Key Takeaways:
- Jewelry Removal Is Non-Negotiable During Feeding: Nipple jewelry should always be removed before nursing or pumping to avoid choking risks and prevent tissue damage. Keeping feedings safe and comfortable starts with clear, consistent habits.
- Style and Support Can Go Hand in Hand: You don’t have to sacrifice your personal style to get the support you need. The SuperMom® Silhouette Bra offers a seamless, flattering design that’s ideal for pierced or sensitive nipples.
- Proper Bra Fit Helps Prevent Complications: A poor-fitting bra can create unnecessary pressure on pierced nipples, increasing the risk of clogged ducts and irritation. Choosing a comfortable nursing bra with adjustability and soft materials helps protect your breast health during breastfeeding.
Thinking about nursing with pierced nipples and wondering where that leaves you? You're not alone. Many moms-to-be pause when this topic comes up, unsure of what’s fact and what’s myth, and how their body modifications might impact their breastfeeding journey. It's a valid concern, and one that deserves real answers, not scare tactics.
At Simple Wishes, we craft maternity bras and nursing essentials that celebrate your individuality while prioritizing your breast health. We believe every mama should feel confident, comfortable, and stylish, yes, even while pumping or breastfeeding with nipple piercings. Our bras, like the SuperMom® Silhouette, feature adjustable support slings, fixed padding, and smooth, modern designs that support both form and function.
In this piece, we’ll walk through everything you need to know, from safety to milk flow, piercing timelines, and what to expect. Consider this your supportive guide to making informed choices about nipple piercing and breastfeeding, with zero judgment and all the reassurance.
Is It Safe To Breastfeed With Nipple Piercings?
Can you breastfeed with nipple piercings? Yes, breastfeeding with nipple piercings can be safe, but there are important considerations to keep in mind. The biggest safety concern isn’t the piercing itself, but the jewelry. Nursing with jewelry still in place can pose a choking hazard to your baby or irritate your nipple tissue. That’s why most professionals recommend removing jewelry before feeding or pumping. If your piercings are fully healed, managing them should be relatively easy.
But healing matters. A fresh piercing is an open wound, not ideal during the time your baby is feeding from that area multiple times a day. For that reason, can you get a piercing while breastfeeding? Technically, yes, but it's not advised. Piercing professionals and lactation consultants alike usually recommend waiting until you’ve weaned and your milk supply has regulated before considering new nipple jewelry. If you’re already pierced, though, there’s no need to panic. Just focus on hygiene, fit, and ongoing care.
Tight bras or poorly designed cups can press against the piercing sites, potentially slowing healing or causing inflammation. Simple Wishes offers a supportive nursing bra like the SuperMom® Silhouette, made with soft, seamless materials that won’t cause added pressure. With a hidden pump support panel, it’s functional for both breastfeeding and pumping, without irritating your skin or compromising safety.
How Nipple Piercings Might Affect Milk Flow And Supply
If you're planning to breastfeed or already doing so, it's natural to wonder how past piercings might impact your milk supply or feeding experience. The good news is that most women with healed nipple piercings go on to feed their babies successfully. Still, it's helpful to understand how piercings might change milk flow or affect the comfort of your breastfeeding journey:
Milk May Leak Through Piercing Holes
Many ask, does milk come out of piercing holes? It can, if the jewelry has been removed and the holes remain open, milk may leak from more than just the nipple opening. This is completely normal and usually doesn’t cause any problems; it just means your baby might need a little help latching or adjusting to a slightly different milk flow pattern.
Piercing Placement And Scar Tissue Can Influence Flow
Do nipple piercings affect breastfeeding directly? In some cases, yes, particularly if the piercing disrupted multiple milk ducts or if scar tissue formed during healing. This could slightly reduce the flow from that breast or create uneven output, although many babies adapt without issue and still receive enough milk.
Compression Matters More Than You Think
Pressure from tight bras or poorly aligned cups can aggravate piercing sites, especially during the early days when breasts are engorged and sensitive. The SuperMom® Silhouette, for example, offers adjustable sling support and nipple tunnel alignment to help reduce pressure and support breast health, even for pierced nipples.
Tips For Breastfeeding With Nipple Piercings
Breastfeeding with nipple piercings isn’t one-size-fits-all; every mom’s body, healing timeline, and experience is different. With a few practical adjustments, many women breastfeed comfortably and successfully after getting pierced. Here are some thoughtful tips to help you navigate this unique part of your journey:
Always Remove Jewelry Before Nursing
Keeping jewelry in while breastfeeding poses a safety risk. Not only can the jewelry become a choking hazard, but it may also cause friction, irritation, or microtears to the nipple tissue during feeding. To protect both you and your baby, remove jewelry before every nursing or pumping session.
Keep The Area Clean And Watch For Signs Of Irritation
Even after healing, piercings need a bit of extra care, especially when nursing increases moisture and contact. Be sure to gently clean the area with warm water and a mild, fragrance-free cleanser, and avoid using harsh chemicals. Watch for signs of redness, swelling, or discharge, which may indicate an infection or irritation that requires medical attention.
Use The Right Bra To Support Healing And Comfort
Choosing a supportive nursing bra with soft fabric and light compression is essential when nursing with piercings. The SuperMom® Silhouette offers fixed padding and a hidden panel lift-up, so you can feed or pump comfortably without adding unnecessary pressure on sensitive areas. Its seamless design also reduces rubbing and supports optimal healing, making it one of the best nursing bras for pierced moms.
Monitor For Changes In Milk Flow Or Baby’s Latch
As you continue to nurse, pay close attention to how your baby latches and whether milk seems to be flowing evenly. If you notice your baby struggling with the latch or favoring one side, the piercing could be influencing positioning or flow. A lactation consultant can help assess whether the piercing is affecting your nursing experience and suggest small adjustments for more comfort.
When To Remove Your Piercings During Nursing
Timing matters when it comes to keeping or removing nipple jewelry during your breastfeeding journey. While having a healed piercing doesn’t mean you have to take it out permanently, there are key moments when removal is the safest and most supportive choice. Understanding when and why to do so can help you avoid complications and stay focused on feeding your baby comfortably.
Remove Jewelry Before Every Nursing Or Pumping Session
Even if your piercing is fully healed, nursing with jewelry still in place isn’t recommended. The risk of choking, nipple damage, or interference with your baby’s latch is too high. Taking the jewelry out before each session helps prevent accidents and keeps the feeding process safe and smooth.
Consider Temporary Removal During The Newborn Stage
In the early days of breastfeeding with nipple piercings, your baby is still learning how to latch, and your nipples are often sore or sensitive. Leaving jewelry in, or constantly taking it in and out, can make this adjustment period more difficult. Temporarily removing your piercings during this stage can reduce irritation, support healing, and allow both of you to find your rhythm.
Wait To Reinsert Jewelry Until Your Routine Stabilizes
Once your milk supply is established and nursing becomes more predictable, you may feel more confident in reintroducing jewelry between feedings, provided the piercing holes are still open. Just be mindful of hygiene, watch for signs of irritation, and always remove jewelry again before feeding. If the hole begins to close, consult with a piercing professional, but resist the urge to re-pierce immediately if you're still actively nursing.
Caring For Your Piercings During The Postpartum Period
The postpartum period is a time of major physical changes, especially for your breasts. If you have nipple piercings, this stage can bring added sensitivity, shifts in milk production, and potential challenges with healing or maintenance. Gentle care and the right support can make all the difference:
Be Consistent With Gentle Cleaning
Even long-healed piercings can become irritated during postpartum, especially with increased moisture, milk, and contact. Clean the area daily with warm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap; no alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or harsh solutions. Keeping the area dry between feedings can also help reduce the risk of infection.
Watch For Blocked Ducts Or Pressure Points
Engorgement is common in the first few weeks, but added pressure from tight bras or unintentional compression near the piercing site can increase the risk of clogged ducts. To prevent this, choose maternity bras made for postpartum bodies — not just bras labeled for nursing. The SuperMom® Silhouette and Stages Seamless Bra feature adjustable sling support that protects against tightness in all the right places, making them ideal for moms with pierced nipples.
Listen To Your Body As It Changes
Your breasts will shift in size, sensitivity, and shape as you establish breastfeeding and move through the postpartum stages. If you notice discomfort, scabbing, discharge, or persistent pain around the piercing site, don’t ignore it. A small change in bra fit or cleaning habits can make a big difference, and speaking with your OB, lactation consultant, or a trusted piercing professional can help guide next steps.
Prioritize Bras That Protect Breast Health
Postpartum breasts need support, but the right kind of support. Our breastfeeding bra is designed to avoid the tight compression that traditional bras often cause, which can lead to clogged ducts and discomfort, especially near piercing sites. Choosing a nursing bra like the SuperMom® Silhouette means prioritizing both style and breast health during a time when you need it most.
Final Thoughts
Breastfeeding with nipple piercings comes down to awareness, patience, and proper care. Every mama’s journey is unique. What matters most is finding what feels safe and comfortable for you and your baby. With time and the right support, your body will guide you toward what works best for you. Whether you choose to keep your piercings, remove them temporarily, or let them go altogether, with Simple Wishes, the goal remains the same: a confident, connected, and healthy breastfeeding experience that honors your individuality.
Read also:
- Can You Breastfeed While Pregnant? What Moms Need To Know
- How Long Should You Breastfeed? Recommendations By Age And Health Experts
- Can You Breastfeed With Implants? Safety, Myths, And Expert Guidance
Frequently Asked Questions About Breastfeeding With Nipple Piercings
Can I keep nipple piercings if I plan to exclusively pump?
Yes, but it’s still safest to remove jewelry before using a pump to avoid damaging the nipple or affecting suction. Piercings can also make the flange fit tricky, so proper alignment is key.
Can nipple piercings increase sensitivity during breastfeeding?
Yes, some women experience heightened nipple sensitivity due to nerve stimulation from previous piercings. This can make early feedings slightly uncomfortable, but usually improves over time.
Do I need to tell my pediatrician or lactation consultant about my piercings?
Yes, it's helpful to mention your piercings so they can offer appropriate support or guidance. This ensures they're aware in case latch issues or supply concerns arise.
Can I breastfeed if only one nipple is pierced?
Absolutely, many mothers nurse from both breasts even if only one has been pierced. You can choose to nurse on both sides or adjust based on your and your baby’s comfort.
Can I nurse from one side only if I have issues with a pierced nipple?
Yes, some moms choose to nurse from the unaffected breast and pump or express from the other. However, you’ll want to monitor for lopsided supply or discomfort.
How long should I wait to re-pierce after weaning?
Most professionals recommend waiting at least 3–6 months after weaning to give the tissue time to heal. This helps prevent infections and supports a better re-piercing experience.
Will the holes from my nipple piercings ever close completely?
They might close over time if you remove the jewelry and stop inserting anything into the hole. However, some women find that the holes remain partially open even years later.
Can I wear Simple Wishes nursing bras if I have pierced nipples?
Yes, the SuperMom® Silhouette Bra is especially comfortable for pierced nipples thanks to its soft, seamless design and non-compressive support. It allows you to nurse or pump without added friction or pressure.
Do I need to use nursing pads with pierced nipples?
You might benefit from using nursing pads if you notice milk leaking through the piercing holes. They can help keep your bra dry and prevent irritation from moisture.
Should I delay piercing my nipples if I plan to get pregnant soon?
It's best to wait until after pregnancy and weaning to get nipple piercings. This reduces the risk of complications and gives your body time to heal without interruption.
Sources:
- Szugye, Heidi, DO, IBCLC. “Can You Breastfeed With Nipple Piercings?” Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials, 20 June 2023, health.clevelandclinic.org/breastfeed-with-nipple-piercings.
- “Nipple Piercings.” La Leche League International, llli.org/breastfeeding-info/nipple-piercings/.
- Higuera, Valencia. “Does Nipple Piercing Affect Breastfeeding?” Healthline, 26 Feb. 2020, www.healthline.com/health/parenting/breast-feeding/does-nipple-piercing-affect-breastfeeding.
Disclaimer: This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
