Newborn circumcision is relatively straightforward, and parents understandably focus on ensuring their baby’s comfort and smooth recovery afterward. Among the many factors that may influence healing, breastfeeding has come up as a point of interest. Does nursing help a circumcised baby heal faster or ease their pain? Can the nutrients and immune components in breast milk support tissue repair or protect against infection?
Breastfeeding has well-known benefits for infant health, and some of those may extend to recovery after procedures like circumcision. From immune support to soothing discomfort, nursing can play a meaningful role in how a baby heals and adapts. At the same time, not everyone breastfeeds – and that doesn’t mean babies miss out on the care and support they need. There are thoughtful, evidence-informed ways to promote healing and comfort, no matter how a child is fed.
Immunity
In the days after circumcision, a newborn’s body goes through a natural healing process. One of the most important systems involved is the immune system. For breastfed infants, breast milk provides an additional layer of immune support that may help reduce the risk of infection and promote tissue repair.
Breast milk contains secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA), an antibody that coats the lining of the baby’s mouth, throat, and intestines. IgA is the dominant immunoglobulin in human breast milk. It plays a significant role in mucosal immunity by binding pathogens and preventing them from attaching to and penetrating mucosal surfaces. This is particularly helpful during the healing process, when the body is more susceptible to infection. Alongside IgA, breast milk also delivers white blood cells and antimicrobial proteins like lactoferrin, which help neutralize pathogens and reduce inflammation.¹
Inflammation is a natural part of the body’s healing response, but an excessive response can slow recovery. Inflammatory response components in breast milk, including cytokines (signaling proteins that regulate immune activity), growth factors, and enzymes, are believed to help control inflammation and facilitate the repair of damaged tissue in newborns. These substances support not only faster healing but also more balanced immune activity in the baby.
Nutrition is also part of the healing process. Breast milk is rich in easily absorbed nutrients tailored to an infant’s stage of development. It contains amino acids, fatty acids, and vitamins that help fuel cellular growth and regeneration. When babies receive the nourishment their bodies are primed to use, the healing process tends to unfold more smoothly.
Together, these factors make breastfeeding a potentially helpful ally in supporting a newborn’s recovery from circumcision.
Pain Relief and Comfort
Most of the attention around circumcision focuses on wound care and physical healing; comfort during and after the procedure matters just as much. Breastfeeding is a simple, natural way to reduce pain, and short nursing sessions before or after circumcision can be beneficial. It also helps babies settle more quickly in the hours following the procedure.
When a baby nurses, their body releases endorphins, natural chemicals that act as pain relievers. These endorphins can have a calming and soothing effect, helping to ease both physical discomfort and emotional distress.
In addition to the act of feeding, holding your baby close with skin-to-skin contact (referred to as “kangaroo care”) also stimulates the release of oxytocin. Sometimes referred to as the “bonding hormone,” it promotes calm and emotional connection.
At the same time, studies have shown reductions in cortisol (a stress hormone) and increased levels of serotonin (a mood regulator) after skin-to-skin contact in infants – these are healthy internal signals that influence stress regulation.²
The combination of being close to your baby and the resulting cascade of internal chemical responses helps infants experience less distress and a more comfortable post-procedure experience.
Nurturing Without Nursing
If you’ve found breastfeeding to be difficult or have chosen not to, many families rely on formula feeding for a variety of reasons, and formula-fed babies will still recover well after circumcision! You’ll still bond with your baby through gentle touch and affection, and even the sound of your voice will offer your little guy a world of assurance. If you want to give him a little healing boost, here are a few ideas. These are simply suggestions, so trust your instincts as a parent.
Kangaroo Care
Even without breastfeeding, skin-to-skin contact is one of the most effective ways to promote infant comfort and stress regulation. Holding your baby close helps stabilize heart rate and breathing, lowers stress hormones, and encourages bonding – factors that collectively contribute to a stronger healing response.
Choosing a Good Formula
Not all formulas are the same. Some infant formulas now include ingredients designed to support immune health and digestion, such as DHA and ARA (fatty acids necessary for brain development and inflammation regulation), as well as prebiotics and probiotics to promote a healthy gut microbiome. Some formulas also contain nucleotides, compounds naturally found in breast milk that may aid in immune development and tissue repair. Selecting a formula with these components can help boost your baby’s natural healing capacity.
Donor Milk Options
For families interested and able to access it, donor breast milk from a screened milk bank offers some of the same immune benefits of breastfeeding. This may be a suitable alternative when direct breastfeeding isn’t possible, but immune support is still a priority.
Supporting Maternal Well-being
Even if breastfeeding isn’t part of the feeding plan, maternal health and emotional well-being influence caregiving quality. A rested and supported caregiver can better respond to the baby’s needs, which can positively affect the infant’s comfort and healing, so do your best to indulge in much-needed self-care.
Balanced Hygiene and Proper Wound Care
Keeping the circumcision site clean is essential, but over-cleaning isn’t necessary and may even be counterproductive. (This is important regardless of the feeding method!) Exposure to everyday microbes from family members, pets, and the natural environment helps train the baby’s immune system. That said, handwashing before diaper changes and avoiding fragranced lotions or other irritants are important to reduce the potential for infection.
Following healthcare provider instructions for circumcision care is a top priority. This entails frequent diaper changes to keep the area dry, applying a protective ointment like petroleum jelly to prevent the diaper from sticking to the wound, and monitoring for signs of infection.
Whether you’re breastfeeding, formula feeding, or somewhere in between, your baby’s comfort matters. At the Newborn Circumcision Center, we specialize in newborn circumcision and help families feel prepared before, during, and after the procedure.
References:
- Carr, L. E., Virmani, M. D., Rosa, F., Munblit, D., Matazel, K. S., Elolimy, A. A., & Yeruva, L. (2021). Role of Human Milk Bioactives on Infants’ Gut and Immune Health. Frontiers in Immunology, 12, 604080. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2021.604080.
- Pavlyshyn, H., & Sarapuk, I. (2023). Skin-to-skin contact-An effective intervention on pain and stress reduction in preterm infants. Frontiers in pediatrics, 11, 1148946. https://doi.org/10.3389/fped.2023.1148946.