On Tue, 21 Dec 2010 06:35:11 -0500, "Ed Pawlowski"
> wrote:

>
>"Dan Abel" > wrote
>>
>> By the same reasoning, if it isn't medically necessary, why put a little
>> baby through that trauma, either?
>>
>
>It was common practice. I don't recall it happening. If I was 16 or 21 at
>the time, I'd bet it would be an unpleasant memory.

For many years now the procedure (with parental permission) is
performed within seconds of cutting the umbilical cord. The area is
deadened with a local anesthetic, there would be no pain and no more
discomfit during healing than from a mosquito bite. As an adult any
discomfort would be psychological anticipating the event. Even when
done a day or two after birth no one remembers... I underwent a
tonsilectomy at age two, I don't remember. My appendectomy at age ten
I do remember, but only being held with my face shoved into the
cleavage of the largest breasts on this planet while they administered
the spinal.