I had my nipple pierced and took the piercing out when I was probably 4mths pregnant to allow it time to grow over (I had these visions of it squirting like a fountain out the exit holes which I'm sure wouldn't have happened but anyway). One thing that I have found with me (and I'm sure everyone is different but it may be something to consider) is that the breast that had the piercing in it seems to make half as much milk as the unpierced one. I'm no expert but I'm guessing where there was once a hole there is now scar tissue etc and where there once may have been milk ducts and passages out they are now grown over or blocked by scar tissue under the surface. I really notice it when I'm expressing (and you can actually see where it is coming out, there only seem to be about 3 jets/streams of milk compared to the other side that comes out like a shower head!). I don't know if this may have caused me problems if I had have had both nipples pierced I dont know if I would have been able to feed Stella properly or if there wouldn't have been the quantity coming thru that she needed. I presume originally when my milk came in both boobs filled up equally but when it found that it had nowhere to go (no exit hole!) it just stopped making it!

All very hypothetical - but thats my interpretation of what I think is happening!

-Miranda-

my best advice is to contact the breastfeeding association and talk to them about it. they are  the experts and can give you all the information on it.

It can be a problem if you develop an infection. My ex (not that he breastfeeds, lol) now has a deformed nipple that, if he were a woman, would probably not function very well when breatsfeeding. This is because it got infected. If you decide to go ahead, make sure you look after it, and see a reputable piercer.

the baby may not like it at all so i would take it out while feeding and put back in after wards. YES the milk does come from the sides as well (mine did with my daughter)

Hi there,

I havent had a nipple piercing , my partner has, anyway, I think when it comes to breastfeeding, something like this has to be researched a little bit before making any decisions. When you damage the tissue in the nipple, you dont know what effect that scarring will have on its functionality and therefore, perhaps ask the chemist or the GP or even the body piercing place if they have heard of anyone having troubles with it before getting it done.. remember its not just about a couple of holes but the tissue around the holes harden when they heal and may infact block milk ducts and cause mastitis etc.. I'm a fan of piercings myself but in this case, definately research it, if not just for the sake of showing your parents the facts about its significance or insignificance if it turns out to be no big deal. Good luck and cheers from Mel xx

I had a nipple piercing which I later took out (coz I was over it) and successfully breastfed my baby and am planning to do the same with my next. Make sure you go to a reputable (this means expensive!) piercer who will pierce properly and behind the nipple and of course be very very careful with aftercare. Be aware that these kinds of piercings can 'drift'  so you may end up removing it time anyway as they don't always stay where they are put.