To circumcise or not to circumcise, that is the question.

Willingly inflicting pain on our little ones. Unthinkable, isn't it? Until you take them for their first immunization shots and have to hold them close as the pediatrician sticks them with a needle and they scream their little lungs out.

Having all girls, I wasn't faced with the issue of whether or not to circumcise my infants. That's one of the advantages of having a girl! But for those of you who will be having boys in the future, this is a decision you'll have to make. Of course, if circumcision is part of your religious heritage, there will be no debate. However, this is one issue many parents agonize over. Should we, or shouldn't we, they wonder.

There are some risks involved with circumcision, such as the possibility of excessive bleeding and infection. However, the health benefits include a decreased risk of UTIs (urinary tract infections) and penile cancer. There is also some speculation that circumcision can possibly reduce the risk of HIV.

The decision whether or not to circumcise is up to the parents alone...not the grandparents or other well-meaning relatives and friends and not the doctors. The best thing for parents to do, prior to the birth of their baby, is to research this controversial issue and make an educated choice.

Of course, no one wants to put their baby through unnecessary pain. But sometimes we have to expose them to pain for their own good.

Which leads us to another question: to pierce or not to pierce....let's see. Risk factors versus health benefits: possible infection and bleeding (not to mention willingly inflicting pain on a child) versus...hmmm...can't think of a single health benefit. I guess it's rather clear how I feel about piercing a helpless baby's ears. Just a thought.

Keeping it healthy,

Hana