I frequently see parents cringe when I mention this possibility.  I
find it helps first to point out that the procedure is far less
invasive than a circ and with far fewer potential problems.  If they
have a boy that was circ'd (and had no apparant complications) that
is often enough to allay their concerns.  It is also very helpful to
point out to them how white the "web of tissue" is when baby opens
his/her mouth wide and raises the tongue (to the extent the baby is
able to do so).  When they see this I then point out that the reason
it looks so white is that there is barely any circulation in that
area and little or no innervation, they are usually much reassured.
It helps to know where they are coming from.  Since there is some
familial predisposition to it, they may know of a family member that
had it done at some point beyond infancy when it can involve
extensive plastic surgery.  They may also have mentioned it to or
had it pointed out by a doc sho is not familiar with the simple
procedure in a newborn and who may have said that if it turns out to
be a problem, (s)he will refer then to an ENT specialist!  If I knew
nothing about it that would certainly give me second and even third
thoughts!  One of our docs who does clip them in the hospital does
it in mom's room with mom holding baby on her lap.  I will mention
this to parents also so they can see that it's not that big of a
deal.
Winnie

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