Can You Get A Piercing While Breastfeeding (Ear, Nose, Nipple & More)

Many moms-to-be who are interested in getting a piercing during pregnancy wisely decide to hold off until after their baby is born.

This is because although the chances are low, medical and piercing professionals advise against getting a piercing while pregnant as the risks and consequences of an infection simply aren’t worth it.

But if you have now given birth and are breastfeeding, you are probably wondering if it’s safe to finally get that piercing.

The good news is yes, provided you wait 3 months after giving birth, there is no increased risk in getting pierced while breastfeeding or nursing.

The expectation is your nipples, which should not be pierced until after you’ve completely stopped breastfeeding.

Can You Get A Piercing While Breastfeeding?

According to the Association of Professional Piercers, there is no increased risk in getting pierced while breastfeeding or nursing.

This is because your body will not be under the same type of demands that it was experiencing during pregnancy.

However, there are two important things you should note if you get piercings while breastfeeding:

1. You should wait for at least 3 months after giving birth before getting pierced.
2. You should not get your nipples pierced while breastfeeding or nursing (more on this later).

Can You Get An Ear Piercing While Breastfeeding?

If you’re thinking about getting an ear piercing while breastfeeding, the good news is that there is no increased risk of doing so while nursing.

As with any piercing, if you do get your ears pierced you should of course follow post care cleaning advice and best practices.

Can You Get A Nose Piercing While Breastfeeding?

Yes, you can get your nose pierced while breastfeeding.

But one thing to definitely be aware of is that your baby will probably be very interested in your shiny new face piercing, so they may attempt to pull or tug on it.

A good tip from mums in the know is to therefore go for a stud rather than a hoop, as hoops are easier for your baby to grab hold of.

Can You Get A Nipple Piercing While Breastfeeding?

If you are breastfeeding then it’s definitely not a good idea to get a nipple piercing.

The reasons against getting a nipple piercing while you’re breastfeeding or nursing include:

• Your jewelry poses a serious choking hazard for your baby if it were to come off while feeding.
• New piercings should be kept clean. This is impossible because your baby’s saliva and germs will get onto your nipples and areola and could therefore cause an infection.
• Your new nipple piercing could cause your milk ducts to become clogged or blocked, which would lead to a reduced milk supply as well as an infection, mastitis and a lot of pain.
• The piercing holes will make latching on more difficult for your baby.

Once you have finished breastfeeding, the Association of Professional Piercers recommend you wait for 3 months after your breast milk production stops before you go ahead and pierce your nipples.

Can You Get A Tongue Piercing While Breastfeeding?

Yes, getting a tongue piercing while breastfeeding is considered to be fine and poses no additional risk.

Just remember to follow any cleaning guidelines and other aftercare advise closely, because there’s a slightly higher chance of infection for a tongue piercing given our mouths have bacteria and other germs.

Can You Get A Lip Piercing While Breastfeeding?

Yes, you can get a lip piercing while breastfeeding without having to worry about additional safety concerns.

But again, it’s important to follow cleaning advice closely as the mouth is an area that has a lot of bacteria and germs.

A lip ring (just like a nose ring) can be attractive for a baby to grab and pull at, especially as your baby will be in the perfect position to do so when they’re in your arms!

A lot of new mums therefore prefer to delay getting a lip piercing until their little one is old enough to know not to pull at your face or jewelry.

Can You Get A Belly Piercing While Breastfeeding?

Yes, like most other body areas, you can get a belly piercing while you’re breastfeeding.

You should keep in mind however that the area around the piercing may get rubbed often while your baby lies on you (while they sleep, feed or are in a carrier for example).

This could cause you irritation and could even lead to your body rejecting the piercing.

If this term is new to you, rejection is when your body thinks your new jewelry is a foreign (and therefore unwelcome) object, and in response your skin tissues expand until the jewelry is completely pushed out.

How To Safely Choose A Piercing Studio

If you’re not sure how to evaluate a piercing studio when thinking about getting a piercing, here is a helpful set of expert guidelines:

• Ensure the studio is state-registered.
• Piercers should wear a new pair of sterile gloves for each procedure.
• Equipment should be sterilized using an autoclave sterilizing unit.
• All floors and surfaces are clean and sterilized.
• All needles used should be disposable and single-use only.
• All dressings must be sterile packed and unopened.
• All jewelry used for piercing must be sterile packed and unopened.
• You should be able to contact your professional piercer (at any time) for at least the first 24 hours after piercing procedure.

In Conclusion

• According to experts, getting piercings while breastfeeding does not pose any additional risks.
• The exception to this are the nipples, which should not be pierced while breastfeeding or nursing.
• It’s recommended you wait for 3 months after giving birth before getting a piercing.
• If you’re thinking about getting your nose or lip pierced, be aware that your jewelry might be appealing for your baby to touch and pull at!
• Follow cleaning and aftercare guidelines after your piercing, and always choose a reputable studio which excellent hygiene.