Bris/Circumcision When You Decline the Newborn Vitamin K Shot
Options, Safety, and Planning (with respect for parental choice)
By Rabbi Shlomo Golish, C.M.
Short answer: Parents make different choices about newborn vitamin K. Medically, the injection is preferable because it lowers bleeding risk, and many pediatricians recommend it. However, if you decide to decline the shot entirely—or you’re considering oral vitamin K drops—a circumcision can still be planned safely when the baby is well and the details are handled carefully, with a simple pre-circ check, clear aftercare, and informed consent.
Important: This page offers general information. It is not medical advice and is not a halachic ruling. For medical guidance—including vitamin K options—speak with your pediatrician/clinician. For halachic questions, consult your Rabbi. I perform a bris only when it is medically appropriate after evaluation.
A note to parents who decline vitamin K
Parents sometimes choose a different path on vitamin K. That’s understood. The goal here is to keep the bris/circumcision calm, respectful, and safe—without pressure—while giving you a straightforward plan. I’ll share what I typically see, encourage a quick conversation with your pediatrician, and then coordinate the ceremony around your preferences. My role is to support your family’s values and preferences while keeping safety at the center.
Why vitamin K comes up around circumcision
Newborns start life with relatively low vitamin K, a nutrient that helps the blood clot. Without enough vitamin K, a rare but serious condition—vitamin-K-deficiency bleeding (VKDB)—can occur. Many hospitals give a one-time vitamin K injection shortly after birth to reduce that risk. Some families accept it; others decline injections at birth and later ask (1) whether oral vitamin K drops are an option and (2) how their choice affects the timing and planning of a bris. This article explains the options and how I work with each, so your family can move forward confidently.
The options parents ask about (and how they’re handled)
1) Vitamin K injection (standard practice)
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Medical perspective: A single dose with a strong track record for preventing VKDB. It’s the familiar, widely recommended approach.
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How I approach it: I recommend the injection and encourage a quick check-in with your pediatrician. If your family chooses the shot, we plan the circumcision as usual with standard preparation and aftercare.
2) Oral vitamin K drops (multi-dose regimens)
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Medical perspective: Used in some places as several doses over time. Exact schedules vary, and protection/adherence can differ from the injection. Guidance depends on your clinician and location.
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How I approach it: If you’re considering drops, coordinate directly with your pediatrician about the appropriate regimen and timing. I’ll schedule around that guidance so you’re not guessing.
3) Proceeding without vitamin K
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Medical perspective: Bleeding risk is higher than with prophylaxis. That doesn’t mean a circumcision is impossible; it means we’re more cautious.
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How I approach it: I can perform the circumcision when the baby appears well and parents complete informed consent acknowledging the increased risk. If any health concern is present (e.g., jaundice, poor feeding, prematurity), we postpone until safe.
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I will often leave an overnight bandage, or a Surgicel bandage in order to assure hemostasis control. This is decided in a case-by-case fashion.
My policy in plain language
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I welcome all three paths — injection, oral drops under pediatric guidance, or declining vitamin K—while keeping safety at the center.
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I recommend the injection; if you decline, we proceed only when appropriate, after a brief evaluation and signed informed consent.
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Health comes first. Any borderline findings trigger a delay and a new plan coordinated with your pediatrician.
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No pressure. I respect parental autonomy and aim for clear, calm planning so you feel supported, not pushed.
A calm, natural home circumcision led by a caring mohel — focusing on family connection, gentle care, and a simple approach without routine vitamin K injection.
How the procedure stays safe and calm (whatever you choose)
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Pre-bris check: A simple, focused evaluation of the baby’s overall status and any notes from your pediatrician. This is not a medical clearance; it’s a practical readiness check combined with your clinician’s guidance.
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Technique & readiness: I use a minimal-trauma technique, with sterile supplies and appropriate hemostatic options available. Preparation is quiet and efficient so the ceremony feels dignified, not clinical.
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Clear aftercare: You’ll hear what’s normal vs. not, what to watch, and when to call. I provide written instructions you can keep handy so you’re not relying on memory.
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Follow-up: I remain reachable for questions; if anything seems off, we escalate promptly per medical guidance (and your pediatrician’s advice).
Timing and logistics (including Shabbos/Yom Tov)
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Eighth-day goal: If the baby is well and your pediatrician has no concerns, we usually proceed on time. If the eighth day lands on Shabbos, we follow the usual halachic rules for an eighth-day bris; if the bris was deferred for any reason, we choose a weekday.
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If there’s any concern: We wait. The bris is rescheduled when safe—regardless of vitamin K decisions. Health drives timing.
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Practicalities: We handle payments, photos, and scheduling in a way that respects Shabbos and your community norms. If you prefer a home ceremony, we’ll plan a simple room setup and review details in advance (see [What to Expect]).
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Communication: Many families prefer a quick pre-appointment with their pediatrician; I’m happy to plan around that and keep logistics steady and predictable.
Practical checklist (quick plan for parents)
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Talk to your pediatrician: injection vs. oral drops vs. none—ask for their view on clotting safety and timing.
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Share your decision so I can prepare the evaluation and aftercare plan.
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Have supplies ready at home per the aftercare guide (gauze, diapers, contact numbers).
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Know red flags: persistent bleeding, lethargy, poor feeding, color change—call immediately per your instructions.
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Line up your schedule: choose a time that works for family, and (if applicable) Shabbos considerations.
A warm, welcoming home circumcision— a caring mohel connecting with the family, reflecting trust, professionalism, and compassion.
A peaceful moment after a natural circumcision — a calm mother holding her baby with warmth and confidence, embracing a gentle, minimal-intervention approach.
Questions parents ask me most
Will you do a circumcision if we decline the vitamin K shot?
Yes—case-by-case, after a brief evaluation and informed consent. I recommend a quick call with your pediatrician first so everyone is on the same page.
Are oral vitamin K drops the same as the shot?
They’re different. Oral regimens typically involve multiple doses; protection and adherence can differ from the injection. Follow your pediatrician’s advice for timing and suitability.
Do we need to delay the circumcision if we decline the shot?
Not necessarily. If the baby is well and your pediatrician has no concerns, we usually proceed on schedule. If anything is borderline, we reschedule. Health comes first.
Do you pressure parents to accept vitamin K?
No. I state the medical preference for the injection and then support your choice, planning the circumcision safely around it. My goal is clarity and calm, not pressure.
What if the baby is premature, jaundiced, or not feeding well?
We pause. Regardless of vitamin K decisions, we wait until your pediatrician is comfortable and it’s safe to proceed.
What if we start oral drops after birth—how does that change timing?
Your pediatrician will advise on the regimen. I coordinate with that plan and schedule the circumcision accordingly, aiming for the eighth day when safe and appropriate.
Service areas (for families planning ahead)
I routinely serve families across New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut, including at-home ceremonies and synagogue settings. Whether you’ve chosen the injection, are considering oral drops, or prefer to decline vitamin K, I can coordinate timing and preparation so everything is calm and clear. If you’re comparing logistics for specific communities, see:
My policy in one paragraph (summary)
I welcome families who accept the vitamin K injection, families who prefer oral drops under pediatric guidance, and families who decline vitamin K entirely. Medically, the injection is preferable; practically, I will work with your choice. I perform the bris when it is safe to do so—after a brief check and signed informed consent—and I remain available for aftercare questions. Clear communication reduces stress; respectful planning keeps the day focused on your baby and your family.
Written by Rabbi Shlomo Golish, certified mohel serving families across NJ, NY, PA, and CT. For scheduling and preparation details, see [Services] and the [FAQ]. Last reviewed: [10/2025].
Neutral resources for parents who want background reading (not endorsements, not medical advice):