Penis Care
There is no pressing medical reason for a circumcision to be done. It may be your preference for religious or cultural reasons to have this minor surgery performed. Ordinarily there are no complications with this procedure, but bleeding and/or infection can occur. If you have questions about any part of it, discuss with your obstetrician or pediatrician before signing the consent form.
If you have your baby circumcised, use Vaseline or A & D Ointment frequently on the circumcised area to prevent direct contact with the diaper. Cleanse area with soap and water with each diaper change.
While redness and swelling are common during the first 4‑5 days, any inflammation of the shaft of the penis our swelling/redness should be brought to our attention immediately.
If you decide not to have your baby circumcised, then the foreskin should be retracted intermittently. In time the foreskin will be completely retractable and then that part of the penis should be cleaned regularly.
Vaginal Care
Female babies often have a whitish discharge from the vagina. This is a normal occurrence. Simply remove the discharge with a warm cloth. At times there may also be a bloody vaginal discharge, and this is also normal. It may last 1‑2 weeks after birth. If it persists, contact the office. It is also important to spread the baby’s labia apart always to clean any stool which may have collected in that area following bowel movements. Overly vigorous cleaning is otherwise not necessary.