Breastfeeding is a deeply personal journey, and if you have pierced nipples, you may be wondering whether it will impact your ability to nurse your baby. Many mothers with nipple piercings successfully breastfeed, but there are important considerations regarding milk flow, latch, hygiene, and potential complications.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about breastfeeding with pierced nipples, including whether you should remove jewelry before nursing, how piercings affect milk flow, and the best hygiene practices.

How Nipple Piercings Affect Breastfeeding

Nipple piercings can impact breastfeeding in a few different ways, depending on factors such as how long you've had the piercing, whether it has fully healed, and whether there are any complications.

Milk Flow and Letdown

Nipple piercings create additional openings in the nipple, which means milk may flow from multiple holes rather than just the natural ducts. Some mothers find that this leads to faster milk flow, while others may experience leakage or difficulty controlling letdown.
In some cases, scar tissue from a healed piercing can partially block milk ducts, leading to reduced milk supply or difficulties with letdown. If you notice an issue with milk flow, using a hospital-grade or high-suction breast pump like the MomMed S10 Pro may help encourage a stronger letdown response.

Latch and Baby’s Comfort

A proper latch is essential for efficient milk transfer and comfort during nursing. If a piercing is left in place, it may interfere with the baby’s ability to latch properly, making feeding frustrating for both you and your infant. Additionally, a baby may accidentally suck on or pull the jewelry, increasing the risk of discomfort or choking hazards.

If you experience latch issues, removing the jewelry and working with a lactation consultant can help. Some mothers also find success using an electric breast pump, like the MomMed S21 wearable pump, to express milk and feed it via bottle when direct breastfeeding is challenging.

Risk of Infection

Since babies have developing immune systems, keeping breastfeeding environments clean is crucial. Nipple piercings—especially those that haven't fully healed—can harbor bacteria, increasing the risk of infection or mastitis. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, pain, discharge, or fever.

To minimize risks:

• Wash hands before touching your breasts.
  
• Clean the area gently before and after feedings.
  
• Remove jewelry before breastfeeding.
  

Sensitivity and Discomfort

Nipple piercings can increase nipple sensitivity, which may make breastfeeding more painful, especially in the early weeks. If you experience discomfort, adjusting suction settings on your breast pump or using soothing nipple creams can help.

Can You Breastfeed With a Piercing In?

While technically possible, breastfeeding with a nipple piercing in place is not recommended due to safety concerns for both mother and baby. Keeping the jewelry in while nursing can interfere with the baby’s latch, cause discomfort, and pose a choking hazard if the jewelry becomes loose.

Potential Risks of Keeping a Piercing In While Nursing

• Choking Hazard – If the jewelry comes loose, it could be accidentally swallowed or aspirated by the baby.
  
• Latch Issues – The metal can prevent the baby from achieving a deep and effective latch, leading to frustration and inadequate milk transfer.
  
• Increased Risk of Infection – Jewelry can harbor bacteria, increasing the risk of infections such as mastitis.
  
• Milk Flow Disruptions – Milk may leak unpredictably from multiple holes, making it harder to control letdown.
  

Best Practice: Remove Jewelry Before Nursing

To ensure a safe and smooth breastfeeding experience, remove your nipple piercings before each feeding session. If you're worried about the piercing closing, consider using a piercing retainer made of biocompatible materials between feedings.

How Long Before Breastfeeding Should You Remove a Piercing?

If possible, remove the jewelry a few minutes before nursing to allow time for milk flow to adjust. Before latching your baby, gently wipe the nipple with warm water to remove any buildup. If you’re experiencing discomfort due to sensitivity, using a breast pump like the MomMed S21 wearable breast pump can help maintain milk supply while avoiding direct latch issues.

Breastfeeding After a Recent Piercing

If you have a fresh nipple piercing and are planning to breastfeed, it’s important to understand the healing process and the potential risks.

How Long Does a Nipple Piercing Take to Heal?

Nipple piercings take 6 to 12 months to fully heal. During this time, the area is more prone to infection, irritation, and scarring—all of which can impact breastfeeding. If you plan to have a baby soon, it’s best to wait until after your breastfeeding journey to get a piercing or allow it to fully heal beforehand.

Can You Breastfeed With a Fresh Piercing?

Breastfeeding with a fresh piercing is not recommended because:

• The wound is still open, increasing the risk of bacterial contamination.
  
• Milk ducts may become blocked due to swelling or scar tissue.
  
• The area is more sensitive and painful, making breastfeeding uncomfortable.
  

If you’ve had your piercing for less than a year, consider removing the jewelry and allowing the piercing to fully heal before nursing. If you choose to continue breastfeeding during the healing process, be extra diligent with hygiene and infection prevention.

Signs of Infection or Complications

If you notice redness, swelling, pus, warmth, or pain around your piercing site, these could be signs of infection. In such cases:

• Do not breastfeed from the affected breast until the infection clears.
  
• Apply a warm compress and keep the area clean.
  
• Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen.
  

If you experience blocked ducts due to scar tissue from a recent piercing, using an electric breast pump with strong suction, like the MomMed S10 Pro, can help relieve engorgement and maintain milk supply.

What If You Removed Your Nipple Piercings?

If you had nipple piercings in the past but removed them before or during your breastfeeding journey, you may wonder whether your milk supply will be affected.

Will Breast Milk Still Flow Normally?

For most women, milk will continue to flow normally after removing a nipple piercing. However, in some cases, scar tissue from the piercing can partially block milk ducts, leading to:

• Slower milk flow from the affected breast.
  
• Leakage from multiple holes where the piercing was.
  
• Engorgement or clogged ducts if milk is not draining efficiently.
  

If you experience issues with milk flow, frequent nursing or pumping can help keep ducts open and encourage letdown.

• How to Improve Milk Flow After Piercing Removal
  
• Massage the Breast Before Nursing – Gently massaging the area can help prevent blockages.
  
• Use a Warm Compress – This can soften any scar tissue and improve milk ejection.
  
• Pump If Necessary – If your baby struggles with latch due to previous piercings, an electric breast pump can help express milk efficiently.
  

Pumping as an Alternative

If direct breastfeeding is difficult due to past nipple piercings, exclusive pumping can be an effective alternative. Wearable pumps like the MomMed S21 provide a discreet and hands-free way to maintain milk supply while ensuring your baby gets all the nutrients they need.

By taking proactive steps, most moms who have had nipple piercings can breastfeed successfully with minimal complications. If you're unsure about your specific situation, consulting with a lactation expert can provide personalized guidance.

Tips for Successfully Breastfeeding With Nipple Piercings

Breastfeeding with nipple piercings comes with unique challenges, but with the right precautions and strategies, many moms can nurse successfully. Here are some practical tips to ensure a safe and smooth breastfeeding experience while managing nipple piercings.

Keep the Area Clean and Hygienic

Since nipples are more prone to bacteria buildup with piercings, maintaining good hygiene is crucial to prevent infections.

• Wash your hands before and after breastfeeding or pumping to reduce contamination risks.
  
• Gently clean your nipples with warm water before nursing to remove any debris or milk residue. Avoid harsh soaps, as they can dry out the skin.
• If you have a fresh piercing, follow proper aftercare guidelines to promote healing and prevent irritation.
  

Remove Jewelry Before Nursing or Pumping

Leaving jewelry in while breastfeeding can cause latch issues, discomfort, and pose a choking hazard to your baby.

• Remove piercings before each feeding session and use a piercing retainer between sessions if you’re worried about the hole closing.
  
• If you’re exclusively pumping, ensure your flanges fit comfortably around the piercing site without causing irritation.
  

Monitor for Blocked Ducts or Mastitis

Piercing holes can sometimes cause milk leakage from multiple openings, leading to uneven milk drainage and increasing the risk of clogged ducts or mastitis.

• Massage the breast gently before and after feeding to help with milk flow.
  
• If you notice swelling, pain, or lumps, try using a warm compress and gentle massage to relieve discomfort.
  
• If clogged ducts persist, using a breast pump with adjustable suction, like the MomMed S10 Pro, can help fully drain the breast and prevent complications.

Consider Pumping as a Backup Plan

If your baby struggles to latch due to past piercings or scar tissue, pumping can be a great alternative to ensure they still receive breast milk.

• A hands-free wearable pump like the MomMed S21 allows for discreet and efficient pumping, making it easier to maintain supply.
  
• Pumping can also help relieve discomfort if your nipples are sensitive from recent piercings or previous scar tissue.
  

Seek Help from a Lactation Consultant

If you’re facing persistent latch issues, discomfort, or concerns about milk supply, a lactation consultant can provide guidance tailored to your situation. They can help assess your baby’s latch, suggest better breastfeeding positions, and provide advice on managing previous or current piercings.

Conclusion

Yes, you can breastfeed with nipple piercings, but removing jewelry before nursing is strongly recommended to avoid risks like choking, latch problems, and infection. If you have a fresh piercing, it’s best to wait until it has fully healed before breastfeeding.

For moms who want an alternative to direct breastfeeding, using a high-quality breast pump like the MomMed S21 or S10 Pro can help maintain milk supply while ensuring safety for both mom and baby.

Every mother’s experience is unique, so whether you choose to nurse directly or pump, finding the right balance and support will make your breastfeeding journey smoother and more successful.