Is it okay to get a piercing while breastfeeding?

Is It Okay to Get a Piercing While Breastfeeding?
The question of whether it is safe to get a piercing while breastfeeding is one that many new mothers ponder, especially those who wish to express their individuality through body art. The consensus among experts is nuanced, with certain types of piercings being more acceptable than others.
General Safety Considerations
In general, it is considered safe to get most types of piercings while breastfeeding, provided that proper hygiene practices are followed. The key is to ensure that the piercing process does not introduce any harmful substances into the body, as there are typically no shots or drugs involved in the piercing itself. However, the cleanliness of the piercing site is paramount; keeping the area clean can help prevent infections, which is crucial for both the mother and the baby.
Nipple Piercings: A Special Case
When it comes to nipple piercings, the situation becomes more complicated. While it is possible to breastfeed with pierced nipples, there are significant risks involved. Experts caution against getting a nipple piercing while breastfeeding due to potential complications. For instance, nipple piercings can lead to issues such as milk leakage from the piercing site, which can be both uncomfortable and messy. Additionally, there is a risk of the jewelry interfering with the baby’s latch, which could affect breastfeeding success.
Moreover, if a mother has already had her nipples pierced before breastfeeding, she should be aware that the jewelry can pose risks. It may cause pain or discomfort during breastfeeding, and there is a possibility of infection, which could affect both the mother and the baby. Therefore, while breastfeeding with existing nipple piercings is possible, it requires careful management and monitoring.
Expert Recommendations
Experts recommend that if a mother is considering a new piercing, she should avoid nipple piercings altogether during the breastfeeding period. Instead, other body parts, such as ears or nose, are generally deemed safer options. If a mother is determined to get a nipple piercing, it is advisable to wait until she has weaned her child to minimize risks.
In conclusion, while many types of piercings can be safely obtained during breastfeeding, caution is advised, particularly with nipple piercings. Mothers should weigh the potential risks against their desire for body art and consult with healthcare professionals if they have any concerns. Ultimately, the health and well-being of both mother and baby should take precedence in these decisions.

How do you breastfeed with piercings?

And even if your jewelry stays put, it could damage your baby’s mouth tissue. Your safest bet is to remove your jewelry while feeding. Although it’s not recommended, if you do choose to reinsert your nipple jewelry after each breastfeeding session, it’s extremely important to keep everything clean.

Are piercings allowed in nursing?

Currently, body art policies are up to nursing schools and hospitals. Some facilities make you cover up your tattoos with long-sleeved shirts and remove piercings altogether. Other institutions may allow tattoos, but only on specific areas of the body. Nursing schools tend to be less lenient when it comes to body art.

What is the most painful piercing?

Unsurprisingly, genital piercings are widely considered to be the most painful. Regardless of what you choose to get done, you should expect significant immediate pain and a long healing time.

Can you pump breast milk with piercings?

Human nipples have 8-12 openings and it is unlikely that a well healed piercing will block off all the openings. However, some nipple piercings cause scar tissue. This can lead to blocked milk ducts that reduce the flow of milk and may lead to low milk supply. It is important to remove jewellery for each feeding.

Can I get a new piercing while breastfeeding?

It is not recommended to get piercings or tattoos while breastfeeding and most shops won’t do it anyway. The hormones necessary to support lactation can affect the healing of the piercing and infection is always a concern.

Can I get a tattoo while breastfeeding?

Most tattoo artists will not knowingly tattoo a pregnant or nursing mother out of an abundance of caution. If you’re a nursing mom, the La Leche League recommends you wait until your baby is 9 to 12 months old and not wholly dependent on breast milk before you get a new tattoo.

How long after pregnancy can you get a piercing?

Your body is using this time to focus on making your baby, and a piercing will not heal well for you during this time period. We want to wait until at least 3 months after you’re no longer pregnant before piercing, which allows your body time to heal and return back to normal again!

When should you not get a piercing?

If you have a medical problem (such as heart disease, allergies, diabetes, a weak immune system, or a bleeding problem), talk to your doctor before getting pierced. If you plan to get a tongue or mouth piercing, make sure your teeth and gums are healthy.

Is it safe to get a piercing in your breast?

Possible Risks
Infection is one of the most common risks that occurs with any body piercing. 1 Other risks include an allergic reaction and scarring. It’s important to consider these risks before getting a nipple piercing.

Why are earrings not allowed in nursing?

The results showed that nurses with pierced ears were more likely to test positive for Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA on both their ears and fingers. The study concludes, based on these non-statistically significant numbers, that contamination and cross transmission can occur when fingers contact the earlobes.