When my son was born, we had discussions with our doctor and did thorough research before making any decisions. It's crucial to weigh the risks and benefits. It's essential to stay informed about all aspects of newborn care. We decided not to do the procedure for an additional reason because we are on a tight budget. We learned how to get free baby stuff, and, to tell the truth, we weren't ready for such expenses. But babies are a real blessing!

Baby’s Death Renews Debate Over a Circumcision Ritual

"The cause of death of the 2-week-old boy, who died at Maimonides Hospital in Brooklyn on Sept. 28, was Type 1 herpes, caused by “ritual circumcision with oral suction,” according to the medical examiner’s office."

"The ritual of oral suction — or in Hebrew, metzitzah b’peh — is practiced almost exclusively in ultra-Orthodox communities and, to a lesser degree, in Orthodox Jewish communities, despite efforts by the city to curtail it and educate communities about its health risks. The procedure occurs during the circumcision ritual of the bris, as the practitioner, or mohel, removes the foreskin of the penis and then sucks the blood from the wound to clean it."

[nytimes.com]