As a mother of a circumsized son, I read the circumsion threads on LPSG to assuage my guilt for having the procedure performed when my son was two days old. I agnonized, researched medical journals, poured over threads such as these and, debated with my ex-husband for nine long months.
There was then, as is proven by these never-ending circumsion threads and posts, no clear cut answer (excuse the pun.) I heard from men in the UK that were angry with their parents for not having them cut as infants and just as many in the US angry for having the procedure performed. I met women who married men from other countries who told me that their husbands couldn't wait to be circumsized as adults.
I was surprised at the number of women who were shocked that I was even considering leaving my son uncircumsized. I found it sad actually that these mothers were not even questioning such a serious, painful and, permament decision. Perhaps I've always been more penis-conscious? LOL
At the end of nine months I had decided that I did not want my son circumsized but, I realized that his father had just as much say as I did. I knew that his father loved him as much as I did and would not intentionally hurt him.
Because, his father has a penis and I don't, I deferred to him and we had the procedure performed. I was upset about it for days before and after.
When my son was born I though that his penis was PERFECT and was sick at the thought of someone changing it without his consent. Nothing like dealing with the post-operative c-section pain, post-partum baby blues and then seeing my son's angry looking cut penis and his crying after urination for days.
That being said I "got over it." Do I regret it? No, because the decision was not mine alone to make. We couldn't get him 50% circumsized and I still believe that his father had the right to the 51% of the decision. Do I wish that his father and I had agreed and left the circumsion decision up to my son to make for himself? YES.
Just one mother's feelings on the subject.
BTW, I have no preference. I like them both ways. :smile:
Great post. My girlfriend and I talk about it whenever we talk about having kids. She says she will defer to me because:
1. I've experienced both
2. She doesn't care either way
3. I'm the one with a penis
I feel I am educated enough to make a formal decision on it. Honestly I am way more concerned about what I name my son, what school he goes to and the type of friends that he keeps rather than whether I circumcise him or not. Personally those are FAR more important and leave an indelible impact on a person.
Granted, my son could turn out to be like people here and either get cut as an adult and saying I was irresponsible for not having him cut or hate the world for having RICed him. This is why I am in no rush for a kid. THE CHOICES...LOL