2. Consent for Baby Circumcision

Giving your informed, written permission is a mandatory and vital part of your baby’s care. Our consent process aligns with healthcare standards established by leading institutions, such as Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children in London.

Dr Harris will personally explain the procedure in full, outline what to expect, and answer all questions before asking for your written agreement.

Key Principles of Consent:

• Voluntary Decision: Consent must be given freely by parents or legal guardians, without any pressure from outside parties.

• Fully Informed: You will receive complete information regarding the benefits, exact surgical technique, expected recovery process, and potential risks, as well as alternatives (including choosing not to proceed).

• Open Dialogue: You are encouraged to take all the time you need to discuss the procedure until you feel entirely comfortable making your decision.

3. Immediate Aftercare (First 24 Hours)

Directly following the procedure, Dr Harris will provide tailored written aftercare instructions covering the crucial first 24 hours of recovery.

Close observation during this initial period ensures rapid clotting, optimal pain relief, and immediate comfort.

Key Focus Areas for the First 24 Hours:

• Pain Management & Comfort: Mild discomfort is expected following local anaesthesia wearing off. Dr Harris will specify exact dosages and schedules for infant pain relief (analgesia). Please follow these written instructions strictly.

• On-Demand Feeding: Feeding is the most effective way to soothe your infant post-procedure. Feed your baby on demand during the first 24 hours, regardless of their previous routine. Dr Harris will also offer specific advice on gentle winding.

• Dressings & Clotting: A protective surgical dressing is applied during the procedure to encourage clotting and shield the area from infection. Please leave this dressing untouched for the first 24 hours—Dr Harris will change it personally at your follow-up check.

• Urination & Nappy Observations: Small specks or pale pink discolouration on the nappy upon first urination are a normal sign of initial clotting and typically clear within hours.

• Safe Sleeping Position: Always place your baby to sleep on their back or side—never on their front/stomach.

• Nappy Care: Dr Harris will demonstrate how to fasten nappies loosely to prevent pressure on the surgical site.

Direct Contact Reassurance: If you have any concerns whatsoever during the first 24 hours, you have direct telephone access to Dr Harris.

4. Healing, Dressing Change & Follow-Up Care

The day after the procedure, Dr Harris conducts a formal follow-up to inspect the site, perform the initial dressing change, and brief parents on long-term wound care.

What to Expect During the Healing Window:

• Dressing Change: Dr Harris personally removes and replaces the initial protective dressing 24 hours post-procedure.

• Normal Healing Appearance: Dr Harris will explain what normal healing tissue looks like day-by-day (including expected yellow-white fibrin healing crusts, which are a normal part of recovery and not a sign of infection).

• Bathing Instructions: Clear guidance will be provided on when and how to safely resume sponge bathing and gentle water washing.

• Long-Term Protection (Vaseline Application): Dr Harris recommends applying a generous dollop of petroleum jelly (Vaseline) to the tip of the penis (meatus) with every nappy change for up to three months. This prevents friction against the nappy and protects delicate healing skin.

• Ongoing Communication: Dr Harris will outline a structured schedule for keeping in touch, reviewing photos if necessary, and verifying complete healing.

Related Information & Booking

• Learn more about Dr Harris's 40 years of surgical experience on our [About Dr Harris] page.

• See why London families trust our practice on our [Why Choose Dr Harris] page.

• Questions or ready to schedule? Contact Dr Harris Today to book an in-clinic appointment or private home visit.