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Pain Relief Recommendation for Infant Circumcision

Prior to 1980, it was believed that infants could not feel pain, so anesthesia was not used during circumcision surgeries. Since this time, the medical community has become wise to the fact that all humans can feel pain, including newborns, according to the Circumcision Resource Center. It can be difficult for a parent to deal with a newborn baby that has just been circumcised, and parents often do not know what to do to ease the pain for their baby boys.

  1. Signs of Pain

    • Understand what your baby will do if he is experiencing pain and discomfort from his circumcision, which he most likely will. Babies don't have the capability of telling someone they are experiencing pain or discomfort. All babies cry sometimes, but a baby that is in pain may cry more often than normal. The crying may be higher pitched and may last for longer periods of time. Other infants don't have the energy to cry when they are in extreme pain and may just lay there silently instead.

      Babies that are in pain will sometimes squeeze the eyes shut or you may notice deep lines around the nose and mouth. His body may be stiff and he may look tense. Sometimes a baby in pain squirms around more than usual or he may do the opposite and sleep a lot. Infants that are in pain may be more fussy than usual. He may refuse to eat or sleep at normal times, and feeding and holding him may not comfort him.

    Distraction

    • The best thing a parent can do for a baby when he's in pain is to hold and comfort him. This type of contact will be helpful to the child and may also help distract him. Distraction really may be the best medicine for the baby. Music, toys and rocking are good distractions.

    What to Give Him

    • There are a couple of things parents can give the child. The first is the appropriate dose of acetaminophen. Speak to the pediatrician about how much acetaminophen is safe to give the baby. Put a small amount of sugar on the nipple of a pacifier. Regular sugar is best, as honey is unsafe for infants younger than 1 year old.

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