Category: Pregnancy

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To Circumcise or Not To Circumcise?  That is the Question!

One topic that gets a lot of controversy is whether you should circumcise your baby boy.  Not even all physicians agree on this.  On a past episode of the popular American television show, “The Doctors,” this disagreement was evident.

When you are pregnant, it is best to think over whether you plan to have your baby boy circumcised, as this is not really a decision that you want to make after the baby is born when you are busy with nighttime feedings and numerous diaper changes.  It will also allow you adequate time to find a physician who is willing to do the surgery, if you do choose the circumcision route.

What exactly does circumcision involve?

Every baby boy is born with a foreskin that covers the glans (head) of the penis.  Circumcision involves a surgical procedure to remove the foreskin.  Contrary to popular belief, the surgery is performed with anesthesia in American and Canadian hospitals and clinics.  Always ensure that an anesthetic will be used.  To do so without anesthesia, would be very painful for your baby.

How many newborn babies are circumcised every year?

In the United States, approximately 55% – 65% of newborn boys are circumcised annually.  The United States, Canada, and the Middle East have the highest rates of circumcision.  Some areas in Asia and Europe are examples of geographic locations with lower rates.

There has been a decreasing trend in circumcision in some countries such as Canada in recent years.

Why is circumcision performed?

The main reasons for circumcision are religious, cultural, and esthetics.  In some circumstances, it is also performed for medical reasons such as when the foreskin does not retract.

In any case, circumcision is not performed routinely.  You want to make an informed decision, and the only way to do this is by gathering information.

Here are some arguments against circumcision: 

  • If you are born with the foreskin, then God must have wanted it there (the religious viewpoint), or it must still serve a purpose (the evolutionary viewpoint).
  • The foreskin is filled with nerve endings, reportedly increasing sexual pleasure and satisfaction.
  • According to one study published in the International Journal of Men’s Health, circumcised men had higher incidences of erectile dysfunction, compared to their uncircumcised male counterparts. It is thought that this is because a circumcised man has less sensation in his penis due to the missing foreskin.
  • Although the risk of infant death due to circumcision is very low in industrialized countries, there still is a higher rate of infant mortality related to circumcision when compared to the risk of developing penile cancer in uncircumcised males.
  • There is always the possibility of a botched surgery.
  • There may be pain after the surgery.
  • There is always a risk of infection or bleeding with any surgery, although the risks are low.
  • You want to allow your son to be the one to decide when he is of age.

Here are some arguments for circumcision:

  • It is your religious belief, cultural or social expectation to have it done.
  • You want your son to look like his brothers and your husband.
  • You want to decrease any possible medical risks such as urinary tract infections, penile cancer, and contraction of sexually-transmitted infections (STI’s) such as HIV.
  • You want to decrease the risk of putting your son’s future partner at risk of developing a sexually-transmitted infection.

So what does the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend?

The latest stand is that circumcision can be advantageous and even offer possible medical benefits, but it also offers risks.  At this point in time, the American Academy of Pediatrics states that there is not enough evidence to suggest circumcision be done routinely.

To conclude, there appears to be both advantages and disadvantages to circumcision in newborn boys.  It is up to you to review all the information and discuss it with your healthcare provider, so that you feel like you make the best decision for your baby.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Checklist of Things to Pack to Bring to the Hospital or Birthing Center

For You:

  1. ___ Loose, comfortable clothing to go home in
  2. ___ A couple of nightgowns and a housecoat
  3. ___ Comfortable, cool clothes to lounge in after the birth of your baby
  4. ___ Slippers
  5. ___ Socks
  6. ___ Breastfeeding pillow
  7. ___ Breast pads
  8. ___ Two breastfeeding bras
  9. ___ Nipple cream for possible cracks/sore nipples
  10. ___ Toothpaste
  11. ___ Toothbrush
  12. ___ Floss
  13. ___ Hairbrush
  14. ___ Antiperspirant/deodorant
  15. ___ Cosmetics and hair products
  16. ___ Shampoo and conditioner
  17. ___ Body wash or soap
  18. ___ A few healthy snacks to keep in your room
  19. ___ Eyeglasses or contact lenses and solution
  20. ___ Birth plan, hospital paperwork, your insurance or health card
  21. ___ Camera and/or video camera
  22. ___ Your own underwear (oversized)

For Baby: 

  1. ___ Clothing for your baby to go home in
  2. ___ Car seat (make sure you know how to use and install it before giving birth)
  3. ___ Blanket or car seat cover to keep the wind off of your baby

For Your Partner:

  1. ___ A couple changes of comfortable clothing
  2. ___ Snacks
  3. ___ Money
  4. ___ Phone numbers of friends and family to call after your baby’s birth
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4 Reasons for Postpartum Depression & Risk Factors for Its Development

It is common for moms to experience the “baby blues” – crying, sadness, difficulty sleeping, irritability – within the first few days to couple of weeks after having a new baby.  However, when these symptoms last longer than two or three weeks, you may be suffering from “postpartum depression” (PPD).  The latter requires professional consultation and treatment, and is not something that you should blame yourself for developing.   In any case, if you are experiencing depression after the birth of your baby, please do NOT delay in getting treatment.

How many women are affected by postpartum depression?

Although many cases still go unreported, it appears that about 20% of moms develop it.

Why, at a time that most would celebrate the birth of a baby, do you feel depressed?

There can be many reasons, but here are some potential ones:

  1. Hormonal Changes:

Estrogen and progesterone hormones increase ten times during pregnancy, and then drop suddenly after birth.  In fact, they are back to pre-pregnancy levels or even lower within three days of giving birth!  Cortisol is another hormone that increases in pregnancy, and decreases dramatically after the baby’s birth.

  1. Major Lifestyle Changes:

If it is a first baby, it can be very stressful learning everything there is to know about caring for a newborn.  Add lack of sleep and/or a colicky baby into the picture, and coping skills can dramatically be reduced.

If this is not your first baby, there can sometimes be guilt associated with not spending enough time with your older children as caring for the new baby may be taking away time away from them.

  1. Physical Changes:

It can be frustrating to hear about celebrities who are in their pre-pregnancy jeans within a week of giving birth!  This is not the norm.  In addition to weight gain, new mothers deal with the reality of permanent stretch marks, and the pain from vaginal deliveries or caesarean sections.

  1. Emotional Causes:

Many times, mothers-to-be have idealistic thoughts of how the pregnancy, labor and delivery, and post-pregnancy weeks are going to be, only to find out that many things do not go according to plan.  For example, if a mother was planning on cuddling and bonding with her baby immediately after the birth, but the baby has to be rushed off due to unexpected medical reasons, this can be devastating.

Although all moms experience potential reasons to become depressed, not all do. 

As in other physical and mental health disorders, there are particular risk factors for developing postpartum depression.

Risk factors for PPD include:

  • History of depression prior to pregnancy or during pregnancy
  • Family history of depression (often a biochemical predisposition)
  • Previous history of postpartum depression after the birth of other children
  • History of an eating disorder
  • Lack of support from family, friends, and partner
  • Age of the mother – Younger mothers are at increased risk
  • The more children you have, the greater the risk of PPD
  • Troubled relationship with your partner

In summary, up to 20% of moms will develop postpartum depression.  There are several reasons why you may feel depressed after the birth, and risk factors that increase the chances of developing PPD.  Arming yourself with this knowledge, can help you identify if you may be suffering from PPD, so that you can get help as soon as possible.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Recognizing Prenatal Depression and Its Effects on Mother and Unborn Baby

Prenatal depression has recently gained more attention by obstetricians, but it is still not fully understood.  Studies on pregnant women are less frequent due to the ethical issues.  But observational studies have shown that, among women who are diagnosed with postnatal depression, many report having had similar feelings during their pregnancies.

Therefore, women who are experiencing depression should discuss their feelings with their obstetricians and seek treatment as soon as they recognize that something is amiss.  Depression that affects the mom in significant ways, may also directly affect the unborn fetus.

What are some of the symptoms of prenatal depression?

  • Crying
  • Sleep disturbances and fatigue
  • Appetite disturbance
  • Anxiety
  • Irritability
  • Difficulty concentrating

Some of these symptoms seem to describe normal pregnancy occurrences such as appetite disturbance and sleep problems, but the key factors are the severity and duration of the symptoms.

What are some of the major factors contributing to prenatal depression?

  • Poor fetal attachment
  • Previous history of depression, or a family history of it
  • Unplanned pregnancy
  • Previous history of miscarriage
  • Years of fertility treatments
  • Relationship dissatisfaction with the baby’s father, or being single
  • Limited family or social supports
  • Stress over the changes that are happening or are about to happen ex) pause in career goals, loss of independent lifestyle, increased bills, etc.
  • Other children – the more children you already have, the more chance of depression

Women who experience any of the above factors, and do not receive help for these and the other symptoms listed, have an increased likelihood to experience postnatal depression as well.  It is therefore important to get treatment during pregnancy.

How does prenatal depression directly affect the fetus?

Although at least 18% of all pregnant women suffer from some form of prenatal depression, the few studies that have been done have found that 40% of women who live in lower socio-economic conditions tend to suffer more severe prenatal depression.

As a result of healthcare concerns and economic challenges, the fetus may have some challenges as well, including:

  • Smaller head circumference
  • Low birth weight
  • Premature birth
  • Lower level of growth during the first year of life, including developmental delay

What can a mom with prenatal depression do to help herself and her unborn child?

Although prenatal depression tends to make a pregnant woman feel she is all alone, she can reduce the symptoms proactively by doing the following things:

  • Communicate her feelings with her family to get their support
  • See her physician for treatment.
  • Join a support group to learn about how others are dealing with the same feelings, and try to use those strategies that may work for her.
  • Exercise regularly to help release “feel-good” endorphins. Always speak to a physician first to ensure a suitable and safe level of exercise.
  • Try to get proper rest.
  • Eat well. If costs are a concern, seek assistance with government food programs to get a proper diet.

Prenatal depression is hard to deal with all alone.  Seek help for it and your baby.  The help will make bringing a new life into the world so much better for both of you.  It will also reduce the chances that the new baby will be affected by the negative impact of depression both before and after the birth.