[JustLiz]

Anyone have experiences/opinions?

1. Did you choose a pediatrician before your baby was born and how did that work? Will they make an appointment just to talk to you while you're still pregnant?

2. For mommies of boys, did you circumcise, and why or why not? (DH and I don't feel strongly either way but want to make the choice that our son will be happiest with later on).

[LuvMyToriBug]

I would definitely choose a pedi before you deliver your son!! I did not and my daughter ended up with jaundice. The hospital would not release us until we could give them contact information to Tori's pedi. I was scrambling to find a good one. Me, being a last minute person thought that I would have time to find a pedi after she was born, but I did not. I HIGHLY recommend that you have one in place that you like beforehand. Ask local, other mothers etc. Word of mouth will be the best recommendation that you can ask for. You can research etc, but to know from other moms that they LOVE their child's pediatrician will put your mind at ease the most!!

To elaborate on my story, I got a pediatrician before Tori was released (the hospital required this because they wanted to forward her hospital records right away because of how bad her jaundice was.) but I HATED the pedi clinic. I actually liked the doctor that she saw, but despised the scheduling or whatever. I had Tori in the doctor's office for JUST a weight check and ended up waiting for 4 hours.....with a 7 day old baby!! I was PI$$ED!! I found out later that the clinic took a buttload of medicare kids and I just happened to be there on the day that they scheduled all of the medicare patients. Plus, everytime I went, I saw a different doctor which I also hated. Needless to say, I changed pedi's within a week!!

So, yeah, have one lined up!!

[jensma]

1. Did you choose a pediatrician before your baby was born and how did that work? yes we did. i had an advantage working with kids so i knew who people liked. i ended up going with my nieces ped. he's great!! i just called to make sure they were taking new pictures

Will they make an appointment just to talk to you while you're still pregnant? they do but we didn't do one

2. For mommies of boys, did you circumcise, and why or why not?
This is just our choice...i personally have no opinion on whether or not its right to circumcise and honestly there isn't a right answer.

We did circumcise him. First, my DH is circ'd so i think that makes a difference. We want him to look like daddy when its time to potty train and things. Little kids definitely notice stuff. But biggest thing to us is the social aspect. Kids are mean and they make fun of kids that are different. In American culture it seems like circumcision is the popular option. So in jr high & high school in the locker room i don't want him wondering why he's different than other kids or wishing we had done it because he is. It is much easier to do when they're babies than when they're older. It was very sad to me to see my baby hurt but he was fine pretty quickly. We had to put some vaseline on him and watch it for a few days. The other thing that is often a debate is that it seems to lower the risk of UTIs in boys. Also my friend who is a midwife told me it eliminates the chance of penile cancer as well. I didn't know that...so there are reasons to do it, but i also respect people's choice not to for whatever reason. One of my best friends did not circumcise her son simply b/c she didn't want to hurt him. To each their own...

[Oreobaby]

1. I did not find a pediatrician for my daughter before she was born. I knew my husband and my dr. is a family dr. so he is taking care of her as well. Also, for the first bit that Rayanne was here we seeing the dr. that assisted in the C-section, because she had such a tough time.

2. We did have a girl, but if we would have had a boy, we would have circumsized...one for the same reason that Kate said...DH is circumsized so it makes sense. Also, I have a friend who did one son and not the other, and she regretted not having her one son done. The son that she didn't have circumsized constantly had infections, because of improper cleaning. I have also heard of men having to get them done later in life, because of infections and such...it just seems like it would be a better idea...since DH is circumsized, I'm not sure either one of us would know how to pull back and clean one properly.

[MommyPoky]

We didn't pick a pedi, Josie came 10 days after the last day of school (work), and 10 days before her due date, so she snuck up on me and I didn't have a chance. Our hospital just assigned us the pedi that was on call when we had her, and I really like her. But that was luck of the draw really.

[SassyMama]

1. Did you choose a pediatrician before your baby was born and how did that work? Will they make an appointment just to talk to you while you're still pregnant? I decided on a pedi before Siera was born but because she was a premie, I never got the chance to meet with her beforehand. I chose the one that I did for 2 reasons - 1) she's located 5 minutes from my house and 2) my friend also uses her. Luckily, it's worked out for us.

[MommaLee]

1. Did you choose a pediatrician before your baby was born and how did that work? Will they make an appointment just to talk to you while you're still pregnant?

Kind of. There are not many around here and there is a huge office that many people use that has 9 doctors total...I asked my OB for recommendations and went with that office. Yes, you can go up there an visit with the various doctors, but I did not.

When I was in labor, I had to specify a pediatrician or the hospital would pick one for me. The office that I chose had a doctor at the hospital that monitored Julie's progress and did discharge papers. They also have a lactation consultant that visits all of their new patient mothers.

I will say that if you don't like the pedi that you picked, you can always find a new one. My brother and SIL recommended a pediatrician at the place where we go. I didn't pick him cause I prefer a female but I saw him on a saturday cause he was the oncall when Julie was throwing up and he was rude to me. I found out from my mothers group that he displayed the same rudeness to some of them too. We now only see that office for check-ups and shots - we see another office when she is sick.

[karenwalter]

I chose the pediatrician before Connor was born. I got recommendations from some people at church and then did some reseach online with reviews and such as well. I also had a list of things I wanted in a pediatrician (such as same day appointments for sick children and the option of seeing a male or female doc in case when my kids get older they have a preference) and this office fit my requirements.

I didn't interveiw ahead of time. I felt I would get a better feeling of if I liked them or not based on what real patient's were saying rather than an interview.

[Celry]

We interviewed a bunch of pedi's before the girls were born. I did it very early on knowing that they would probably make their appearance early.

[JustLiz]

Thanks everyone! I think I'm just going to call the office that I think I will like and make sure they'll take us for the first visit anyway. I can always change. I was feeling like I would have to take time off work to interview all these people or something. There's a family practice that I can walk too, which is important because we only have 1 car that DH takes to work.

As for the circumcision, I agree with you Kate, I'm leaning towards. Just want to make sure that's what the other parents are still doing these days, kwim? Don't want to find out later that he's the only one!

[KDD]

We have not picked a pedi. My GP is a family doctor and will look after him as well.

We aren't planning to circumcise. There's no medical reason for it and if he asks why he looks different than his dad we'll explain why. I let DH make the final decision on this (since I don't have a penis) and he doesn't see the point of it.

[downunderchick]

we were happy using our family GP so no worries for us in that aspect

if we have a boy we wont circumcise. Its not something that is routine here and we dont feel its medically necessary. Im not sure they are even done here unless its for religion or medical reasons.

[ChristinaR]

We picked Brevan's pedi areound 30 weeks. I went by recomendations of my OB. I really trusted her input and went from there. We narrowed them down and interview 3 then choose from there.

As far as circumcising goes. We choose for it. My husband was very strongly for it. He is, and he wanted his son to be too and since I don't have one I let him make the final decision. It's a very personal decision and there is very strong opinions on either side. I'd suggest talking to your pedi once you've selected him/her. They're best to explain the medical side of it. Good luck!

[fromustobaby]

Originally Posted by jensma

We did circumcise him. First, my DH is circ'd so i think that makes a difference. We want him to look like daddy when its time to potty train and things. Little kids definitely notice stuff. But biggest thing to us is the social aspect. Kids are mean and they make fun of kids that are different. In American culture it seems like circumcision is the popular option. So in jr high & high school in the locker room i don't want him wondering why he's different than other kids or wishing we had done it because he is. It is much easier to do when they're babies than when they're older. It was very sad to me to see my baby hurt but he was fine pretty quickly. We had to put some vaseline on him and watch it for a few days. The other thing that is often a debate is that it seems to lower the risk of UTIs in boys. Also my friend who is a midwife told me it eliminates the chance of penile cancer as well. I didn't know that...so there are reasons to do it, but i also respect people's choice not to for whatever reason. One of my best friends did not circumcise her son simply b/c she didn't want to hurt him. To each their own...

this was our reasoning also...but it was a really hard decision...he got it at 1 week old instead of one day old...if i was to do it over again, i would have had him done at a day instead...

we chose our pedi based on a recommendation from a friend...just called (before he was born) and told them we wanted to be with her...she checked him at the hospital when he was a day old, and i love her

[LuvMyToriBug]

Originally Posted by ChristinaR

As far as circumcising goes. We choose for it. My husband was very strongly for it. He is, and he wanted his son to be too and since I don't have one I let him make the final decision. It's a very personal decision and there is very strong opinions on either side. I'd suggest talking to your pedi once you've selected him/her. They're best to explain the medical side of it. Good luck!

Yes it is.....I have a girl and have not had to make a decision either way. I am not really very passionate about this subject at all really, might sound crazy, but I am not!! Anyway, if I have a son, I will circ because it is just what me and DH agreed on. We have recently discussed this on my Nov 08 PR, I am linking the thread. It basically confirms what Christina said about the strong opinions. There are a few posts that were a bit heated but for the most part it is a great discussion with alot of information and opinions from both sides of the fence.
http://www.justmommies.com/forums/f5...cumcision.html (OK...so circumcision...)

[Hoosier Kitty]

Liz, I'm having a son so I decided not to circ because there's no medical reason to do it. The foreskin is there for a reason.
I was presented this great deal of info:

The New York Times released information this year from the CDC they are 33% now and even if they are wrong and it is 50/50 it still isn't "weird or different" anymore with rates like that. Over 80% of boys worldwide are happy, healthy and INTACT. Boys don't get naked in the locker room anyway these days, I think it is an excuse to circumcise your son rather than teaching him it is okay and normal to be different (which it isn't even different anymore). Also penile cancer is so rare in men, it is more rare than breast cancer in MEN even in intact boys...so your son has a higher chance of getting breast cancer than penile cancer- he has more of a chance of bleeding to death during the circumcision than he does from penile cancer, your baby can DIE at just 2.3 ounces of blood loss and 1 ounce to hemorrhage. UTI's are a 1/100 (so a 1%) chance for a intact boy, for a circumcised boy it is 1/1000...however, it is easily treatable and still very low odds...I think all of those are very insignificant reasons to alter your sons body that does have a function. A foreskin wouldn't be there if it wasn't supposed to be- it has 20,000 nerve endings. That is like saying your eye would be healthier without your eye lid, your bottom lip would be better cut off, and baby girls breast should be cut off to prevent breast cancer. When you remove the foreskin as a baby it is stuck to the head like your finger is stuck to the bed of your finger and to remove it you have to break the adhesion (like someone shoving a blunt object between the bed of your finger and your nail), so it isn't just a little snip like we're lead to believe.

Have you watched a circumcision? Do you have any good information links? Have you thought about not making a choice at all and leaving it up to the owner of the penis? I think it is too big of a choice to make for my son...you can always get it done later but once you get it done you cannot go back...so I choose not to choose.

Anyway, here are some links about circumcision. This one is about blood loss/death:

peaceful parenting: Death From Circumcision

100 infant deaths per year due to circumcision (maybe a low risk but it IS preventable 100% of the time):
Circumcision | Infant circumcision causes 100 deaths each year in US | ICGI - Genital Integrity

Functions of the foreskin:

peaceful parenting: Functions of the Foreskin: Purposes of the Prepuce

Here is a mama who circ'ed her little boy and almost lost him:

Attached to God, my husband, my child, and a paddle: A hard post on a touchy subject

Circ deaths in the neonatal period (meaning first 28 days of life) higher than suffocation and auto accidents:

New Study Estimates Neonatal Circumcision Death Rate Higher Than Suffocation and Auto Accidents - Washington DC family health | Examiner.com

To Not Circumcise or to Not Circumcise; There is No Question:
To Not Circumcise or to Not Circumcise; There is No Question. Welcome to our new community blog! Updated daily, All Things Mothering features a diverse array of bloggers and other great Mothering content.

US circumcision rates 33% (map by states):
peaceful parenting: U.S. Circumcision Rate Falls to 33%

Similarities between female and male circumcisions:
peaceful parenting: FGM/MGM: Similar Attitudes & Misconceptions

Video of circ with pain meds- still horrrible
Routine Infant Circumcision

peaceful parenting: Death From Circumcision

Take it with grain of salt and go with your fut feeling. It's a very personal decision.
Education is power and I would rather research intensely and ask for advices then compare the pros and cons. I just think it's an excuse for people say I want my baby look like his daddy. JMO.

Oh and I researched and said you are not suppose to pull the foreskin back during baby stage.. EVER.

Bathing is done as usual, and warm, soapy water keeps the area clean. It's important not to ever force the foreskin back. In infants, the foreskin covers the area completely, but over time it will retract. The body does this naturally, so to force it back early can tear the skin and cause pain and infection.

Care and Cleaning for Uncircumcised Baby Boys
this is common mistake parents make that's why the penis gets infection.

My personal favorite site that explains everyone's comments like "He need to look like Daddy" "it's cleaner if circ'd" "he'll be teased in locker room"
To Not Circumcise or to Not Circumcise; There is No Question. Welcome to our new community blog! Updated daily, All Things Mothering features a diverse array of bloggers and other great Mothering content.

Also my DF is not circ and he never had an infection his whole life.
ETA: I have to admit comparing my ex's who were circ'd to my DF who is uncirc'd.... OMG sex is soooo great with my DF... TMI... seriously! I prefer uncirc than circ cuz I can feel more and get orgasm more. SWEAR MY HEART!

I learned some insurance doesnt cover circ'ing. My insurance doesn't.
Circumcision Rates Lower In States Where Medicaid Does Not Cover Procedure
have you seen how much it cost to cover circ?

[LuvMyToriBug]

Originally Posted by Hoosier Kitty

Education is power and I would rather research intensely and ask for advices then compare the pros and cons. I just think it's an excuse for people say I want my baby look like his daddy. JMO.

It may be an excuse, but the parent has to do what THEY think is best and if that is the reason then that is totally fine, there is no right or wrong as there are pros and cons on both sides.

[Hoosier Kitty]

Originally Posted by LuvMyToriBug

It may be an excuse, but the parent has to do what THEY think is best and if that is the reason then that is totally fine, there is no right or wrong as there are pros and cons on both sides.

It's like saying for mommies who want their little girl to look like their mommy ... yet usa forbids the girl's labia or clitoris to be removed cuz it's cruel (female genital mutilation).. it's actually practiced in other religion area. but it's ok to remove the foreskin in USA? i just think it's weird for people to say that. i mean the boy is not gonna be scarred for life if they are uncirc'd. It's no big deal.

I agree with this

All human beings - male and female - have the basic human right of genital integrity. They have a right to ALL their functioning, healthy body parts. A man (even as a newborn) has a right to his whole, intact penis, to do with as he pleases.

peaceful parenting: Functions of the Foreskin: Purposes of the Prepuce

[LuvMyToriBug]

Originally Posted by Hoosier Kitty

It's like saying for mommies who want their little girl to look like their mommy ... yet usa forbids the girl's labia or clitoris to be removed cuz it's cruel (female genital mutilation).. it's actually practiced in other religion area. but it's ok to remove the foreskin in USA? i just think it's weird for people to say that. i mean the boy is not gonna be scarred for life if they are uncirc'd. It's no big deal.

I agree with this

peaceful parenting: Functions of the Foreskin: Purposes of the Prepuce

I am definitely NOT trying to argue your point at all, I am glad that you are passionate about your decision......this is a very personal decision and although it is NOT something that you are going to do it is okay, the child will not be scarred for life either way. You may think that it is weird to say that but if that is what the parent chooses and that choice is based on that reason, it will be fine!! Again, I am not passionate either way so I really am not advocating either way but I don't want these "New Moms" to think that either is wrong.

Bottom line, as I said before, Liz, you as a parent HAS to do what YOU think is best for your child. There is NO right or wrong!!

[ChristinaR]

I just think it's an excuse for people say I want my baby look like his daddy. JMO.

Aaron, What's wrong with that? When you become a parent you use your life experiences as your guide right? There's a certain way you want him/she raised right? There's nothing wrong with wanting your child to look like you. How is that an excuse? Anyway that just irked me. There's a fine line between passionate and just rude. You feel a certain way that's fine but no there's just as much information out there with opposing view. I just find it odd you would compare a procedure like Circumcising to female genital mutilation.