פגישה ראשונה - איך התינוק?
First meeting - how's the baby?
Some times is not possible to check the baby before the bris. It's usually possible to, with a few questions, make sure of about his "next client" general conditions.
However we know that there are a few surprises. To be responsible it is a good idea to come and check the baby beforehand.
For the parents, it's also an opportunity to meet the Mohel. In this meeting, I will be checking the following:
Jaundice
If the baby is yellow the Halacha says the Brit Mila must be postponed. Medically, this yellow is called Jaundice.
Jaundice occurs when a baby has a high bilirubin level. The baby will have a yellowish tinge and it will depend on how high the bilirubin is. At birth, increased bilirubin levels are normal but if the baby has a bilirubin level of over 13-13,5 the Brit Mila will need to be postponed until the bilirubin goes down.
Usually the mohel can tell how high the bilirubin is based on the color alone, but on occasion they will refer you to someone who does bilirubin testing to get an exact result.
By the way, many babies look yellow in the face. This doesn't mean the baby have jaundice. The face is not really what a mohel use to judge from. The mohel will look also the stomach, legs, and backside.
Eating is the best way to flush the yellow out of the system.
Eye Infection
If the baby has an eye infection the Halacha says the Brit Mila must be postponed.
The amount of time it will have to be pushed off is either until the baby heals, or until a full week after the baby heals, depending on the severity of the infection.
If the baby has an eye infection, the inner eyelid will usually be red, swollen, and the baby will have difficulty opening his eye. Usually, there are also strong discharges from the eye, generally yellow or green.
If the baby has only the discharge as a symptom, the mohel probably will tell you to give him eyedrops just to make sure that it doesn't develop into an eye infection.
That's why is important to let the mohel know if you see any of the above symptoms, as early as possible.
General appearance
On this meeting the mohel will check the baby's body weight, his looks, his strength and reflexes. If the baby look aware, if he can hold his head up, if his arms and legs are strong. A healthy baby is easy to spot and should not be a concern during the Brit Mila ceremony. If the baby looks different from the expected, the mohel may send you to your doctor for further consultation.
Penis anatomy
The majority of babies have regular bodies. But some are born with certain particularities that need a special approach.
Terms like hypospadias, G6PD, hydrocele, etc. should not concern you but if the mohel tells you that your baby has one of these conditions don't be sad or worried, it's part of life. Most of them won't prevent a kosher Brit Mila.
Every baby has a different anatomy and the mohel will take that in consideration. This meeting will help the mohel to plan ahead and be prepared for perform the Brit Mila.
If necessary, the Mohel will give you instructions of what to bring to the ceremony, and what to expect from it
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