5 Reasons Why Newborns May Not Be Circumcised Immediately at Birth

Although statistics may vary by country, or even by certain regions of countries, newborn circumcision is still considered the most common newborn surgical procedure in the world.  

However, there may be times where a newborn is not able to immediately undergo a circumcision procedure. Let’s look at the top five reasons below.

1. Baby is Born Prematurely 

Although the minimum weight requirement varies by surgeon and medical practice, in general, newborns must weigh at least 5 pounds to be able to undergo the circumcision procedure.  

If a baby is born prematurely, they are typically under the minimum five pounds, so the procedure may be delayed until the baby has reached the minimum weight requirement.

2. Baby is Born with or Develops Illness 

When a doctor delivers a newborn under complicated conditions, where they are admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) due to breathing problems or difficulty adapting outside the mother’s womb, circumcisions are delayed until the baby is released from the NICU and ready to be discharged from the hospital. 

3. Baby is Born with Jaundice 

If the baby is born with jaundice severe enough to require ultraviolet light therapy, surgeons may delay circumcisions to avoid further complications. 

4. No Insurance Coverage 

Unfortunately, many insurance policies categorize circumcisions as an elective or cosmetic procedure and therefore do not qualify for coverage.  

This reason is especially true for patients under Medicaid. Many states have begun withdrawing their coverage for circumcisions because they are deemed medically unnecessary. 

5. Parents Are Undecided About the Procedure 

Although most parents have already decided against circumcision before their baby’s birth, some might be fearful because of information put out by anti-circumcision groups who have their agenda. 

Why Choose Gentle Circumcision? 

If your newborn fell into one of the above categories and you’re now looking to have your older infant circumcised, here are four reasons why you should choose Gentle Circumcision. 

1. Experience 

We have performed over 3,000 circumcision procedures with our tried-and-true method specifically designed for older babies. 

2. Pain-Less Healing 

Our advanced pain management model eliminates discomfort during the post-op healing process.

This option makes the experience much more manageable for the older baby and his parents/guardians/caregivers. 

3. Affordable 

Since we only perform outpatient circumcision procedures in our facility, we can keep costs low and affordable for all patients.  

Also, we use local anesthesia during the procedure instead of general anesthesia, which also helps to keep costs low. 

4. Less Risk 

Our procedures carry less risk with local anesthesia, as opposed to general anesthesia which carries a long list of more dangerous complications. 

We Can Help! 

If your newborn fell into one of the above categories and you’re now looking to have your older infant circumcised, call us at (310) 559-8000 or schedule a consultation with us and learn how we can provide the best service and results for your older baby! 

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