Body modification has gained popularity in recent years and an increasing number of women are asking whether nipple piercings can pose a challenge when it comes to fulfilling their nursing duties. Can nipple piercings affect a nursing mother's ability to supply breast milk to her baby?

There are many facets of nursing with pierced nipples but they are not major problems. Contrary to popular myths from well-meaning family members and friends, nipple piercings and breastfeeding are compatible, so long as you take certain safety measures. Therefore, if you have a nipple piercing, or want to get one, here are thoughts you should pay attention to.

Will Nursing Feel Different?

Women's nipples have sensitive nerve endings that play crucial roles in breastfeeding. If your nipples are not delicate before piercing them, they may become more delicate and sensitive after going through nipple piercing.

During nursing, the areola, which is riddled with nerves and ducts, produces a scent that helps the baby trace the nipple and start nursing more easily. Once the baby latches onto the nipple to feed, the web of nerves in the areola sends hormonal signals to the brain to produce and release milk. Therefore, the worst thing that can happen is to have nipple numbness. If you notice that you do not experience nipple stimulation as a result of the numbness, the nerves will not send the impulses to the brain during nursing.

That means the milk-production hormone will not trigger your mammary glands to produce milk, thereby weakening your milk supply. Nevertheless, what will most likely happen is that your milk let-down reflex could be altered if the piercing cuts into the ducts and affect the nerves.

Via: geburtszeit.com

Should I Nurse With The Bling Intact?

Generally, removing your nipple jewelry may make it easier for your baby to breastfeed, and it may feel more comfortable for you. However, if you wish to keep your nipple rings intact when nursing, you could consider switching to jewelry made from softer materials that are less likely to interfere with your baby's feeding.

Also, if you opt to keep metal nipple rings when nursing, wear close-fitting barbells that will not be pulled uncomfortably when your baby is feeding. With that in mind, beware of the risks that nipple rings harbour during breastfeeding. First, the bling can easily slide into your baby's mouth and choke him or her, if the ring comes off while nursing. Secondly, the breast jewelry could cause injury to your baby's mouth, or make it hard for your baby to latch on to your nipple. Also, as your baby grows, you will find it increasingly painful to nurse with your nipple jewelry intact because he or she will play with and even pull the jewelry.

Will Milk Spill Out Of The Hole?

This is a common question for lactating mothers with breast piercings. While nipple rings do not cause major issues, milk may leak through your pierced holes from the tip as well as from the sides of your nipples. Do not be alarmed when that happens because it is not a cause for concern. In fact, the fistulas may make it easier for your baby to get a satisfactory amount of milk during nursing. Also, the holes will reduce the soreness that comes with nursing, when infants have to latch hard to induce a continuous flow of milk.

Can Nipple-Piercing Infections Cause Problems With Breastfeeding?

If you have had an infection from your breast piercing in the past, it could cause some problems with breastfeeding. That is because infections can result in scarring which closes up the pores in your milk duct and block the flow of milk. If you find any nipple-piercing related complication while breastfeeding, seek the help of your doctor or midwife for a solution.

Piercing Nipples While Breastfeeding

Generally, doctors recommend that you do not pierce your nipples during nursing or even when you are pregnant. Nipple piercings take between 3-6 months to heal and piercing your breasts while lactating could lead to complications such as breast abscess and mastitis. Hence, the safest time to have your nipples pierced would be a year before you conceive. While at it, look for the best nipple-piercing hygiene practices to prevent infections which can cause internal wreckage.

Be sure to find specialists who are experienced in the art, and consult your doctor if allergies towards particular types of jewelry occur.

NEXT: 12 Important Things You Didn't Know About Breastfeeding With Implants

Sources: healthline.com, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, nwhjournal.org.