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Subject:
From:
Ashley Fries <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Fri, 22 Sep 2006 13:28:38 -0400
Content-Type:
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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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