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Neonatal circumcision: effects on breastfeeding and outcomes associated with breastfeeding

David M Fergusson1, Joseph M Boden, L John Horwood

  • 1Christchurch Health and Development Study, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand. dm.fergusson@otago.ac.nz

Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health
|September 7, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Neonatal circumcision does not impact infant breastfeeding. This longitudinal study found no significant associations between circumcision status and breastfeeding, or later health and cognitive outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Neonatal Care
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Recurrent claims suggest neonatal circumcision may negatively affect infant breastfeeding.
  • Understanding the impact of circumcision on infant development and feeding is crucial for parental guidance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between neonatal circumcision status and breastfeeding outcomes.
  • To examine the relationship between circumcision and infant health and cognitive development linked to breastfeeding.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized data from the Christchurch Health and Development Study, a longitudinal birth cohort.
  • Analyzed circumcision status, breastfeeding, infant health, and cognitive outcomes in 635 male participants.

Main Results:

  • No significant association was found between neonatal circumcision status and infant breastfeeding outcomes.
  • Circumcision status did not correlate with infant health or later childhood cognitive abilities, even after adjusting for covariates.

Conclusions:

  • The study found no evidence that neonatal circumcision disrupts breastfeeding.
  • Findings do not support claims linking circumcision to adverse effects on breastfeeding, infant health, or cognitive development.
Abstract

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