How to keep nipple piercings from closing while breastfeeding?

Navigating Nipple Piercings While Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a profound experience for many mothers, but for those with nipple piercings, it can raise unique challenges. Understanding how to manage these piercings during lactation is crucial for both the mother’s comfort and the baby’s safety.
The Safety Considerations
First and foremost, it’s essential to recognize that while breastfeeding with nipple piercings is possible, it comes with certain risks. Experts recommend removing nipple jewelry entirely during breastfeeding. This precaution is primarily to prevent potential hazards such as infections, blocked milk ducts, and even the risk of the jewelry causing injury to the baby. The Lactation Network emphasizes that safety should always come first, and while some mothers may choose to keep their piercings in, the consensus is that removal is the best practice.
The Risk of Closing
One of the primary concerns for mothers with nipple piercings is the possibility of the piercings closing up. This is particularly relevant if the piercings are relatively new or not fully healed. The body tends to heal quickly, and if jewelry is removed for an extended period, the holes can begin to close. To mitigate this risk, mothers can consider a few strategies:
1. Use Retainers: After removing the jewelry, some mothers opt for flexible retainers made from materials like silicone. These can help keep the piercing open without the risks associated with traditional jewelry.
2. Regular Maintenance: If a mother is breastfeeding for an extended period, she might choose to periodically reinsert jewelry after feeding sessions, provided it is safe and hygienic to do so. This approach requires careful attention to cleanliness to avoid introducing bacteria into the piercing.
3. Consultation with Professionals: Engaging with a lactation consultant or a professional piercer can provide tailored advice. They can offer insights into the best practices for maintaining piercings while ensuring breastfeeding remains safe and effective.
Understanding the Impact on Milk Flow
Another aspect to consider is how nipple piercings might affect milk flow. Some studies suggest that piercings can potentially interfere with the milk ducts, leading to issues such as blocked ducts or reduced milk supply. Therefore, monitoring any changes in breastfeeding patterns or discomfort is vital. If problems arise, consulting with a healthcare provider is crucial to address any complications promptly.
Conclusion
In summary, while breastfeeding with nipple piercings is feasible, it requires careful management to ensure both the mother’s and baby’s safety. Removing jewelry during breastfeeding is strongly advised to prevent complications, and mothers should explore options like retainers to keep their piercings open. Regular consultations with healthcare professionals can provide additional support and guidance, ensuring that the breastfeeding journey remains as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

How quickly do nipple piercings close?

Nipple piercings are one of the fastest piercing to close. When they’re new, they can close in minutes. Even after a few years, nipple piercings can close inside of a week without jewellery. For some, the hole can stay open for years on its own, although this is rare.

How to stop a nipple piercing from embedding?

Resting, ice and anti-inflammatory medication from a pharmacy or supermarket can greatly help until you can get the piercing changed. In the event that the tissue completely grows over your jewelry, and neither you or your piercer can push it out to the surface. You will need to seek medical assistance.

How long can a nipple piercing be out before it closes?

Nipple piercings are one of the fastest piercing to close. When they’re new, they can close in minutes. Even after a few years, nipple piercings can close inside of a week without jewellery. For some, the hole can stay open for years on its own, although this is rare.

Do nipple piercing holes ever go away?

Even after a few years, nipple piercings can close inside of a week without jewellery. For some, the hole can stay open for years on its own, although this is rare. Although it is a myth that you can’t breastfeed with a nipple piercing, we still recommend you remove the jewellery during breastfeeding sessions.

How do I keep my nipple piercing open while breastfeeding?

Mine are almost 2 weeks old – I’ve found that disposable nursing pads really help for daytime. I use a normal bra, just a tad looser than usual, then nursing pads inside to cushion the piercings and hold them in place without squishing them.

Can I pump with my nipple rings in?

You would need to have the piercings well healed and take out the jewelry before pumping. The pump forms a vacuum over your nipple, so even if the jewelry fits in the pump, it’ll expand your nipple and the jewelry will be digging into the sides of the piercing.

How do I keep my nipple piercing from closing?

The only way to keep it open is to put a retainer in. If there’s not something in it, you always risk it closing. The older the piercing is though, the longer you can go without anything in it before it closes.

How do you open blocked nipple pores while breastfeeding?

Here are a few tips to help you get relief:

1. Lightly massage your breast from the plugged duct down to the nipple before and during breastfeeding.
2. Apply ice or cold packs to provide relief and reduce swelling.
3. Breastfeed on demand and use different positions.
4. Empty the affected breast first.

How do I stop my piercing from closing?

Use Skin Tone Jewelry or a Glass Retainer
“The only definite way to keep a piercing open is to keep jewelry in it,” says Lynn.

Does breastmilk come out of nipple piercing holes?

Does milk come out of piercing holes? Milk may come out of the piercing holes, but it’s usually not disruptive to the breastfeeding experience as long as your baby has a proper latch. “If the baby has a proper, deep latch, they’re latching onto the areola and not just the little nipple itself,” explains Dr. Szugye.