Newborn Circumcision in Beaverton, OR
Deciding whether to circumcise your baby boy is a personal choice, and many families have questions about the procedure, recovery, and aftercare. At Tanasbourne Pediatrics in Beaverton, OR , our physicians offer newborn circumcision with a focus on your baby’s comfort and safety. We take time to explain the procedure, answer your questions, and give you clear instructions so you feel confident caring for your son at home.
What Is Circumcision?
Circumcision is a minor procedure that removes the foreskin covering the tip of the penis. Families choose circumcision for a variety of cultural, religious, hygiene, and health reasons. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that the health benefits of newborn circumcision outweigh the risks, but that the benefits are not great enough to recommend it for every baby, so the decision is left to parents.
Potential Benefits
- Lower risk of urinary tract infections in the first year of life
- Easier genital hygiene
- Reduced risk of some sexually transmitted infections later in life
- Lower risk of certain foreskin problems, such as phimosis
Is Your Baby a Good Candidate?
Circumcision is typically performed in the newborn period on healthy, full-term babies. During a newborn check, your pediatrician will examine your baby to confirm the procedure is appropriate. Some babies, such as those born with certain differences in the anatomy of the penis, may need to wait or be referred to a specialist.
Keeping Your Baby Comfortable
Your baby’s comfort is our priority. Local numbing medicine is used to reduce pain during the procedure, and comfort measures such as swaddling, sucrose, and feeding help soothe your baby afterward. The procedure itself is brief, and most babies return to normal feeding and sleeping quickly.
Circumcision Aftercare at Home
Healing typically takes about 7 to 10 days. Your pediatrician will explain how to apply petroleum jelly to protect the area, how to diaper gently, and what normal healing looks like. Call our office at (503) 690-8195 if you notice persistent bleeding, increasing redness or swelling, fever, yellow discharge that worsens, or if your baby is not urinating normally.
Ongoing Care for Your Growing Baby
After circumcision, your baby will continue with regular well-child checks and routine vaccines. Visit our newborn parents page for more resources, or explore all of our pediatric services.
Circumcision FAQs
When is newborn circumcision usually performed?
Newborn circumcision is usually performed in the first weeks of life in healthy, full-term babies after a pediatrician confirms it is appropriate.
Does circumcision hurt my baby?
Local numbing medicine is used to minimize pain, and comfort measures such as swaddling, sucrose, and feeding help soothe your baby.
How long does it take a circumcision to heal?
Most circumcisions heal within about 7 to 10 days with proper at-home care.
How do I care for my baby after circumcision?
Apply petroleum jelly to the area with each diaper change and fasten diapers loosely. Your pediatrician will give you step-by-step instructions.
What are signs of a problem after circumcision?
Call your pediatrician for persistent bleeding, increasing redness or swelling, fever, worsening discharge, or trouble urinating.
Does the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend circumcision?
The AAP states the health benefits outweigh the risks but leaves the decision to parents based on their values and preferences.
Is circumcision covered by insurance?
Coverage varies by plan. Please check with your insurance company before scheduling the procedure.