Is Nipple Piercing safe while breastfeeding?
Here is what LactMed, the Drugs and Lactation Database published by the U.S. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), reports about Nipple Piercing. The text below is quoted from that source — it is not our own verdict.
Summary of use during breastfeeding
Although controlled studies have not been performed, piercing of the nipples seems to not interfere with lactation in most cases,[1,2] although poor latching, and milk leakage from the infant's mouth have been reported.[3] Nevertheless, piercing is a risk factor for low milk supply. Some breast jewelry may pierce the areola as well as the nipple. Reversible hyperprolactinemia and galactorrhea occurred in two individuals who developed infections of the nipple and mastitis. Infections are estimated to occur after 10 to 20% of nipple piercings. Healing time after nipple piercing is 6 to 12 months, and up to a year longer if infection or trauma occur. Occasionally, mastitis occurs after piercing.[4] A theoretical concern is aspiration of the nipple jewelry by the nursing infant and injury of the infant's mouth and gums. Although these complications apparently have not been reported, nipple jewelry should be removed before nursing,[3,5,6] and preferably during the entire duration of breastfeeding.[7]
Effects on the breastfed infant
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Effects on milk supply
Nipple piercing has caused mastitis in nursing and nonnursing women and at least one man.[3,6,8,9] In some of these patients, hyperprolactinemia and galactorrhea resulted. After removal of the jewelry and treatment of mastitis, hyperprolactinemia and galactorrhea subsided.[8,9] However, in a study of 11 individuals who had pierced nipples for an average of 4 years (range 2.5 to 12 years) without mastitis, serum prolactin values were in the normal range.[10] Nipple piercing has also been associated with decreased lactation in nursing mothers caused by duct obstruction and milk leakage through the piercing tract.[1,3] A study that measured milk production in 460 women found that nipple piercing was a risk factor for low milk supply.[11]
Source: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), via NCBI Bookshelf, record “Nipple Piercing” (LM1002). LactMed on NCBI Bookshelf. LactMed is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Educational summary of an authoritative source — not medical advice. Never start, stop, or change a medicine while breastfeeding without confirming with your doctor.