(though ... [snip!] ... it was alot more traumatic. My second, just a snip, didnt bother him at all..he was content and quiet afterward..never cried."

That is the thing is that like everyone online says how traumatic it will be to the child and how many of them say that it is impossible for the baby to sleep through the procedure but mine did. He went in asleep and came back asleep (DH went with him.)

Quoting Commander Shepard:" I did not because I don't think it's necessary."

I think that reasoning is perfectly acceptable  

I'm not doing it. And I'm Jewish, so it's causing a lot of family issues too. I just couldn't think of a reason good enough to override my discomfort over the procedure itself. It also bothers me, from a religious standpoint, that circumcision is the method of entering the covenant of Abraham. I already have a daughter and (despite the fact I'm an atheist personally, Judaism has a huge cultural component to it and the kids may decide to practice someday. Regardless, they have extended Jewish family who believe in these principles.) it makes me really uncomfortable to supposedly bring my son into this new level of connection to god but tell my daughter she's out of luck because she wasn't born with a penis. It's taken a lot of thought and debate, but I feel like not circumcising is the best choice for us. I just don't think I could go through with it. However I do respect other moms choices to go through with it, it's ultimately a very personal matter.

I have two girls but if I ever have a boy he will not be circumcised. The reason is because I believe that cutting off a healthy functioning part of my child's body is wrong and I wouldn't circumcise my girls. I also believe that girls and boys should have equal rights when it comes to their privates. But I don't think any less of someone if they decide to do it either.

Quoting SophieKay:" I'm not doing it. And I'm Jewish, so it's causing a lot of family issues too. I just couldn't think of ... [snip!] ... go through with it. However I do respect other moms choices to go through with it, it's ultimately a very personal matter."

Oh wow you're very insightful.   I can see your point fully and it's understandable. It must be really hard though with your family wanting you to do it. I hope they can come to support you.