Repost IX: Taking Care of Baby Post-Bris, Immediate and Longer Term

 This is part of a series in which I am reposting older material in a more organized fashion. This post is strictly about monitoring how the circumcision heals, and some issues which may come up down the road, specifically in the weeks which follow the circumcision, and sometimes even months later if the baby becomes particular fat in the thighs. This is not discussing any other issues of baby care.

After the bris, when my job is done (there is no longer a bandage on and the baby isn't bleeding), the parents' job of taking care of the healing circumcision kicks in. In simple terms, it is recommended to keep the area lubricated in the initial days following circumcision, while also protecting the circumcision from the bacteria associated with stool (aka 'poop.')

The post-Bris care page is most helpful for the immediate attention the baby needs

Most of the important information you'll need can be found in this post of the Scare Tactic in which I outline why the instruction I give all parents is essential to pay attention to - we would like to avoid a child having an issue which might require surgical attention at a later stage in life. 

In addition to the important story told there (you have to click on the previous link), you will also find these links whose titles should give you an indication of what they address:

http://www.mohelinsouthflorida.com/2010/01/what-will-it-look-like-before-and.html
http://www.mohelinsouthflorida.com/2011/01/knowing-what-to-expect-afterwards.html
http://www.mohelinsouthflorida.com/2012/09/chubby-baby-syndrome.html
http://www.mohelinsouthflorida.com/2011/08/fusion-challenge.html

It's also important to note that many babies experience swelling in the circumcision area in the days that follow circumcision. It is usually the remains of the membrane which is the greatest culprit for this unsightly feature of post-op healing. 

At the same time, note that the membrane - when the right amount of it remains - is an important feature of post-op healing. See more about that here