Body modifications have become a form of self expression, but when it comes to the post-partum experience, how do they affect a mother’s ability to breastfeed? In this blog we answer all of your questions on breastfeeding with nipple piercings and implants, along with some tips and tricks to help you and your baby have an amazing breastfeeding experience.

Can You Breastfeed With Pierced Nipples?

Yes, you can breastfeed with pierced nipples, but there are some factors to keep in mind. Nipple piercings generally do not affect your milk supply or production, but they can affect your milk flow. This can happen if a piercing is blocking a milk duct, or damaged it in the past. Using different breastfeeding positions to encourage milk flow can help address this problem.

Because both your tummy and your breasts expand and change during pregnancy and breastfeeding, it can often be good practice to remove any belly or nipple piercings. While pre-existing piercings do not raise any health risk for you or your baby, you may find that it’s simply more comfortable to take them out.

Key Considerations and Potential Risks

Before you begin, it's crucial to be aware of the potential risks:

• Choking Hazard: Jewelry can pose a serious choking risk for your baby if it becomes loose.
• Damage to Baby's Mouth: Hard jewelry can damage your baby's delicate palate, gums, or tongue.
• Increased Infection Risk: The piercing site is a gateway for bacteria, raising the risk of breast infections like mastitis for you, and oral infections for your baby.
• Milk Leakage: Milk may leak from the piercing holes, which is usually more of a nuisance than a danger.
• Altered Milk Flow: Scarring can sometimes slow milk flow, or the jewelry's removal can create a faster flow from the open channels.

Can You Get Piercings During Pregnancy or Breastfeeding?

Women are generally advised to not get new piercings during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and most piercers will not pierce a pregnant woman knowingly. Your immune system is compromised while breastfeeding, which means your body may be more susceptible to infection. Nipple piercings can take up to a year to heal, which means during that time you would need to follow a strict care regimen.

What Issues Can Piercings Cause During Breastfeeding

Because nipple piercings are foreign objects, they can potentially cause choking or damage to a baby’s mouth. Nipple piercings are also more prone to infection, especially if they are new, and can lead to conditions like mastitis. Piercing holes can also cause milk leakage, but if there is some scar tissue build up, milk flow may decrease.

While there are issues that arise with piercings and breastfeeding, it’s important to remember that every mama is different. If you want to breastfeed with nipple piercings, you can do it! Be aware of the potential issues, and take the necessary precautions to keep you and your baby healthy and safe.

How to Breastfeed With Pierced Nipples

Even after a nipple piercing heals, there are still essential steps you can take to ensure that your breastfeeding goes smoothly. If you choose to breastfeed with piercings, following a strict safety protocol is non-negotiable.

1. Remove the Jewelry Before Every Feed. This is the single most important step to eliminate choking and injury risks. If possible, remove your piercing for the entire time you plan to breastfeed. Do not feed with the jewelry in.

2. Clean the Piercing and Your Nipple Thoroughly. After removing the jewelry, wash your hands and the piercing area with warm water and a mild, unscented soap. Pat dry completely before nursing. The piercing site is another gateway for bacteria to enter your body and cause infection, so be mindful of how often you touch the area, and how often you wash your piercings.

3. Inspect for Blocked Ducts. Before latching your baby, gently hand-express a little milk. This helps you check for any blocked ducts (evidenced by pain or lack of flow from a particular duct) and clears the way for an easier latch.

4. Choose an Effective Feeding Position. Nipple piercings can cause milk to flow more quickly from some positions, and more slowly from others. Because of this, choosing an effective feeding position ensures that you are still feeding your baby with ease. Try leaning forward if your milk flow slows down, or lean back if it’s too much for your baby to handle at once.

5. Reinsert Jewelry After Feeding (Optional). If you wish to keep the piercing open, you can reinsert the clean, sterilized jewelry immediately after the feed and a quick clean. Many parents find it easier to simply leave the jewelry out for the duration of their breastfeeding journey to simplify the process.

How Does a Nipple Piercing Affect Future Nursing

Because your body changes so rapidly during pregnancy and breastfeeding, it’s recommended that new mamas wait 3-4 months after a baby is weaned to get their first nipple piercing.

Nipple piercings will not negatively affect future nursing, but the most common recommendation is to wait at least until the piercing heals to breastfeed. As always, be mindful of the issues that come with breastfeeding with pierced nipples.

Breastfeeding with Breast Implants

Can You Breastfeed With Implants?

Yes, most If you’ve gotten breast implants in the past, this will not affect your ability to breastfeed in the future. Breast implant surgery does not directly affect your milk ducts or mammary glands. Because of this, breastfeeding will not ruin your implants or affect the quality of your milk supply. You’re good to go, mama!

Whether you choose to breastfeed with nipple piercings, or wait to get that dream piercing once your baby is done feeding, the choice is up to you!

Will It Affect My Milk Supply?

It might. Some parents with implants experience a full supply, while others may have a lower supply. This is often related to the surgical technique used. Breastfeeding will not "ruin" your implants, and the quality of your milk is not affected by the implants themselves.

Pro Tip: Work with a lactation consultant from the start. They can help you monitor your baby's weight and your milk transfer, and suggest ways to supplement your supply if needed (e.g., with pumping or galactagogues).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Q: How long should I wait after getting my nipples pierced to breastfeed?
  A: You should wait until the piercing is fully healed, which can take 9-12 months or more. It is not advised to get pierced while pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Q: My piercing has closed. Will this cause problems?
  A: Usually, no. The scar tissue from a closed piercing is often minimal. However, if it directly blocks a milk duct, it could lead to a plugged duct or mastitis. Watch for painful, hard lumps and contact a lactation consultant if you're concerned.
• Q: Is the milk from a breast with an implant safe for my baby?
  A: Yes. Extensive research shows that silicone from breast implants does not pass into breast milk in any significant or harmful amounts. Your milk is safe and nutritious.
• Q: I'm struggling with latching or supply. Who should I contact?
  A: An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is your best resource. They have specific training in complex situations like piercings and post-surgery breastfeeding and can provide personalized, hands-on help.

Visit the Willow Blog to learn more about how to make your nursing experience a great one. From combination feeding to exclusive pumping schedules, we’ve got you covered. Welcome to the community, mama!