Question: I had my nipple pierced a year before I became pregnant. I am now 20 weeks. I have a hole on both sides of my nipples that oozes a yellowish liquid when I squeeze them. It does not hurt but will it affect breastfeeding?

Answer: Colostrums, or early milk, begins forming around the 16th week of pregnancy. The yellowish liquid is likely to be colostrums leaking from the pierced area and it is not a cause for concern. Mothers with pierced nipples are able to breastfeed their infants successfully. However, it is advisable to remove all jewellery attached to the pierced nipple to avoid the risk of your baby aspirating on it or hurting his mouth with the metal from the jewellery.