by Erin Leger

Created on: June 28, 2008   Last Updated: July 12, 2011

I remember my first body piercing like it was yesterday! I was 16 and had convinced my parents that it was a good idea to have my belly button pierced because I wanted to prove to myself that I was tough enough to do it (while staring stoicly into the distance). I think my mom had a good cry but my dad was willing to take me. Unfortunately, it was a holiday and we had to drive around for quite some time before we found a parlor that was open and would take me. This is my first tip:

Carefully select your parlor!
It is very important to be picky. Find one that is clean and populated by people who make you feel comfortable. I've been pierced by big hairy tattooed men and by little unassuming girls. I'd recommend something in the middle. My first was a big guy with tons of huge piercings and a massive friendly grin. He was a little creepy, but he knew what he was doing. We proceeded into the private room and I got to lay down on a table, which brings us to number two:

Make sure that you are comfortable!
If you don't want to sit straight up and down, ask if something else is possible. I have very low blood pressure and have fainted on my way out of a parlor before. I prefer to be reclining slightly. The piercer examined my posture and decided to mark my belly button slightly slanted because I stood at funny angles. I was impressed. Number three:

Watch what they're doing!
Not only is it kind of cool, you will be comforted when you see how careful they are to avoid danger. Like a tongue piercing, they have to avoid a major vein and you can sometimes watch as they shine their light through to find it.

Take a deep breath!
Make sure to breathe as directed. I did and I was grateful. I was directed to breathe in and then when I exhaled he pushed the needle through my belly button and I hardly felt it! This is a breathing exercise to relax you and make sure you don't gasp and jump when the needle goes through. It's important to, if at all possible, turn it into a zen moment.

Keep Breathing!
The most difficult part of the piercing is inserting the jewelry. It's usually a bit rougher and takes longer. Someone with experience can usually put it in and secure it in one smooth motion, but not always. The most difficult would be a nose screw. At least, that's the most difficult one I've had. A captive bead loop is usually the best for healing and doesn't hurt very much when it goes in. No matter what you are having put in remember to keep breathing and if it gets painful try not to think about it.

Relax!
If you need to sit then do so. I had to stay put and drink water for fifteen minutes after my tongue piercing. The piercer will usually understand if you feel a little woozy and it's always better to sit for a while than to pass out in the lobby. After my belly button I had no such problems. It was an excellent first body piercing because it hardly hurt and it healed easily.

Take care!
Follow directions exactly. Clean and apply ointment as directed and remember that it can take up to a year to completely heal. Never change your jewelry too soon so select something that you can live with for at least six months. I left the same jewelry in my belly button for at least a year just because I liked it so much.

So enjoy the experience and take good care of your new hole. It's fun and very addicting!

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