Digital Book Discontinued Preparing for Birth v2.4 | Page 68

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Newborn Procedures

Circumcision
Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin of the penis . Usually this is done in the days or weeks after birth . Circumcision rates vary greatly depending on the region . In 2010 in the U . S ., roughly 40 % of newborn boys were circumcised in the West compared to nearly 70 % in the Midwest . There is a lot of controversy regarding circumcision and it can be a challenge to find unbiased information . Circumcision is a serious decision for parents to make after weighing the cultural , religious or personal factors as well as the potential health impacts . The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend routine circumcision .
Considerations : Circumcision may reduce the risk of urinary tract infections ( though rare in males ), penile cancer ( though extremely rare ) and studies suggest circumcision may reduce the risk of acquiring HPV , HIV and herpes . Complications from circumcision include excessive bleeding , infection , surgical injury or complications from anesthesia . Premature babies or those with blood clotting disorders should not be circumcised at birth .
Jaundice
Physiologic jaundice is common in newborns and is a result of high levels of bilirubin in the blood due to baby ’ s immature liver . A jaundiced baby may have a yellow tinge to the skin or eyes . Usually jaundice is mild , peaking around 3-5 days and often resolves on its own with frequent feedings . If bilirubin levels get too high , your baby may require phototherapy treatment ( see photo below ). This treatment can sometimes be done at home using a special blanket with built-in lights . It is also important to feed your baby as often as possible to help flush the bilirubin , which can be a challenge since jaundice makes babies extra sleepy . Occasionally , babies become jaundiced due to other events such as prematurity , dehydration , a substance in mother ’ s milk , or blood incompatibility with mother ’ s blood . Seek medical assistance if you notice a yellowing of baby ’ s skin or eyes at any point .
If you choose to circumcise , ensure pain relief is used during the procedure . Learn how to care for the wound and seek medical attention if you notice any signs of infection , fever or bleeding .
If you choose not to circumcise , it is fairly easy to keep an uncircumcised penis clean with gentle bathing . Be sure to never forcibly retract the foreskin ( the covering of the penis ).
It is wise to choose a care provider for your baby well before birth , so that they can answer questions and provide information and guidance on these newborn care practices , as well as be a valuable resource once your baby has arrived . Seek a provider that you feel is compatible with your family , spends time getting to know you and is someone you trust .
A small percentage of newborns may experience breastfeeding jaundice , caused by baby not getting enough milk , or breast milk jaundice , caused by substances in the milk leading to higher bilirubin levels . Prematurity or Rh incompatibility may also contribute to a higher likelihood of jaundice .
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Life with Baby