Possible Complications After Brit Milah and How to Manage Them
Introduction
Brit Milah is a central mitzvah in Judaism, traditionally performed on the eighth day of a baby boy’s life. While it is generally a safe and common procedure, potential complications may arise post-circumcision. This article outlines these possible complications, explains how to manage them, and discusses relevant medical and halachic guidelines for post-circumcision care.
Common Complications After Brit Milah
Brit Milah for infants is a very safe procedure with a very low risk of infection, thanks to the body’s natural defenses. One of the protective factors is the high level of Vitamin K on the eighth day of life, which aids in effective blood clotting and helps prevent bleeding. The close connection between this religious commandment and the baby’s health highlights the protective care inherent in the practice. Additionally, Brit Milah is one of the most common surgical procedures globally, and among professional mohels, medical complications are extremely rare.
Bleeding
It is normal to see red spots on the diaper after Brit Milah, but excessive bleeding is very rare. If there is any concern, you should contact your mohel immediately to let him know and to recieve appropriate instructions.
How to Manage: In cases of increased bleeding, contact the mohel immediately for specific instructions. Mild bleeding, such as a small drop of blood from the bandage or the operated area, is normal. However, if there is any concern, parents can always contact their Milah-Center mohel 24/7 for advice and guidance.
Infection
Localized infection is a possible but rare complication in infant circumcisions, especially when performed in a sterile environment.
How to Manage: Keep the circumcision area clean and ensure hands are clean before touching the area, following the instructions of the mohel or doctor. If there are signs of infection such as increased redness, swelling, or white pus, consult the mohel or a doctor for appropriate treatment.
Pain and Swelling
Mild swelling and pain are normal after circumcision.
How to Manage: Use pain relievers such as Novimol as recommended by the doctor and mohel, and apply the ointment provided by the mohel to the area.
Healing Issues
Normal healing sometimes appears like scabbing, with the body producing yellowish discharges that may look like a scab. Do not touch these discharges as they are part of the healthy healing process.
How to Manage: Follow the instructions of the mohel or doctor and attend follow-up appointments if there are any concerns.
Contact Us
"Thank you to the amazing team at Milah Center!"
We are a couple who were evacuated from Sderot and didn’t know how we would fulfill the beautiful and important mitzvah of our dear son’s Brit Milah. We contacted Milah Center and received a quick response. The mohel was very professional, relieved all our stress, and even recommended places where we could hold the event. They explained exactly what to do and ensured everything was fine even a few days after the Brit Milah. Our experience was truly amazing; everything was done calmly and professionally. We highly recommend it!
– Shmuel
When to Contact the Mohel or Doctor
Contact the mohel or doctor immediately if:
Bleeding does not stop: It is normal to have drops of blood from the area, it is not a problem and totally normal, If it is excessive or you are concerned you should call the mohel to discuss. At Milah Center, we have a mohel available 24/7 to answer any questions.
Signs of infection such as high fever or unusual redness.
The baby does not urinate within six hours after the brit – the bandage might be too tight.
Severe pain that is not relieved by medication.
Post-Circumcision Care
Changing Bandages: Usually, the mohel will remove the bandage and ask parents to apply ointment in the days following the brit to prevent the wound from sticking to the diaper. If the mohel has not left a bandage or has asked the parents to change it themselves, do so according to the mohel’s or doctor’s instructions, ensuring the area remains clean and dry.
Maintaining Hygiene: Avoid using alcohol or other irritants that can cause pain and irritation in the circumcision area.
Medical Follow-Up: If there is any suspicion of a problem, consult the mohel or doctor for further evaluation and follow-up.
Consultation with Mohel and Doctor
At Milah Center, we provide professional mohel services tailored to your needs, with a special emphasis on the health and safety of the baby. With extensive experience and adherence to halachic and traditional guidelines, our mohels ensure a safe and precise Brit Milah ceremony. We provide medical and halachic consultations throughout the process, from initial preparations to post-circumcision care instructions. Our support includes ongoing monitoring to ensure full recovery and the baby’s health. Contact us today to ensure a healthy and safe Brit Milah experience, providing comfort and confidence for you and your family.
Summary
Understanding the possible complications after Brit Milah and how to manage them is crucial for ensuring the baby’s health. Always consult a certified mohel or doctor if there is any suspicion of a problem after the circumcision.
Rabbi Ari Deutsch
Rabbi Ari Deutsch is a leading mohel at Milah Center, with extensive experience performing hundreds of Brit Milah ceremonies across the country. With a rich and comprehensive knowledge of Jewish laws and traditions, Rabbi Deutsch offers circumcision services that combine spiritual sensitivity with precise adherence to Jewish practices. He is known for his high professionalism and the personal, warm approach he provides to every family and baby, while maintaining the highest medical standards.
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Before
- Pre-birth consultations
- Pre-bris consultation
- Bilirubin testing
- Pre-bris checkups
During
- Top mohalim
- Complete bris kit
- Optional venue
- Specialized treatment for complicated brissim
After
- Post-bris checkup
- Wound care
- Bandage removal
- Additional checkups as needed
