Nipple piercing and breast-feeding?

Question

I have had my left nipple pierced since I was 15 (I am 22). I also pierced the right one, but only left it in for a few days. Will I still be able to breast feed? I have searched the internet for answers to this question before, but never found anything concrete.

Neither or my piercings were done by a professional.

Answer 1

There is a common question among women who consider nipple piercings, and that question is how it may affect breastfeeding. There is no evidence that proper nipple piercings cause any complications with lactation. However, it is recommended that good care is taken to prevent infection by using a piercing professional and good body piercing aftercare. Frequent re-piercings can also damage the nipple and cause complications. It is also recommended that the piercing be healed before breastfeeding. Most body piercing professionals will refuse to pierce a pregnant woman for this reason, and because piercing causes unnecessary stress on the body that could potentially complicate a pregnancy.

Several complications have been noted involving breastfeeding with a piercing present, so it is recommended to remove nipple jewelry before nursing.

Several women who do not remove nipple jewelry before nursing observe the following problems:

Poor latch
Babies frequently coming on and off the breast
Slurping
Gagging
Milk leaking from the baby's mouth
It is also a potential choking hazard for the baby. As the baby sucks, the ends on the barbells (if worn) may come loose and could possibly lodge in the baby's throat (a CBR, properly inserted, would probably lessen the risk of anything becoming loose, falling out and lodging in the throat). The baby's gums and tongue as well as the soft and hard palate could be injured by the jewelry.

Answer 2

Yes, but you have to take the ring out while the baby nurses ;)

Body Piercing

There is no evidence that nipple piercing (or other body piercing) affects breastfeeding. Some professional piercers recommend against getting a new nipple piercing while breastfeeding. Be sure to observe safety procedures and choose a reputable piercer, to help protect against diseases such as hepatitis and HIV. For more information, see Links re: Nipple Piercing and Breastfeeding (this website).

http://www.kellymom.com/health/lifestyle/mom-activities.html

"Is there breastfeeding after nipple piercing? The BREASTFEEDING ANSWER BOOK asserts that there is no evidence to show nipple piercing has any effect on a woman's ability to breastfeed. Self-proclaimed "Hip Mama" Arid Gore agrees. In her book, The Hip Mama Survival Guide, Gore offers suggestions for pierced breastfeeding mothers. "Remove nipple rings and seek advice from a reputable organization like La Leche League for help and support with breastfeeding.""

http://www.lalecheleague.org/llleaderweb/LV/LVJunJul99p64.html

Answer 3

Yes, you can breastfeed.

There is no evidence that nipple piercing (or other body piercing) affects breastfeeding. Some professional piercers recommend against getting a new nipple piercing while breastfeeding. Be sure to observe safety procedures and choose a reputable piercer, to help protect against diseases such as hepatitis and HIV.

My nipples are pierced. Can I breastfeed my baby?
You are wondering if your pierced nipples will impact breastfeeding. LLLI's BREASTFEEDING ANSWER BOOK, page 382 says that no evidence exists to suggest that nipple piercing has any affect on breastfeeding.

The June/July 1999 issue of LEAVEN, LLLI's magazine for Leaders, has an article on nipple piercings called, "Nipple Piercings: Is It Compatible with Breastfeeding?" The author, Jahann Martine describes nipple piercings through the ages as well as possible risks associated with piercings. The article discusses the issue of whether to remove the jewelry prior to a breastfeeding session. One hazard Marine writes of is that baby's suck could dislodge the jewelry, possibly causing choking and/or damage to baby's mouth. Another hazard is that your baby may not be able to latch on well with the jewelry in place. Discussing the piercings with your professional piercer as well as your health care provider will help you determine your approach.

Answer 4

breastfeeding is totaly fine with nipple piercings. just take out the jewelry and clean the nipples before feeding. the jewelry can be hazardous as well as cause damage to the roof of the mouth since its still soft.

the nipples basically have many outlets that milk will come out of. its highly unlikey that you severed these. so just give it a try becuz it will never hurt to do so.

Answer 5

Yes, you will still be able to breastfeed. Just don't plan on putting those rings back in for a while.

Answer 6

no