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When can I get a piercing while breastfeeding?

Understanding Piercings While Breastfeeding
When it comes to body piercings during breastfeeding, the conversation often centers around safety and practicality. Many new mothers may wonder if they can get a piercing while nursing, and if so, which types are advisable.
General Safety Considerations
In general, it is possible to get certain types of piercings while breastfeeding, but caution is advised. Most experts agree that while non-nipple piercings, such as those on the ears or nose, are typically safe, nipple piercings should be approached with more caution. The primary concern with nipple piercings is their potential impact on breastfeeding. Nipple piercings can pose risks such as infection, which could affect both the mother and the baby. Additionally, the presence of jewelry can interfere with the baby’s latch, potentially leading to feeding difficulties.
Nipple Piercings: A Special Case
If you are considering a nipple piercing while breastfeeding, it is crucial to understand the implications. While some women successfully breastfeed with existing nipple piercings, the risks are significant. Experts highlight that nipple piercings can lead to complications such as blocked milk ducts or mastitis, which is an infection of the breast tissue. Furthermore, if the piercing is new, the healing process can be complicated by breastfeeding, as the area may be more susceptible to irritation and infection.
Timing Matters
For those contemplating a new nipple piercing, the consensus among lactation consultants and piercing professionals is to wait until breastfeeding is well established or until you have weaned your baby. This is particularly important because the nipple needs to be free from any potential irritants that could affect breastfeeding. If you already have a nipple piercing and are breastfeeding, it is advisable to keep the area clean and monitor for any signs of infection or complications.
Conclusion
In summary, while you can get certain piercings while breastfeeding, it is best to avoid nipple piercings during this time. If you are considering a piercing, consult with a healthcare provider or a lactation consultant to discuss the safest options for your situation. Prioritizing the health and well-being of both mother and baby is essential when making decisions about body modifications during breastfeeding.

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.

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.

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.

Do nipples heal after piercing?

Nipple tissue takes longer to heal than most other pierced areas of your body. It may take up to 6 months for yours to heal.

How soon after giving birth can I get my ears pierced?

If you’re pregnant, you should not get your ears pierced because of the risk of getting an infection. You should also wait 3 months after giving birth before getting your ears pierced.

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.

Do pierced nipples affect milk production?

Many piercings don’t interfere with nursing. 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.

How long after having a baby can you get your nipples pierced?

3-4 months
It is suggested that mothers wait until 3-4 months after weaning before getting nipple piercings as hormonal changes during breastfeeding can affect the healing process. Reputable piercers will have a waiver for the client to sign that asks about pregnancy and breastfeeding.’);})();(function(){window.jsl.dh(‘C4VlZ_rBAZ6twPAPtLiEmAQ__29′,’

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.

Can you breastfeed if you had your nipples pierced before?

Can you breastfeed if you have pierced nipples? The short answer to this question is, yes. So if you have a piercing or you’re thinking about getting one, this likely doesn’t affect your ability to nurse, although you should wait until the piercing fully heals before breastfeeding.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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