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Newborn Circumcision
A Parent's Guide to Proper Care
By Mary Dixon Lebeau
After a circumcision is performed, the care is relatively simple – though important. Improper care may lead to infection and penile adhesions, so make sure you understand the doctor's instructions and follow them completely.
"In the first day after the circumcision, you may want to pay extra attention to your baby. For his own comfort, try to keep him off of his stomach as much as possible," says Dr. Michael Erhard, chief of urology at Nemour's Children's Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla. "Keep the area of the cut clean and dry, and look out for any signs of infection, including swelling, redness or a foul odor."
Other circumcision-care tips include the following:
- If the doctor recommends it, use Vaseline gauze around the head of the penis. It should be used for up to two days, and changed every time you change the baby's diaper.
- Wash your hands before and after you change the gauze to maintain cleanliness and prevent infection.
- After the first day, continue to put a small amount of petroleum jelly on the wound each time you change the baby's diaper. This will stop the penis from sticking to the diaper and help quicken the healing process.
- Once the circumcision is healed – usually within two weeks – you can give your baby a tub bath. When you're washing him, pull back the remaining foreskin to clean that area during each bath.
If your baby is fussy after the procedure, that's normal, says Dr. Erhard. Also, don't be surprised if he doesn't eat as well. Regular eating patterns should return after a day.
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