Will I be able to breast feed later if I get a nipple piercing?
Breastfeeding and body piercing
Updated Wednesday June 11, 2008
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Yes, but there are several considerations for the mother or prospective mother-to-be before getting a nipple piercing. Nipple piercing does not prevent breastfeeding from happening. In fact, many lactating women find that a small amount of milk will also come out of the piercing, which is harmless. However, you will want your nipple piercings to be very well healed by the time you conceive. The changes that a woman's body undergoes during pregnancy can make it next to impractical for these piercings to finish healing at that time.
Most mothers choose to remove the jewelry when breastfeeding to avoid injury to the piercing and for maximum comfort for both.
Beads, threaded balls, and rings are choking hazards for infants if they come loose accidentally with the motion of feeding. If the piercings are very well healed by the time breastfeeding begins the jewelry may be easily removed and reinserted. If the piercings are not well healed, consistent removal and reinsertion will probably prove to be impossible. Remember to wash your hands with a liquid antibacterial soap before removing the jewelry or touching the piercing. Also, be sure to keep your jewelry on a clean surface, such as in a jewelry pouch or in a disposable cup. If you pregnant, trying to conceive, or nursing and are interested in getting a nipple piercing, wait until you are fully done breastfeeding.