Will My Baby Feel Pain During a Bris or Circumcision?

One of the most common questions parents ask before a bris or infant circumcision is:

“Do you use anesthesia?”

It’s a completely understandable question. Parents naturally want their baby to be as comfortable as possible during the procedure. At the same time, many parents are surprised to learn that in traditional infant bris milah practice — and in many infant circumcision settings in general — injected local anesthesia is often not used for newborn babies.

Why Mohels Do Not Use Injected Anesthesia for Infant Bris or Circumcision

The main reason is actually very simple:

For newborn infants, the injection itself may cause more discomfort than the circumcision procedure.

In a traditional newborn bris performed by an experienced mohel using a precise surgical technique, the actual circumcision portion is extremely quick — often only seconds long. Because of this, many mohelim and parents feel that giving multiple numbing injections beforehand simply does not make practical sense for a newborn baby.

Parents are often surprised by how brief the actual procedure is.

Additionally, injected local anesthetic can temporarily distort or swell the tissue being circumcised. Since newborn anatomy is extremely small and delicate, many mohelim prefer to work with the tissue in its natural state for the cleanest and most precise result possible.

What About Topical Anesthetic?

While injected anesthesia is generally not used in our infant bris and circumcision procedures, topical anesthetic is used immediately afterward as part of the post-procedure bandaging process.

In practical terms, this means that immediately following the circumcision, the baby is receiving soothing topical anethetic in the protective bandaging, providing immediate relief. Parents are pleasantly surprised by how quickly the baby is comforted.

For parents who specifically request it, there is also the option of applying an EMLA-style topical numbing cream to the foreskin before the bris or circumcision. This is discussed with parents individually beforehand so they can decide what they are most comfortable with.

Do Babies Still Feel the Shots?

One important thing parents sometimes do not realize is that babies do still feel the anesthetic injections themselves.

In other words, even when injected local anesthesia is used in some medical circumcision settings, the baby is still experiencing the discomfort of the needles and manipulation involved in administering the anesthetic.

Because infant bris milah is such a brief procedure when performed by an experienced mohel, many parents ultimately decide they prefer avoiding those injections altogether.

Using Sugar Water to Comfort Babies During a Bris or Circumcision

Another gentle comfort measure commonly used during a bris or infant circumcision is a small amount of sugar water. Studies have shown that sweet solutions can have a naturally calming and soothing effect on newborn babies during brief procedures. During the bris, babies may be given small amounts of sugar water together with a pacifier to help keep them relaxed and comfortable. Combined with close parental presence, soothing touch, swaddling, and a calm environment, this helps create a gentler and more reassuring experience for both the baby and the parents.

A Gentle and Comfortable Bris Experience

Many parents imagine a cold or clinical experience when they think about circumcision. In reality, a bris/circumcision can be a very warm, calm, and parent-centered experience.

During the bris or circumcision procedure, babies are positioned securely and comfortably on a padded surface with soft cloth blankets and support beneath them. The baby’s legs are gently stabilized for safety and precision during the circumcision, while parents remain right nearby throughout the process.

Parents are encouraged to comfort their baby during the bris by:

• Holding the baby’s hand

• Stroking his cheek

• Giving a pacifier

• Speaking softly to him

• Remaining physically close throughout the procedure

Many parents find this approach far more personal and reassuring than a more clinical medical setting where a baby may be separated from the parents for portions of the procedure.

The Importance of Experience and Technique

The comfort of a newborn bris or circumcision depends heavily on the experience, speed, precision, and technique of the practitioner performing it.

An experienced mohel focuses not only on the circumcision itself, but also on the baby’s overall experience before, during, and after the bris.

This includes:

• Calm handling

• Efficient technique

• Gentle positioning

• Careful aftercare

• Clear communication with parents

• Creating a reassuring environment for the family

For many families, this combination of traditional bris/circumcision expertise and attentive care creates a much more peaceful experience than they originally expected.

Questions About Bris or Infant Circumcision?

Every family approaches these decisio

ns differently, and parents are always encouraged to ask questions and discuss concerns openly before the bris or circumcision.

Rabbi Golish, C.M. provides infant bris and circumcision services for families throughout New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and surrounding areas. Whether you are looking for a personalized bris experience, home circumcision, or simply want to learn more about infant circumcision options, families are welcome to reach out with questions. You can also check out reviews or the gallery.