This only alerts your child that you think there s something to worry about. EMLA is a topical anesthetic. It can be applied at the doctor s office or by parents at home. Research shows that when parents apply EMLA at home, it lowers kids anxiety before the shot. Newborns who are circumcised without an anesthetic experience true pain accompanied by increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, decreased oxygen in the blood, and a surge of stress hormones.
Circumcision is surgery on a very sensitive part of the body.
Fortunately, many local pain killers are now used for circumcision. Ask your doctor about EMLA cream, dorsal penile nerve block, and the subcutaneous ring block. In addition, sugar water or brandy on a pacifier or your fingertip can help comfort your baby. The American Academy of Pediatrics came out with a policy statement in 1999 stating that pain treatment is safe and effective and should be provided during infant circumcision. If your child is going to have surgery under anesth e sia , you, the parent, should find out what to expect and prepare your child.