Can nipple piercings interfere with breastfeeding? A lot of moms have this question — whether you’re already pierced or thinking about getting it done. The short answer? Yes, you can breastfeed with nipple piercings, but there are some real-world things you’ll want to know to keep things safe and smooth for both you and your baby.
How Nipple Piercing Affects Breastfeeding
Here’s the reassuring part: having a healed nipple piercing usually doesn’t stop you from making breast milk or nursing your baby. That’s because milk is produced further back in the breast tissue, not right at the nipple. But while milk supply itself isn’t the issue, the piercing can affect how milk flows out or how your baby latches.
Some moms notice milk leaking through the piercing holes. Others find their babies struggle a bit to latch if the nipple shape is different or if the jewelry gets in the way. You might also experience faster milk flow through extra holes, which can overwhelm a newborn or cause choking or gagging.
It’s also important to think about scar tissue. If your piercing didn’t heal well or got infected, that scar tissue might block one of the milk ducts, making milk removal harder on that side. A pierced nipple may or may not close over time. Some women experience faster flow, while others deal with flow issues if scar tissue builds up.
If one breast is affected by piercing-related damage, many moms successfully breastfeed exclusively from the other side.
Real Talk From Moms Who’ve Done It
Cindy, Palm Beach, Florida
“I had both my nipples pierced at the age of 19. I am now 32 and a mother of 2 and have another bun in the oven. Both my boys nursed for over 20 months each and self-weaned. I decided to keep my piercings. It took some extra work and patience. I took my piercings out each time they fed and made sure that I washed them a few times during the day. I still have my piercings, and I plan on doing the same with this next child.”
Maya, Cape Town, South Africa
“I had no real breastfeeding issues. My pierced side leaks A LOT! It’s a nuisance. I have to use breast pads all the time. So, invest in some good breast pads!”
Should I Remove My Nipple Jewelry While Breastfeeding?
Yes. It’s recommended that you remove any nipple jewelry before breastfeeding. Keeping it in can lead to:
- Poor latch or difficulty staying latched
- Milk leaking from the sides of your baby’s mouth
- Gagging or overfeeding from fast flow
- Injury to baby’s gums, tongue, or palate
- Jewelry loosening and becoming a choking hazard
- Increased risk of infection
Best practice? Remove the jewelry before feeds and keep the area clean. Some moms choose to keep the jewelry out for the entire breastfeeding period.
Healing Time Matters
If you’re planning to breastfeed someday but want a piercing now, timing is everything. A nipple piercing typically takes 6 to 12 months to fully heal. Some piercers and lactation experts recommend waiting 18 months just to be sure.
That means if you’re already pregnant or trying to conceive, it’s best to hold off. A fresh piercing during pregnancy or lactation increases your risk for infection and complications. Plus, your body’s already going through enough changes.
Can You Get a Nipple Piercing While Breastfeeding?
It’s strongly recommended not to. Piercing your nipples while lactating can lead to mastitis (a painful breast infection), abscesses, and other complications. Healing is slower during lactation, and the piercing can easily become irritated or infected.
If you’re serious about getting it done, it’s best to wait until at least a year after weaning. And when you do, make sure to go to a reputable piercer who understands hygiene and uses safe metals like surgical stainless steel, titanium, or nickel-free gold.
Tips for Breastfeeding With Nipple Piercings
You can absolutely make this work. Here are some doable steps to keep things safe and stress-free:
- Remove nipple jewelry before each feed.
- Keep the area clean, especially before and after nursing.
- Use nursing pads if you notice extra leaking.
- Watch for signs your baby is struggling with milk flow (gagging, pulling off the breast, upset during feeds).
- If you notice supply differences between breasts, try different nursing positions or consult a lactation expert.
When To Get Help
Call your healthcare provider or an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) if:
- You notice redness, pain, swelling, or pus at the piercing site.
- Your baby seems frustrated or isn’t gaining weight.
- One breast seems to have a lower milk supply than the other.
- You develop a fever or suspect mastitis.
You deserve support, not judgment. Trust your instincts and reach out — it’s what they’re there for.
Final Thoughts
Nipple piercing and breastfeeding can absolutely go hand in hand — with the right timing, care, and a little flexibility. If your piercing is healed and you’re willing to remove the jewelry during feeds, most moms have no serious issues. Like a lot of things in motherhood, it’s about finding what works best for you and your baby.
You’ve got this. And if you hit a snag, there’s help out there.
Resources
- Find a breastfeeding support group near you.
- Milkology Breastfeeding Class – Affordable, video-based online course to help you master breastfeeding at your own pace.
References
- Nipple Piercing – Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®) — National Institutes of Health (2021-06-21). Comprehensive, science-backed overview of nipple piercings in relation to lactation. Covers risks like infection, milk leakage, latch issues, and jewellery hazards.
- Breastfeeding and Nipple Piercing — Australian Breastfeeding Association (n.d.). Offers real-world guidance based on evidence and breastfeeding experience. Details potential complications and how to manage them.
- Does Nipple Piercing Affect Breastfeeding? — Healthline (2020-02-26). How piercings may affect milk flow, healing, and latch.
