Preparing for a Brit Milah

In this article, I will take you through what will happen at every step of the process so you’ll know what to expect and feel comfortable and confident on this special day.

During the Brit Milah, a small piece of skin (the foreskin) is carefully removed in a brief procedure performed by a trained Mohel. Healing begins right away, and most babies recover quickly and comfortably with proper care.

Important Information I Need From You

Before we schedule your baby’s Brit Milah, please help me with the following details:

  • What day and exact time was your baby born? (This determines the correct day for the Brit Milah.)
  • Was it a full-term birth? (Babies born prematurely sometimes require a delay.)
  • Was it a natural delivery or a C-section?
  • What is your baby’s weight?
  • Is your baby nursing, on formula, or both?
  • Please have your pediatrician confirm that your baby is healthy and ready for circumcision.

Brit Milah Checklist: What to Bring

Please have the following items ready for the Brit Milah ceremony:

  • 2 oz of A&D ointment (plus an additional 8 oz or 16 oz for continued use at home)
  • 3×3 sterile gauze pads (box of 25)
  • 3 diapers
  • Kiddush Cup
  • Red sweet wine
  • Besamim (fresh mint leaves, basil, or cloves)
  • 2 Tallitot (prayer shawls) — these do not need to be new
  • A clean receiving blanket for the baby
  • Baby wipes
  • A baby bottle if your baby takes one

Pre-Milah Instructions

  • Baby Ointment: Ensure the baby’s private area is ointment-free before the procedure.
  • Feeding: You may feed your baby up to one hour before the Brit Milah. We don’t want the baby to vomit during the ceremony, and we also want the baby to be hungry and feed afterward for comfort.
  • Dress Baby: Dress your baby in advance and take photos before the ceremony so we can start on time.

Aftercare and Healing Instructions

What to Expect During the Brit Milah

During the Brit Milah, a small part of the foreskin is removed, and healing begins right away. It’s normal for the baby to cry briefly, especially when urinating, as this can irritate the healing area.

Diaper Changes

Follow these steps for diaper changes after the Brit Milah:

  • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
  • Prepare a 3×3 sterile gauze pad with A&D ointment ready to be placed over the baby’s area.
  • Gently open the diaper, being mindful of the bandage.
  • Remove the old gauze pad and replace it with the prepared one.
  • Diaper the baby and allow him to relax.
  • After 5 days, gauze is no longer needed. However, continue applying a thin layer of ointment on the area for the next 5 days.

Color of First Diapers

  • The first few diapers might have a pinkish color due to a small amount of blood mixing with urine.
  • If you see fresh, bright red blood after the second diaper change, contact me immediately.

What to Expect in the First Week

  • The area will appear raw and slightly swollen initially.
  • A thin yellowish coating will form as scar tissue develops; this is normal and will disappear in a few days.
  • Cleaning: For the first 2 months, change diaper frequently in order to maintain proper hygiene and avoid unnecessary irritation caused by soiled diapers.

Bathing After the Procedure

  • Wait 5 days before giving your baby a full bath.
  • Sponge baths are fine during those first 5 days.
  • After 5 days (if the umbilical cord has fallen off), you can give your baby a full bath.

Healing Timeline

Most babies heal noticeably within 2 weeks to a month, although the area may take several years to look completely “normal” as the baby grows.

If you have any questions or concerns at any stage, please don’t hesitate to contact me