Bringing a newborn to a medical appointment raises many practical questions. When do you feed them? How long will you be there? What happens in the procedure room? This guide covers what to expect from the moment you book to when you leave the clinic.
While we welcome referrals, no referral is required to book a circumcision at GTA Circumcision. You can contact the clinic directly or book online.
Your baby must be healthy, weigh at least 2.5 kg (approximately 5.5 lbs), have received a vitamin K injection and not be suffering from worrisome/unresolving jaundice (breast milk jaundice excluded). The ideal timing for the circumcision is within the first four weeks of life and the procedure is available at our clinic for newborns up to approximately six weeks old. If you are unsure whether your baby meets the criteria, the clinic can advise you before you book.
A pre-circumcision consultation is available at $100 and is recommended if you have specific questions about the procedure, your baby’s health history and/or whether circumcision is appropriate for your baby’s circumstances. The consultation fee is applied toward the procedure cost if you proceed with a circumcision.
Feed your baby approximately up to one hour before the appointment. Arriving with a recently fed and settled baby is desirable. We ask to not feed your baby for one hour before the appointment to try and reduce the likelihood he will spit up during the procedure. Changing a diaper before you leave the house is a good idea. Please bring wipes and at least 3 diapers to the appointment.
Bring your baby’s provincial health card and any documentation related to your baby’s birth and health. This is helpful if there are any known health conditions in your baby. The clinic will ask about your baby’s weight and general health before the procedure begins.
The appointment begins with being shown to a private procedure room, a brief review of your baby’s health status, confirmation of weight, and a discussion of what the procedure involves including the informed consent process. You will have an opportunity to ask any questions before your baby undergoes any medical intervention.
Typically, the most uncomfortable part of the entire circumcision for your baby is the placement of the local anesthetic and not the circumcision itself.
Local anesthetic injection occurs in a stepwise fashion once your baby’s caregiver or caregivers have advised they are ready to proceed with the circumcision. Your baby is placed in a holder designed for circumcision. Soft straps are used to secure your baby’s thighs. Sucrose is administered to calm your baby and, shortly thereafter, local anesthetic is injected to numb his penis.
After the local anesthetic has had time to onset, the circumcision is undertaken. Sucrose is administered during the circumcision, as well. In our clinic, most procedures take less than 5 minutes once the local anesthetic has been placed and instruments opened. Adhesions (tissue attachments) are released between the foreskin and the head of your baby’s penis. Babies may cry during this time as they may feel pressure from the procedure though we have done our best to minimize pain associated with this step. Our method for circumcision involves using a clamp to isolate the foreskin after adhesions are released. After the clamp has been applied, the foreskin is cut and removed. The clamp is then removed and inspection of the new circumcision site is immediately performed. Next, as soon as possible, your baby is returned to you and you are welcome to feed your baby at that time.
You are welcome to remain in the procedure room during the circumcision or make yourself comfortable in a waiting area in the clinic. It is your choice. We will never tell you to be separated from your baby. Dr. Andrew Suess, MD, FRCPC, Anesthesiologist performs every procedure.
Again, some crying is normal. Newborns respond to handling, temperature changes and physical constraints differently even when pain control is working well. If something concerns you during the procedure, please let us know.
Before you leave, we will inspect the circumcision site for bleeding and perform a dressing change demonstration. You will receive written aftercare instructions covering:
You will also have a direct number to reach the clinic and circumcision provider if questions come up at home.
The area will look inflamed/swollen before it looks better. Some redness, mild swelling, and a yellow/white film over the wound site are all part of normal tissue healing. If any of those changes worsen significantly after the first 48 hours, please contact us.
How early can I book the appointment?
You can book before your baby is born. The procedure is scheduled once your baby arrives and you confirm the appointment details with the clinic.
Is a referral required?
No referral is required. However, we welcome referrals from other healthcare providers. You can contact GTA Circumcision directly to book an appointment.
What if my baby has not gained enough weight yet?
Eligibility depends on meeting the minimum weight of 2.5 kg (approximately 5.5 lbs). If your baby does not meet this threshold at the time of the appointment, the procedure can be rescheduled.
Can I stay with my baby during the procedure?
Of course. You are welcome to stay in the procedure room during the procedure or, if you prefer, make yourself comfortable in the clinic’s waiting areas.
How long until my baby is fully healed?
Most newborns heal within 10-14 days. However, changes can persist for up to a month or longer.
Will my baby need pain medication at home?
Acetaminophen is recommended for the first 24 hours as needed after the procedure to manage post-procedural discomfort. Usually, no more than 1 or 2 doses are required. Specific dosing instructions are provided before discharge.
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