To Pierce or not to Pierce?

Excellent points. Well said.

I always find these types of posts interesting because of the different (and so strong) opinions.
I would say rather than rely on the ideas of others, do the research and make an educated decision based on that. While it may seem harmless, and cute, there are things to consider.

In my own opinion, any elective body modification done just because of aesthetics, be it circumcision or ear piercing or whatever, is rediculous. And for someone to speak that it hurts less than shots is not valid, since you really can't know as you weren't the one going through it.
In addition, any body modification that you do that requires a Hep B vaccination (which is spread by blood to blood contact  and sharing body fluids with infected people - disgusting that anyone would even consider putting a 6 week old in a situation that might cause contact with that) is scary.

I realize that its clutural in many cases, but its not a choice I would make for my daughter. When she is old enough to handle the responsibility, she can choose for herself.

(How's THAT for asking to be flamed?    )

I agree with you.  Now that my daughter is 11 and has asked for them to be re-done and fixed (she still has scars from the gun piercing and I hope the professional can fix them) I have agreed that she can do that.  I feel that she is old enough to decide that.  As for this baby, if it's a girl, I have decided to wait until she is old enough to decide.  Honestly, that whole comment about it not hurting as much as shots, does not fly with me either since I have had my ears pierced as an adult and it hurt like h-e-l-l and I have a huge tolerance to pain (piercings, tattoos...didn't hurt at all).  I just think it's not something that is necessary until they can decide for themselves.

Not flaming.  While I did get my daughter's ears done I totally agree about the circumcision.  People are so quick to judge about other peoples ears, then they have their son circumcised.  Makes noooo sense. 

I agee with you about the circumcision thing.  I think that everyone is entitled to their opinion and they are free to do what they think is best for thier children.  But I think it's funny when someone throws a fit about piercing a girl's ears and has had their son circumcised, which I consider unnecessary.  My fiance and I have already decided that if it's a girl, the ear piercing will wait until she decides to do it and if it is a boy we are not circumcising him.

We decided to let our daughter get her ears pierced if she wants when she's 8 or 10 or so, but I have no problem with infant piercing and I don't think it's cruel or anything.  I have heard, like some other posters here, that a gun is not the best way to pierce baby ears, and that it's best to go to a pro piercer.  I'd also wait until after a round or two of vaccinations. 

Thanks so much ladies for sharing your thoughts on the subject, as I always find it helpful in my research to find out what actual mothers think and feel who's had to make these types of decisions. Your  actual personal experiences help add to what I find out technically, so thanks for sharing.

Still on the fence, but definitely leaning toward doing it when she's an infant. I come from a family of 6 girls and my mom had all of ours done as babies, so I have no recall of the pain. I do however remember the pain when I got my belly button pierced...OUCH!!! (which is totally different, but nonetheless it hurt). I'm going to discuss it with her Pediatrician and discuss the pros and cons and best methods, etc. Thanks again.

~~Gina

my daughter was 3 when she got hers done. NO PROFESSIONAL PIERCERS WILL TOUCH A CHILD UNDER THE AGE OF 16 if they are reputable!
Hers were done with a gun. Didnt like the fact but AFTER talking to many friends who are piercers, in tattoo parlors/salons etc..they said it would be better to be done with a gun. YES it is "better with a needle" but you dont want them to be freaking out when they get shots, either. Makes a Valid point...
OH and she ASKED to have them done, she even watched a couple of people get them done before she did and she didnt flinch. NOW she is an earring fetish she wants every kind and every color...oh and shes working on her shoe collection too. =)

I'm sorry but that is not true.  I have found many very reputable professional piercers will do a child under the age of 16 with a parent's permission.  I am very picky about who I let pierce and tattoo me so I check around.  Also any reputable piercer will NOT tell you to use a gun.  Check out the Association of Professional Piercers and google piercing with a gun and you will see just how bad it is.  Oh and I would rather have someone who has had years of training in piercing than someone at a Claire's or some store like that who only gets 2 weeks at the most.  They have no idea what they are doing.

Good to know Cass, because if they have to use a gun then I'll wait till she's old enough to get it done in the safer methods. Safety before vanity I say. Hopefully they can do it while she's not old enough to tug on the ears yet and have it get it infected and all. Boy am I finding out good info...thanks sweetie :)

~~Gina