Julie Kohl, M.S. — Preparation for Brit Milah/Circumcision







	Home About Dr. Kohl The Mitzvah of Circumcision About the Ritual Preparation for Brit Milah/Circumcision Medical Benefits of Circumcision Testimonials Contact and Scheduling Information ............................................................................ Telephone 650.269.1296 Contact Dr. Kohl via email ............................................................................ Download a printable version of site info
				Please dress your son in a tee shirt and diaper and wrap him in a receiving blanket. The tee shirt and blanket may get soiled, so please choose his outfit accordingly. I will call in a prescription for EMLA, a numbing cream, to make the anesthetic injection more comfortable, to the pharmacy of your choice. Please apply this to your baby's penis at least 30 minutes before I am due to arrive. The best method is to use a nipple from a baby bottle, fill it with the cream, place it over the penis and close the diaper as usual. You will need Vaseline and 2 x2 gauze pads for aftercare. You can purchase these at the pharmacy when you pick up the EMLA. The initial preparation and placement of the clamp is generally done in the bathroom or nursery. I will need a steady surface such as a cleared bathroom counter or changing table with a good light source. There should be a lined trash basket in this room. I will also need a bowl of sugar water (see below) and a pacifier. For the circumcision itself, I will need a sturdy table with a good light source. On the table, please place a bowl of sugar water and a pacifier. You should also have baby wipes and an extra diaper nearby. Place a chair at the circumcision table where the sandek* can sit. Also provide a chair which we will keep empty for Elijah. You will also need a kiddush cup and wine. Candles are optional. You should have a challah if you want to say HaMotzi, the prayer over bread, before the meal and after the ceremony. Preparation Checklist: EMLA cream from pharmacy Vaseline 2 x 2 inch gauze pads 2 bowls sugar water (approximately 2 teaspoons of sugar dissolved in 3 ounces of lukewarm water) 2 pacifiers lined trash basket baby wipes diaper kiddush cup (or wine glass) wine candles in candlesticks (optional) challah (optional) kippot/skullcaps for guests (optional) Often translated as godfather. This is the highest honor for a guest at the ceremony. To learn more, go to About the Ritual*.