After-Care: Post-Operative Instructions for the First Week

In short: After a bris, replace the gauze dressing at every diaper change with a 3×3 inch pad coated liberally with triple antibiotic ointment, expect some redness and a white or yellowish film as the wound heals over the first week, and call Rabbi Glantz at 215-439-5033 with any question, at any hour. This is the same after-care guidance Rabbi Glantz hands every family on a printed card the day of the bris.

How do I care for the circumcision at each diaper change?

At every diaper change, replace the dressing with a 3×3 inch gauze pad coated liberally with triple antibiotic ointment. Continue this for one full week after the bris.

• Ensure the dressing covers the glans of the penis (the head).
• There is no need to wrap or tape the gauze. Simply place it down, close the diaper, and the diaper will keep the gauze in place.

What does normal healing look like?

Some redness and discharge are a natural part of healing and generally not causes for alarm. Specifically, in the days after the bris you may see:

• The skin on the glans (head) and the wound itself may be red for several days.
• A white or yellowish film may appear on the wound.
• Small amounts of blood may be found on the gauze and/or diaper.

How should I keep the area clean?

Avoid being aggressive near the wound while maintaining hygiene. Urine is generally sterile, but if stool gets on or near the penis, gently squirt lukewarm water from a bulb syringe, peri bottle, or faucet to clean it.

When should I call Rabbi Glantz?

Whenever you have a question. There is no bad time to call, and there are no "stupid" questions — Rabbi Glantz will provide as much follow-up care as you need. He may ask you to take photographs and text or email them so he can assess the situation and advise accordingly.

• Rabbi Glantz's cell: 215-439-5033
• If he is not available, his wife Dayna can be reached at 215-439-8755
• Email: hglantz@gmail.com

What should I do in an emergency?

If at any time you feel your son needs immediate direct attention that Rabbi Glantz cannot provide, you must proceed to the closest urgent care provider.

What follow-up does Rabbi Glantz ask for?

Please consider sending pictures of the healing process from several angles within 24–48 hours of the procedure. This helps Rabbi Glantz ensure that everything is healing properly, and he may request follow-up pictures a few days later.

• For the fastest response, text 215-439-5033 or email pictures to hglantz@gmail.com.
• If preferable, Rabbi Glantz can also arrange a video diaper-change session via FaceTime, WhatsApp, or Zoom.

How can I share feedback?

If you were satisfied with your experience, Rabbi Glantz would love it if you'd consider leaving a review. You can also send an email with your thoughts and he will add it to the feedback page on the website.

• Google review: https://bit.ly/3RFRF57
• Yelp review: https://bit.ly/3VVgufZ

Common Questions

How long do I keep using the gauze and ointment?

For one full week after the bris, at every diaper change. Use a 3×3 inch gauze pad coated liberally with triple antibiotic ointment, placed over the glans and held in place by the closed diaper.

Is a white or yellow film on the wound normal?

Yes. A white or yellowish film on the wound, redness for several days, and small amounts of blood on the gauze or diaper are all natural parts of the healing process and generally not causes for alarm.

Do I need to bring the baby in for a follow-up visit?

No visit is required. Rabbi Glantz asks families to text or email photos of the healing process within 24–48 hours, and can arrange a video diaper-change session via FaceTime, WhatsApp, or Zoom if preferred.

What does the printed card look like?

This is what gets handed to families on the day of the bris, front and back. Save these photos to your phone if you'd like a quick reference: