Early Circumcision: An Important Health Choice

In our culture, circumcision is deemed a rite of passage to any boy who would like to be taken more seriously, or at least not teased in school. Ask any father who has gone through it and they will always say it was a choice that they needed to do because it was how the norm was. It is usually done during the summer season so that the recovery time would be longer and it's usually the "season" for such rituals.

When I gave birth to D, or when we found out that we were having a boy, I was quite aware of newborn circumcision and was hoping to have it done. L told me that he would want D to go through the process of making the decision as to when it will be done so that he, too, will have the rite of passage into manhood. I was supportive and agreed with him though I wasn't as aware as to how such would be done. I have a younger sister and my brother's 8 years older than me so when I was born, he's done with his rite of passage.

When D was diagnosed with phimosis, early circumcision was needed to prevent his UTI from recurring. So, we made the decision to have him undergo the procedure as soon as possible. I wasn't as nervous because I've gone through several operations myself, being born cleft and palate, and was aware of how operations would go. And since it was going to be a short procedure, D's pedia (Doc Monna) and our family friend and anesthesiologist (Doc Jean) were nice enough to assure us that it will be quick. Since D is 18 months when the procedure is done, topical anesthesia cannot be done since he will be very mobile so he will be under general anesthesia during the quick procedure. We got Doc Jean to recommend a surgeon to do the procedure.

L and I talked about who was going to be with D in the OR during the procedure. Honestly, it would be my first time in the OR (where I'm not the patient) and it will be L's second time, after my CS, for him. He told me that I should be the one with D so that I would be aware as to how circumcision is done. Yes, I'm not really aware as to how it's done...I've seen videos and diagrams but actual is not something I would like to see but yes, he has a point. If we have another son then it would be ideal that I also be aware so that we can make the necessary decision of newborn circumcision since phimosis could be genetic. If D was born with it and he'd have a younger brother, he might have it as well.

D went through the usual pre-op labs (CBC platelet and chest x-ray), we even had a difficult time getting the results because we had to wait for a few hours and then we would miss out on the clinic hours of the surgeon. It was postponed until D's x-ray findings were clear (first reading was right basal pneumonia, second reading was all clear). I went to Dr. Monteverde's clinic last Monday (February 3) to meet him and explain the situation at hand. He looks such a calm and cool surgeon and that made me more at ease with the upcoming procedure. What took my by surprise was that D wouldn't be under general anesthesia (like what the pedia explained it was going to be) but just a plain circumcision where he will be wide awake. I was a little hesitant because I knew the strength that D has, imagine the Incredible Hulk but cuter. Dr. Tom was very casual and told me that it'll be fine and it'll be done more quickly. I texted Dr. Jean and she said she'll be on standby in case of an SOS. So, the schedule was February 4 at 10AM at the outpatient department of Brokenshire.

The procedure was quick and easy and I appreciated that Dr. Tom was able to explain to us each step that he would take. It was also great that he was teaching an ER doctor (who hasn't done a phimotic circumcision on a toddler) how to do it as well. D was (naturally) screaming and crying during the duration because he was being pinned down, but halfway through the procedure he fell asleep and we were all able to relax our grip on him. L had to step out about 10 minutes into the procedure because he couldn't take D's crying and screams. I wasn't aware about it until we had dinner last night and I asked him where he went. I guess when you have gone through the same procedure and you hear your own son crying, it's never the easiest on the dads.

Now that it's been more than 24 hours since the procedure, I don't think there's any pain though he was prescribed to take mefenamic for 5 days. He is quite aware that he's got something healing below the belt and yes, it was hastened the potty training for the family.

Did I have second thoughts about letting D go through such a procedure at 18 months? No.

Would I do it to my second son, if we were given another boy? Well, newborn circumcision is something that L and I feel strongly about especially if he is phimotic.

We decided on early circumcision on D because it was an important health choice. Amidst the norm and culture that we hold in our society, it is something that L and I needed to decide on instead of given D the free reign. But yes, I would do it again in a heartbeat...

My Breastfeeding Advocate Hubbie Part 2

This happens to be another experience that L shared about his advocacy for breastfeeding (yes, such a wonderful world that husbands are very vocal and supportive of such an advocacy!).

He had a customer this afternoon who was carrying her 8-month-old baby and she got her 3-year-old toddler to tag along when they were buying a motorcycle unit. Of course, heat was crazy so L told the mom to come inside the cool office so that it would make the baby feel less fussy. His staff were a little hesitant to approach the mom since she was breastfeeding her baby, L motioned the mom to sit down and he asked what unit they were looking for and all.

"Sir, okay lang ba na magpa-dede ko diri?" the mom asked.
"Okay lang ma'am. Wala'y problema na. Init pud kaayo sa gawas, basin ma-subawan ang mga bata especially ang baby, kasabot kaayo ko ana ma'am." L said respectfully, "Akong asawa man pud, gapa-dede man pud."

The mom simply smiled and L said that she felt more relaxed as she fed her baby and they were discussing about the unit that she wanted to purchase. After having purchased the unit, signed the contracts and she asked a couple of relatives to pick up the children (she was driving the motorcycle), she got onto the motorbike and left the store.

L's staff approached him and just smiled.

"Sir, dili man gud namo ma-istorya ug tarong kay gapa-dede man gud. Di mi katan-aw." one of his male staff said (probably felt a little uncomfortable breastfeeding in public).
"Sus, kung kamo gani magka-anak na pud...dili na issue na sa inyo." L said and looked at his female staff, "Kamo magka-baby, wala na'y ulaw2 kay ang pagpa-kalma sa bata ang inyong focus."
"Mao ka sir? Dili maulaw si ma'am na pa-dede sa mall?" his female staff asked.
"Ngano man pud siya maulaw? Libre na gani...maulaw pa?" L asked with a smirk, "Atong mga inahan kadtong una man gani...pa-dede lang habang manglaba, magluto ug uban pa..."

Ever since D was born, I've always breastfed him on demand and that's wherever we may be. L has been the most supportive husband by making sure that I have my sling so that my arms won't get as tired (especially when we're out and about). Kudos to the mom coz she got her baby and a toddler in tow!

Yes, moments like such make me a proud wife! You go L!

Wedding Anniversary Year 2

Two years ago...I walked down the aisle and married the man I was going to spend the rest of my life with. Whoever thought that a girl like me would be able to settle down? Whoever thought that someone like me would ever find someone who was willing to take me as I am? Well...he was there.

This is the first time I am going to write about L and I as a married couple, perfect timing as it's our second year wedding anniversary.

He's the ONLY boyfriend who gave me flowers and the ONLY boyfriend who paid for our dates. That should give you an idea as to what type of guys I had before him. He's also the only guy who would be able to stand my snobbish and very often "high-maintenance" ways, only because I was the most comfortable with him. I didn't need to be someone else around him, I was all right. I was myself and I didn't need to hide anything.

What sealed the deal? Well...I know that we'd grow old together and still act like high school sweethearts (who wouldn't want that?). He's now the husband, the father, the first man who made my heart skip a beat (D being the second!).

Happy second wedding anniversary L! We have been blessed with so much...I hope you could still love me the way that you did the first you time you said those words...

L and I on our wedding day...