Mothers’ Views

Abstract

The most “logical” and “rational” way to deal with a baby boy who has gotten an infection in the penis is to take him to the hospital and have it checked. He most probably would get a round of antibiotics that would get him well in approximately a week’s time. That would be the end of the story. Nonetheless, Abesan in the first quote suggests that the situation is a bit more complicated. She seems a desperate and rather embarrassed mother because the penis of her son is infected. Her desperation could certainly be related to the physical vulnerability of the baby, but that does not fully explain her embarrassment. Her feelings might be related to where the infection is located. It is most likely the symbolism attached to the penis, which places Abesan in a “social conundrum” and makes her feel ashamed.

It was very sad and embarrassing because my son got an infection “there” [the penis]. It was very red and I did not know what to do.

(Abesan, aged 37, mother of one son aged ten)

No, I don’t think it a good idea to have them circumcised […] My son is already ten years old and he has not had any problem there. I know that some mothers have struggled with infections and things like that, but not my son.

(Nakanishisan, aged 30, mother of one son aged ten)