The decision to circumcise is a painful one in and of itself. Many studies report that the experience is traumatic and stressful for the baby. Parents struggle with the religious, social and cultural implications of their decision, as well as issues like hygiene and potential health concerns.
If parents ultimately give the green light on circumcision, the next decision involves how, when and who. Will anesthesia be used? Should the procedure be performed soon after birth? Would it be better to use a man or woman doctor? How much will it cost?
While circumcision rates in the U.S. have dropped by approximately 10 percent over the last 15 years, the WHO estimates that approximately 75 percent of U.S. boys are circumcised. But when the procedures are done, only 14 percent of physicians use anesthesia, even though the American Academy of Pediatricians indicates that the need for pain control is clear.
Perhaps that’s why neonatal units increasingly use music as a way to soothe babies. New research suggests that playing music helps to calm babies and lower heart rates during stressful practices like circumcision and heel pricks—done to all newborns to test blood for metabolic disorders. Manoj Kumar, M.D., and his team at the University of Alberta reviewed data from nine trials, including six that looked at music played while infants underwent painful procedures. They looked at oxygen saturation, heart rates, and respiratory rates to see if music made any difference. While some benefits were observed, the jury is out on any hard conclusions.
The way I view it, any measure taken to help the comfort of the baby is worthwhile. We’ve seen how music can positively impact the well-being of ill patients and help us regulate our stress levels, why not provide that potential benefit to our little boys?
Posted by Jeri_at_Health on Friday, May 29, 2009 8:36 AM
2 comments:
Circumcision should not be performed. It negatively effects brain development by flooding the brain with stress hormone. It is barbaric. Child abuse is still abuse even if music is playing in the background.
Any measure to protect babies is well worth it. Circumcision doesn't protect babies. It should not be done. It causes harm and is even more dangerous for preemies, who are already vulnerable. Why risk blood loss, infection, or a botched circumcision? Some circumcision problems don't even show up until later in childhood or even adulthood.
How about this- would you like surgery to your genitals performed and having your anesthesia choice be music? I doubt it actually even does anything. Sugar water was said to offer pain relief, but further studies showed that it only made changes in infant's faces and the brain waves showed pain reactions.
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