Hello Janet.  I too, have worked with several mom's with nipple piercings...most of whom their breast milk just pours thru/around the holes.  MANY years ago, (at least 15), I had a mother who became very engorged on one side.  Seems it was quite soon that we got her to a dermatologist who removed scar tissue.  She was ahead of the trend and had her nipples pierced many years prior (70's.??) and had not used any rings in many years, and one side was completely scarred and her expressing BM, was only drips.  The outpatient procedure worked and she successfully BF for over a year.  I do know that after that experience, discussing piercings became part of my history taking!  At times I remember mom's having not shared it with their hubbys OR their own mothers who many times were/are present at the LC visit!!  Now it is pretty common to see.  I still cannot imagine...OUCH!!

AND...Welcome to all of the new IBCLCs!  This is a very rewarding profession! I remember when there were only 2500 of us Worldwide...now I believe there are 25, 000!!  Social Media and hard work has brought us a long way!!  The CDC, WHO and other health organizations are now on board!  There is still much work to be done!  Work with those mommies and organizations and lets become a totally Baby Friendly society!! 

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