I had wanted to get one of my nipples pierced since January, however because I quit my job I didn't have the money, or the knowledge to actually go through with it. I found numerous websites including BME and read as many stories and looked at as many pictures as I could. I also read up on the risks, procedure and after-care process. I definitely feel that researching before a piercing is invaluable, and in my case helped convince my family that I wasn't actually insane.
At A Glance Author Anna Contact Underthestairs16@aol.com When It just happened Artist Jo Studio Martin & Phelps Location Cheltenham UK
The first problem I had to overcome was my family's, especially my mother's approval. Because I am so close to her I couldn't even think of keeping it a secret. So when I told her, I was greeted by silence because she didn't believe I would do it because it seems so out of character for me. After she realised I wasn't actually joking, she begged and pleaded with me to reconsider, partly because of my age (16) and the fact she doesn't really like piercings and tattoos.
My two best friends, Kate and Ella came up with the idea of buying me the piercing for my 17th birthday on the 2nd July. However when we tried to book an appointment there was none available until the 11th. So we made the appointment for then and I then had to tell my mother.
To say she wasn't pleased is the understatement of the year. Behind my back she phoned up Martin & Phelps and asked what the legal age was. Jo, the piercer told her there wasn't one, but she could turn me away, but I would end up getting it done in a place that wasn't as hygienic as Martin & Phelps. My mother finally backed down and told me that she didn't want anything to do with it, not to talk about it in front of her, ask for her help etc... That was fine by me; I just wanted to get it done!
So the day arrived, the appointment was for 10:30 am, but when Ella, Kate and myself arrived it turned out the receptionist had written it down wrong and they had double-booked Jo, so I had to come back an hour and a half later!
So, after a very nervous late breakfast I returned to Martin & Phelps a shaking mess. I had decided beforehand that I was going to go into the piercing room by myself, as my friends are really squeamish and would make 'Ooh' and 'Eww' noises, which would wind me up even more. I had to wait for about 10 – 15 minutes, getting more and more nervous until Jo finally called me through.
The piercing room was really small, with a bed and a desk type thing with a sink and a chair. Jo was really friendly and made me feel completely at ease. I told her how nervous I was, and apologised in advance if I burst into tears or threw up on her. I asked her a ton of questions about how many nipple piercings she had done and it turns out that she actually taught other beauticians how to do it. Knowing how experienced she was definitely made me more comfortable.
She told me to take of my top and lower the left cup of my bra down, as it was the left nipple I was having pierced. It was actually really strange because I'm not very confident about my body, but because I was so comfortable in the situation it didn't matter that I was getting my breast out for a complete stranger!
Jo talked to me constantly as she marked two dots either side of my nipple, explaining that she was going to pierce slightly behind the nipple to avoid migration. This made me panic a bit as I knew that, that would hurt more, but again, Jo calmed me down. The piercer's personality is vital to the situation because if I didn't feel comfortable I wouldn't be able to relax.
After I was marked up she sprayed on some liquid that made my nipple go erect. She then told me to lie down, and advised me to close my eyes until the procedure was over.
She didn't use clamps, but I could feel her holding my breast steady. My heart was racing so much. When the needle went in my entire body tensed and I gripped the paper towel beneath me. The pain was unbelievable. My eyes were squeezed shut, and I could feel tears welling, but I didn't cry once throughout the entire thing. I gasped out, 'Fuck! – Whoops sorry!' Although it felt like a bad bee sting, it was bearable, but not pleasurable as I thought it would be.
After the pain subsided, I stupidly thought the entire thing was over. I looked down and saw the needle through my nipple. Jo went 'No don't look!' but too late, I shut my eyes again but not before swearing some more.
When she put the ring in it was uncomfortable and sore, but not half as bad as the actual piercing. After she placed the ball she put a cotton pad over, and taped it up. I put my top back on and went downstairs to pay.
It's been a good few hours now and it's still a little tender and sore, especially after I cleaned it for the first time. It bled much more than I thought it would, but it's nothing anyone can't handle.
I keep sneaking peeks at it and I can't believe I had it done. I would recommend anyone who can handle a little pain to go through with it. I love the way it looks and feels.
As long as you make sure you know as much as you need to about the piercing, it should be no trouble. Go get your nipple pierced. I guarantee you won't be disappointed!