Can You Breastfeed With Nipple Piercing?

Nipple piercings are increasingly becoming popular among ladies who want an intimate body piercing. However, the pleasure of having studs or rings on your nipples often becomes a concern when you have to breastfeed. This is why as a mother, you have lots of questions on how you feed your baby after getting a nipple piercing. Here, we look at the facts about nipple piercings and breastfeeding.

Is it safe to breastfeed with pierced nipples?

The general answer to this question is –Yes, it is safe for you to breastfeed your baby with pierced nipples. Nevertheless, this does not mean that there are zero risks or no safety measures to be taken into account. But, before we look at these factors, it counts to know that:

• Pierced nipples do not affect your ability to breastfeed as your mammary glands will produce milk whether you have a piercing or not.
• As a mother, unless you have any other medical issues, your baby needs breast milk, and a nipple piercing does not stop you from fulfilling this.

What are the issues that can affect breastfeeding when I have a nipple piercing?

What are the issue that can affect breastfeeding

When it comes to nipple piercing and pregnancy, there are several factors that you can never overlook. On the one hand, you need to be safe as a mother, and on the other hand, there is a need to ensure your baby is not exposed to any risks. This is why it counts to know the following:

• You only need to breastfeed your baby after your nipple piercing has fully healed. This is why it is advisable that you do not go for a nipple piercing when you are pregnant, as it takes between 6 to 12 months for it to heal. This is a long period, and if you are pregnant, it might affect the healing process. There is also a higher risk of infection, and there is no need to take the risk of going for a piercing when pregnant.
• Nipple piercing might affect the flow of milk. While many mothers with nipple piercing get to breastfeed their babies without any problems, there are instances when one experiences a problem with the flow of milk. This is mainly due to scarring that might block the milk duct leading to a poor flow.
• You may have milk leakage from the pierced area. Another issue that you might witness is milk leakage coming from the hole left behind by the piercing. Similar to the problem with the flow of milk, this does not happen too frequently.

The best way to breastfeed after getting a nipple piercing

The best way to breastfeed after getting a nipple piercing

It is professionally recommended for mothers with nipple piercings to remove the jewelry while breastfeeding their babies. This is to avoid the possibility of the baby choking or experiencing damages to the mouth. The best part is that you can completely keep off the nipple jewelry while during the entire period you are breastfeeding. In case you do not find that convenient, you will need to maintain a high level of hygiene by washing your hands before removing and reinserting the nipple jewelry.