How does circumcision performed under regional anesthesia affect sleep, feeding, and maternal attachment in babies

Fatih Akova1, Gunay Budagova2

  • 1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Biruni University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey,.

Insights

Infant circumcision under regional anesthesia in the first four months of life showed no negative impact on baby feeding or sleep. Maternal attachment scores significantly increased post-circumcision, indicating a positive effect.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Neonatal Care
  • Surgical Outcomes

Background:

  • Lack of consensus exists regarding potential negative effects of infant circumcision on feeding, sleep, and maternal bonding.
  • Previous studies have not simultaneously investigated these outcomes in the early months of life.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To prospectively evaluate the effects of infant circumcision on feeding, sleep patterns, and maternal attachment.
  • To determine if circumcision performed in the first four months of life impacts infant well-being and mother-infant bonding.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study involving 75 infants aged 0-4 months undergoing circumcision under regional anesthesia.
  • Utilized questionnaires for feeding and sleep habits and the Maternal Attachment Inventory (MAI) for attachment assessment.
  • All assessments were conducted pre-procedure and one month post-circumcision.

Main Results:

  • No statistically significant changes were observed in infant sleep habits or feeding status post-circumcision.
  • Maternal attachment scores showed a significant increase from 98.89 to 101.36 (p < 0.001) after the procedure.
  • The mean age at circumcision was 75 days, with mothers averaging 32.5 years.

Conclusions:

  • Circumcision performed under regional anesthesia in infants aged 0-4 months does not negatively affect infant sleep or feeding.
  • The procedure appears to positively influence maternal attachment, with scores significantly increasing post-circumcision.
Abstract