Hello my name is Jennifer Hoogenakker, I am a nursing student at the
University of North Dakota. I have been reading postings on Lactnet about
breastfeeding and the sometimes detrimental effects early circumcision has
on the feeding behaviors of these male infants. I have found that indeed
there are many websites, and Journals that recommend waiting to get their
sons circumcised until successful feeding techniques are established
between mothers and their sons. The American Academy of Pediatrics says
that breastfeeding is a primary goal in achieving optimal infant and child
health, growth, and development (AAP, 1997). According to Hill, male
infants who are circumcised have a more difficult time initiating
breastfeeding, and that prospective parents should be warned in advance of
circumcision’s interference with breastfeeding (Hill, 2003). According to
Carbajal, it was found that there may be an analgesic effect of breast
feeding in minor invasive procedures in term neonates (Carbajal, 2003).
The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that parents and physicians
have an ethical duty to secure the child’s best interest. It is also said
that there are benefits and risks of performing the procedure during the
neonatal period and it is not essential to the child’s current well being
(AAP, 1999).
My question is why circumcision is performed on these young babies
before breastfeeding is established if there is information available to
the public that suggests that it can interfere with bonding, proper feeding
techniques, and it can be performed at a later date after breastfeeding has
been established.
Thanks,
Jennifer Hoogenakker, S.N
References:
American Academy of Pediatrics. (1997). Breastfeeding and the Use of
Human Milk (RE9729). Pediatrics, 100, 1035-1039.
American Academy of Pediatrics. (1999). Circumcision policy statement
(RE9850). Pediatrics, 103, 686-693.
Carbajal, R., Veerapen, S., Couderc, S., Jugie, M., & Ville, Y. (2003).
Analgesic effect of breastfeeding in term neonates: Randomized
controlled trial. British Medical Journal, 326, 13-16.
Hill, G. (2003). Breastfeeding must be given priority over circumcision.
Journal of Human Lactation, 19, 21.
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