Baby Circumcision Aftercare First 24 Hours   

What to expect in the first 24 hours

The first 24 hours after circumcision are usually uncomplicated, but your baby may be more unsettled, sleepy or irritable than usual. Please read these instructions carefully, follow the individual advice given by Dr Martin Harris, and contact him promptly if you have any concerns.

Feeding and comfort

Continue to feed your baby on demand, even if this differs from their usual feeding routine. Regular breast or bottle feeds and normal wet nappies are reassuring signs.

 

You may hold, cuddle and comfort your baby as usual. When winding your baby, hold them gently over your shoulder and avoid pressure or rubbing around the nappy area.

 

For sleep, always place your baby on their back on a firm, flat sleep surface, in line with safer-sleep guidance. Do not leave your baby sleeping on their side or front.

Nappy checks and changes

Please check your baby’s nappy at approximately 30, 60 and 90 minutes after the procedure. This is to check for any fresh bleeding and to ensure that the dressing remains in place.

 

The initial nappy should be changed after approximately four hours, unless it becomes heavily soiled sooner. Please use a disposable nappy and fasten it loosely to avoid pressure or friction around the circumcision site.

After this first nappy change, it may be helpful to change your baby’s nappy before offering the next feed.

Dressings

A circular dressing will be applied around the circumcision site. This is important because it protects the wound and helps control bleeding.

 

Please do not touch, remove, adjust or interfere with the circular dressing unless Dr Harris has specifically advised you to do so.

 

You will also be given a small pack of gauze swabs. If the outer gauze swab becomes wet or soiled, you may gently replace the top swab only, following the instructions provided by Dr Harris. Do not disturb the circular dressing underneath.

 

The wound is protected by the dressing. Stool or urine on the outside of the nappy does not necessarily mean that the wound itself has been contaminated.

What to expect

A small amount of blood staining on the dressing or nappy may occur during the first few hours. It is also common to see a pink stain on the dressing during the first 24 hours. This can happen when urine mixes with small amounts of dried blood and is not usually a sign of active bleeding.

 

Your baby may have mild swelling, redness or bruising around the penis. They may also appear uncomfortable during nappy changes or as the local anaesthetic wears off.

Pain relief

Dr Harris will advise you whether your baby needs paracetamol and will confirm the appropriate product, dose, timing and maximum number of doses for your baby’s age and weight.

 

Only give medicine that has been specifically recommended for your baby. If you are uncertain about the dose or timing, please contact Dr Harris or ask a pharmacist before giving any medication.

Please do not

• Do not bathe your baby during the first 24 hours, unless specifically advised otherwise.
• Do not use double nappies.
• Do not apply creams, powders, antiseptics or other products to the circumcision site unless Dr Harris has instructed you to do so.
• Do not remove or interfere with the circular dressing.

Fresh bleeding: what to do

Fresh bleeding after circumcision is uncommon but requires prompt attention. If you see blood that is actively bleeding, dripping, or soaking through the dressing:

1. Place a clean gauze swab firmly over the area.
2. Apply continuous direct pressure.
3. Do not repeatedly lift the gauze to check whether the bleeding has stopped, as this can disturb clot formation.
4. Contact Dr Harris immediately.

If bleeding is heavy, continues despite firm pressure, or your baby appears pale, floppy or unwell, seek urgent medical assistance.

Follow-up contact

Dr Harris will arrange to contact you approximately four hours after the procedure. A further telephone call will be arranged as needed during each contact.

 

If you have any concerns at any stage during the first 24 hours, please do not hesitate to contact Dr Harris.

Dr Martin Harris
Telephone: 07896 718812.

Your peace of mind is vital, and Dr. Harris is here to help you through every step of the initial recovery.