Breastfeeding and Pierced Nipples
I am a nursing student who is responding on the topic that was
discussed a few weeks ago about whether or not nipple piercings should be
removed during breastfeeding. “Any body piercing that penetrates the skin
and mucous membranes increases the risk of local infection occurring at
the pierced body site (Itzhak, 2001)”. Some possible risks are tetanus,
hepatitis, transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), rejection,
metal allergy, later scar tissue formation and infection. “One study
revealed that nipple piercings are prone to infections due to anaerobes
(Prevotella intermedia and Peptostreptocuccus anaerobius). This type of
infection can be treated with antibiotics, as prescribed by a physician
(Itzhak, 2001)”.
Choking is a potential hazard for the baby if the nipple jewelry
is not removed. “As the baby sucks, the jewelry may become detached and
lodge in the throat, gums, tongue, and soft and hard palates that may
cause injury to the baby. In addition, the jewelry is not sterile which
increases the risk for infection (Jones, 1999)”. Due to these potential
complications from jewelry still inserted in the nipple during
breastfeeding, the infant may have a hard time latching onto the breast,
sucking, taking in milk, and gagging.
There is no current study that suggests that having a nipple
piercing will inhibit breastfeeding; except that jewelry or scar tissue
could impair latching onto or blocking the milk duct and adversely
affecting an infant’s ability to breastfeed (Meltzer, 2005). Removing the
jewelry before the feeding is recommended because of the potential risk
and complications to the infant as well as to the mother.
I researched breastfeeding and nipple piercing because I was
interested in the results. It appears that the removal of nipple jewelry
is encouraged during the entire length of intended breastfeeding period
due to potential problems—even though it may be weeks to months—but not
necessary. Mothers should continuously practice self-hygiene and check
the piercing prior to breastfeeding to ensure that it will not come loose
during feeding. If someone chooses to reinsert the jewelry after the
period of breastfeeding, they may need to go back to a piercing shop
because scar tissue may have closed the pierced site. And yes, when
reinserting the jewelry back into the nipple one may feel discomfort and
may see a slight irritation.
If one decides to keep the nipple jewelry in during breastfeeding,
one may want to consider style, gauge size and type of jewelry. I
appreciate the expertise on this listserv and will be watching for further
discussion.
References
Itzhak, B. (2001). Recovery of anaerobic bacteria from 3 patients with
infection at a pierced body site. Brief Reports, 33, 12-3.
Jones, L. (1999). Pierced nipples and breastfeeding. The Practicing
Midwife, 2(11), 16-7.
Meltzer, D. (2005). Complications of body piercing. A Peer-Review Journal
of The American Academy of Family Physicians, 72(10), 2029-34, 2035-6.
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