Timing of Circumcision and Breastfeeding Frequency: A Multi-Center, Prospective, Randomized Clinical Trial

Purpose: Many newborn providers believe that early circumcision (before 24 hours of life) interferes with breastfeeding. Limited observational studies do not support an association between circumcision and breastfeeding initiation or duration. Our specific research aim is to determine if the timing of newborn circumcision affects breastfeeding exclusivity in the first 6 months of life. Methods: We conducted a multicenter, prospective, clinical trial wherein mother-infant dyads across three clinical sites were randomized to one of three circumcision timing groups, defined as: 1) early, age 6-24hrs, 2) standard, age 24-72hrs, or 3) late, age 1-3 weeks. Exclusion criteria included gestational age