by Beckie Knowles

Created on: August 17, 2009   Last Updated: August 18, 2009

The desire to breastfeed, and concerns about breastfeeding, are unaltered depending on whether you have pierced nipples or not. There is no question that breastfeeding is the best way to feed your infant. It is healthier for both mother and child, as well as being more practical, cheaper and natural. However, many women find that they are unable to breastfeed for one reason or another. For example, getting very

sore nipples from feeding, the baby not taking enough milk or not enough milk being produced by the mother. These difficulties are the same regardless as to any piercings you may have.

There is no evidence to suggest that breastfeeding will be unsuccessful if you have pierced nipples. In fact, piercing the nipple makes it stand out more, which actually makes it easier for the baby to latch on to. To ensure both you and your baby stay safe and well while breastfeeding, there are a few things to take into consideration.

Healing Time

Nipple piercings take up to six months to heal, although often the healing period can greatly exceed this. It is essential you leave plenty of time for your piercings to heal before you attempt to breastfeed. Clean reguarly and if your piercings are very sore, gunky, or painful, make sure you get checked out by a GP and take his advice.

Infection

Under no circumstances should you obtain a piercing or tattoo while you are pregnant. The risk of infection is amplified by your weakened immune system and could damage your baby. There is a tiny risk of having a blood infection after a body modification, which could be fatal to your baby and severely damage your own health. If your piercings are healed and you wish to breastfeed, make sure you keep the area extra-clean to avoid infection. Do not feed if you have infected piercings. Seek medical advice to get it cleared up ASAP.

Safety

Although a lot of women with nipple piercings leave in their metal bars while breastfeeding, it is advised that you remove them. Feeding will be easier for the baby, as well as protecting its mouth and ensuring it doesn't swallow anything its not meant to. No cases have been recorded of a baby choking on a piercing that has been left in, but that doesn't mean the risk isn't there. Take care to clean your piercings after feeding, and the bars before you replace them.

Comfort

Taking out your piercings to breastfeed also means the experience will be more comfortable for you and the baby. You don't want that little mouth tugging sharply at the bar! As your breasts grow in pregnancy, you may find it more comfortable to swap metal bars for plastic retainers. These bars allow your body to change shape painlessly and are quicker to remove. You simply pop off the ball at one end, rather than unscrewing it. Be careful though - sometimes the ends are a little sharp. Keep Vaseline handy to smear on the end of the plastic bar when replacing.

Overall, there is no medical or practical reason why a woman with pierced nipples should not breastfeed. As long as you are responsible in the way you breastfeed, and make your baby's welfare the number one priority, you should be just as successful in feeding and bonding with your child as any other woman.

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