Last update Aug. 8, 2024

Piercing

Likely Compatibility

Fairly safe. Mild or unlikely adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Read Commentary.

Breastfeeding is possible with nipple piercing. It's convenient to remove the nipple ring or jewelry while you're breastfeeding, or at least every time you have to breastfeed. (LLLi 2019, Martin 2004)

Nipple piercing can make breastfeeding difficult by inhibiting the letdown reflex, increasing nipple sensitivity and causing discomfort to the baby (Lee 2018; Martin 2004). Difficulties in latching and decreased milk production have been described. (Garbin 2009)

Some authors have not found an association between nipple ringing and hyperprolactinemia (Sun 2013), while others have. (Holbrook 2012, Modest 2002)

It is not recommended to get a nipple piercings while breastfeeding (LLLi 2019). Healing time for a nipple piercing is usually two to three months. (Armstrong 2006)

Severe infections (mastitis, abscesses and endocarditis) and hormonal disturbances (hyper-prolactinemia) have been described (Sindoni 2022, Lee 2018, Holbrook 2012). The risks of a piercing anywhere on the body are allergic reactions, infections such as hepatitis or tetanus, tears and keloid scars. If you do get it done, you should choose safe professionals. (May 2024)

Alternatives

We do not have alternatives for Piercing.

Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM team of health professionals, and are based on updated scientific publications. It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it. The pharmaceutical industry contraindicates breastfeeding, mistakenly and without scientific reasons, in most of the drug data sheets.

Jose Maria Paricio, Founder & President of APILAM/e-Lactancia

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References

  1. Mayo Clinic. Piercings: cómo prevenir complicaciones. Salud del adulto. 2024 Consulted on Aug. 8, 2024 Full text (link to original source)
  2. Sindoni A, Valeriani F, Protano C, Liguori G, Romano Spica V, Vitali M, Gallè F. Health risks for body pierced community: a systematic review. Public Health. 2022 Apr;205:202-215. Abstract
  3. MedlinePlus. Piercing and Tattoos. Trusted Health information for you. 2021 Full text (link to original source)
  4. MedlinePlus. Perforaciones y tatuajes. Información de salud para usted. 2020 Full text (link to original source)
  5. LLLi. La Leche League International. Nipple piercings. Piercings en el pezón. Internet. 2019 Full text (link to original source)
  6. Lee B, Vangipuram R, Petersen E, Tyring SK. Complications associated with intimate body piercings. Dermatol Online J. 2018 Jul 15;24(7). pii: 13030/qt5gp333zr. Review. Erratum in: Dermatol Online J. 2018 Aug 15;24(8):. Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  7. Roche-Paull R. Body Modifications and Breastfeeding: What You Need to Know. J Hum Lact. 2015 Aug;31(3):552-3. Abstract
  8. Sun GE, Pantalone KM, Gupta M, Kennedy L, Nasr C, Constantiner M, Hamrahian AH, Hatipoglu B. Is chronic nipple piercing associated with hyperprolactinemia? Pituitary. 2013 Sep;16(3):351-3. Abstract
  9. Holbrook J, Minocha J, Laumann A. Body piercing: complications and prevention of health risks. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2012 Feb 1;13(1):1-17. Abstract
  10. Kluger N. Body art and pregnancy. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2010 Abstract
  11. Garbin CP, Deacon JP, Rowan MK, Hartmann PE, Geddes DT. Association of nipple piercing with abnormal milk production and breastfeeding. JAMA. 2009 Jun 24;301(24):2550-1. Abstract
  12. Armstrong ML, Caliendo C, Roberts AE. Pregnancy, lactation and nipple piercings. AWHONN Lifelines. 2006 Jun-Jul;10(3):212-7. Review. No abstract available. Abstract
  13. Martin J. Is nipple piercing compatible with breastfeeding? J Hum Lact. 2004 Aug;20(3):319-21. No abstract available. Abstract
  14. Modest GA, Fangman JJ. Nipple piercing and hyperprolactinemia. N Engl J Med. 2002 Nov 14;347(20):1626-7. No abstract available. Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  15. Millner VS, Eichold BH 2nd. Body piercing and tattooing perspectives. Clin Nurs Res. 2001 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)

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