24. Saying Shehechiyanu:[1]

Sephardic custom: Some Poskim[2] rule that the blessing of Shehechiyanu is recited by the father of the child if he is the Mohel. However, if the father is not the Mohel, then it is disputed[3] as to whether the blessing of Shehechiyanu is to be recited, and practically the Sephardic[4] custom is for the father to recite the blessing in all cases.

Ashkenazi custom:[5] The Ashkenazi custom is not to say the blessing even when the father himself is doing the circumcision.[6] It is not said even if there will be a Pidyon Haben taking place for the child.[7] [However, in Eretz Yisrael, many Ashkenazim are accustomed to reciting the blessing as do the Sephardim.[8] However, the Chabad custom is not recite it even in Eretz Yisrael.[9]]

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[1] Shevach Habris 18:7; See Pesakim Uteshuvos 265:22

[2] Michaber Y.D. 265:7

[3] See Michaber ibid brings two opinions, with the second opinion being that of the Rambam who holds the blessing is to always be recited by the father.

[4] So is the custom of residence of Israel, Egypt, and Syria. [Michaber ibid]

[5] Rama Y.D. 265:7; Shach 265:17; Setimas Admur in Siddur who omits this blessing

[6] The reason: This is due to several reasons, including: 1) The pain of the child impedes the joy and hence does not justify the blessing of Shehechiyanu. [Ravayah Shabbos 289] 2) As the child has not yet left the status of a Nefel. [Ravayah ibid, brought in Hagahos Maimanis

[7] Shach 265:17; Beir Heiytiv 265; Derech Hachaim 233:8; Setimas Admur in Siddur who omits this blessing

Other opinions: Some Poskim rule that if there will be a Pidyon Haben taking place then the blessing is to be said by the circumcision instead of the Pidyon Haben. [Rama ibid]

[8] Otzer Habris 15:23

[9] See Igros Kodesh 20:309, printed in Shulchan Menachem 5 p. 125-126; Shevach Habris ibid