Aftercare Guide

All you need to know for a calm and informed recovery

Initial Care

First 24 Hours

Hygiene Reminder

Wash your hand thoroughly before diaper changes or bathing.

Frequently change the baby to prevent prolonged exposure to soiled diapers.

4 Things to look out for

Blood Control

The bandage should remain in place for the first 24 hours, in the event it falls off prematurely no action is required as long as there's no renewed bleeding. Blood spots and stains on the bandage or diaper are a normal occurrence, and are not a cause for concern. If you suspect, however, active bleeding - contact the Mohel immediately.

Urine

The Bris procedure does not affect urination, if the Baby has not wet a diaper within 3-6 hours post-circumcision, please contact the Mohel.

Appearance

The glans (tip of the penis) should appear dark red or a similar color. If it looks white, blue-purple or very dark, please contact the Mohel.

Wellbeing

As the baby just underwent a medical procedure, small irregularities in behavior such as more or less sleeping, eating and/or crying are acceptable. If he experiences extraordinary behaviors like fever, excessive cry or general unrest, please contact the Mohel.

Caring for your Baby

Diaper Change

At every diaper change for the first 2-3 weeks after the Bris, apply Vaseline (or other lubricants) on the tip of the glans, that will protect the soft skin from rubbing against the diaper. Additionally, during the first 48 hours from the Bris, at every other diaper change, apply a generous amount of Bacitracin (or other antibiotic ointments) forming a ring around the bandage/wound.

Upon closing, face the penis downward and secure the diaper tightly.

Bandage

As mentioned previously, the bandage should stay for the first 24 hours, therefore, handle the area gently and minimize moving the baby from hand to hand or using car seats. Doubling diapers can provide extra security if needed.

After 24 Hours

Bandage Removal

P.S. If you feel more comfortable having the Mohel remove the bandage, he will happily do so.

Wash and sanitize your hands thoroughly
Set nearby a pair of sterile gauze pads
Wet the bandage with clean water
Gently unroll the outer dressing, the inner dressing should not be removed - it will gradually dissolve on its own

In the unlikely event that bleeding resumes, surround the penis with the gauze, apply pressure all around it for a few minutes as needed. If bleeding persist, contact the Mohel.

Healing

A white-yellow discharge may appear in the days following the Bris, this is normal and part of the healing process, similarly, skin swelling (particularly the Priah - between the glans and the shaft) is very common. Overall the Bris may maintain a poor aesthetic appearance as it heals, but infection signs like blisters, pus, malodor etc. are not expected, and if suspected, please contact the Mohel.

Bathing

Bathe regularly, cleansing the wound with soap and water. it's also a great time to ensure the Bris is healing properly, for that, gently pull the skin away from the glans, preventing it from adhering back to the glans - ideal both aesthetically and halachically

Important Reminder

IF YOU'RE CONCERNED OR UNSURE ABOUT ANYTHING, DON'T HESITATE TO ASK. THE

MOHEL WILL ALWAYS BE HAPPY TO ADDRESS YOUR CONCERNS. IF THE MOHEL

SHOULD BUT CANNOT BE REACHED, SEEK PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ASSISTANCE.