01 The main concern after a Brit Milah is bleeding. The definition of bleeding is deep, dark red, wet blood in the baby’s diaper, covering the circumference of about 2 inches (the opening of a large drinking glass) or dark red blood dripping from the top or bottom of the bandange. If this happens, call me on my cell phone immediately, any time of day. My number again is 054-735-2408.  When this occurs it means that the bandage has come loose and he needs to be replaced. Please be in touch and I'll come and put a new one on.

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If at any time there is significant bleeding and for some reason you can't get in touch with me, please take the baby to the hospital right away. 

 

Keep in mind, the first few times your baby urinates, blood from the bandage will be mixed in, thus there will be a pink coloring in the diaper. This is normal and not a cause for alarm. Additionally, a few drops in the diaper are expected. For example, where there gauze and Vaseline touch the diaper, there will be a circle.

 

If you aren't sure if what you are seeing constitutes significant bleeding, there are a few ways to handle the situation. You can call me or send me pictures via WhatsApp for a consult, which you are always welcome to do. I will most likely tell you to change the diaper, wait 5-10 minutes, and check again. If the bleeding has not remained consistent or increased, it's most likely not a cause for alarm.

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02 The baby also needs to urinate regularly. He can easily wait 7 hours for his first urination. But if he has not urinated by 10 hours after the Bris, please be in contact with me. It means the bandage needs to be changed.

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03 Both the bandage and the gauze should be left alone for the first 24-36 hours. If the gauze pad lined with Vaseline falls off, simply make a new one and place it on top of the penis like a teepee. If the bandage falls off, and there is no significant bleeding, it is also not a cause for concern. Simply put on a new gauze pad lined with Vaseline and close it in the diaper and check for bleeding after 5-10 minutes. If there's a level of bleeding which is more than just a few drops please be in touch with me for a consult.

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04 The baby can only be bathed 24 hours after the final* bandage is removed. Prior to that, there's very little concern of the cut getting dirty. Urine is sterile and even if fecal matter comes into contact with the bandage, it will not reach the cut because of how many times the bandage is wrapped around. 

05 During the 24 hours after the bandage has been removed, if fecal matter comes in contact with the wound, simply wash him with warm water and soap under the faucet. 

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06 When the time comes to bathe him, it is a good idea to submerge his penis in the water because, just like Vaseline, it aids in the healing process.

07 For the week following the bandage removal, each time you change the baby's diaper you need to change the gauze pad with Vaseline. If the gauze pad falls off in between diaper changes it is no cause for alarm.   

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If you have any questions about any of this, please do not hesitate to be in touch.

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* There is always some amount of bleeding when a bandage is removed. Sometimes the level of bleeding is such that a second bandage is required for an additional 24 hours. In this case, one must wait 24 hours after the second bandage is removed before bathing the child.