Over the last twenty to thirty years the piercing of nipples has seen a resurgence in popularity, particularly among young women. This poses a very interesting question for later in life should they ever become a breastfeeding mother.
What is the effect of nipple piercings for the breastfeeding mother?
In short the answer is nothing. By all accounts there is no reason as to why a nipple piercing should make any difference when breastfeeding. The most likely thing to occur is that a little extra milk may come through the piercing holes. Not necessarily a bad thing though!
That all being said there are a few guidelines and recommendations for breastfeeding with a nipple piercing.
Firstly it is advisable not to actually feed with the piercing still in place. While the risk of damage to the nipple is low, it is still there. Other possible problems include difficulty in the baby latching, gagging, slurping and milk coming out the babies mouth.
Depending on the type of jewelery used, balls may come loose and prove as a choking hazard. Further to this the hard metal may damage the baby's soft palate. As a result it is highly recommended to remove piercings prior to feeding.
Secondly it is not recommended to get a piercing while pregnant. Many believe that the unborn child is able to feel the mother's pain and it is not necessary to put them through such pain. By all accounts though finding a practitioner to pierce a pregnant woman is near on impossible.
Thirdly the piercing must be free from infection and completely healed before breastfeeding commences. It is also important to note that it is piercings need around three to six months to heal so this will need to be taken into consideration if planning pregnancy and piercing in a close time frame. Some experts claim piercings should be in for a full twelve months before breastfeeding begins.
Finally, remember that ultimately the choice to breastfeed with a nipple piercing is yours. There is no evidence to suggest that there should be any problems. Naturally if you do experience any difficulties breastfeeding seek assistance from a lactation consultant. Chances are what you are not the first to experience your problem and a solution will be easily identifiable by a professional.
What is the effect of nipple piercings for the breastfeeding mother?
In short the answer is nothing. By all accounts there is no reason as to why a nipple piercing should make any difference when breastfeeding. The most likely thing to occur is that a little extra milk may come through the piercing holes. Not necessarily a bad thing though!
That all being said there are a few guidelines and recommendations for breastfeeding with a nipple piercing.
Firstly it is advisable not to actually feed with the piercing still in place. While the risk of damage to the nipple is low, it is still there. Other possible problems include difficulty in the baby latching, gagging, slurping and milk coming out the babies mouth.
Depending on the type of jewelery used, balls may come loose and prove as a choking hazard. Further to this the hard metal may damage the baby's soft palate. As a result it is highly recommended to remove piercings prior to feeding.
Secondly it is not recommended to get a piercing while pregnant. Many believe that the unborn child is able to feel the mother's pain and it is not necessary to put them through such pain. By all accounts though finding a practitioner to pierce a pregnant woman is near on impossible.
Thirdly the piercing must be free from infection and completely healed before breastfeeding commences. It is also important to note that it is piercings need around three to six months to heal so this will need to be taken into consideration if planning pregnancy and piercing in a close time frame. Some experts claim piercings should be in for a full twelve months before breastfeeding begins.
Finally, remember that ultimately the choice to breastfeed with a nipple piercing is yours. There is no evidence to suggest that there should be any problems. Naturally if you do experience any difficulties breastfeeding seek assistance from a lactation consultant. Chances are what you are not the first to experience your problem and a solution will be easily identifiable by a professional.
