Bris Aftercare
Caring for your son after the bris
Clear, calm instructions for the days following the bris. Any questions or concerns at any time, please don't hesitate to call.
What to do
- Wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap before preparing the gauze and changing your son's diaper.
- For the next 4 to 5 days, remove the 3x3 gauze from the bris area with every diaper change. Place a new one on like a tent on top of the crown, alternating between Neosporin/Bacitracin and A&D ointment.
- So that the bris wound heals nicely, it is very important that the diapers are slightly big on him and not too snug.
- Your doctor may recommend 1 dose of 0.4ml Tylenol (acetaminophen) if your son is crying a lot and seems to be very uncomfortable.
- Until 48 hours after the bris, sponge bathe your son, avoiding the area of the bris. After 48 hours, you may give him a full bath, provided the umbilical cord has fallen off. Bathing when recommended helps the healing and the appearance.
What to expect
- The first couple of gauze pads and diapers will be stained a reddish color.
- A few days after the bris, there will be a yellowish off-color discharge that forms a scab. This is part of the healing process. Do not rub or peel it off.
- The wound should not be tender after 3 to 5 days, should be essentially healed in about 2 weeks, and should have a normal appearance in about a month.
- Clean the ridge under the crown at every bath from any dirt that might have collected there.
When to call the mohel
Call Rabbi Goldberg right away at (917) 822-9910 if you notice any of the following:
- Blood flowing from the wound area
- Your son has not urinated within 6 hours after the bris
- The ridge under the crown is being covered by skin
Follow-up visits. Rabbi Goldberg checks on the baby before and after the bris, and remains available for any questions or concerns at any time. When something worries you, even at night, simply call or text.
Soothing your baby
Some gentle ways to comfort a newborn:
- Swaddle him snugly in a receiving blanket
- Hold him on his stomach and gently pat his back
- Offer a clean pinky for him to suck on
- Rock him gently in an up-and-down motion
Let's schedule the bris.
Reach out as soon as your son is born, or even before. Rabbi Goldberg will help you work out the right day and guide you through everything that follows.