If there is one thing that is 100% certain in parenting, it's that you won't always agree with how other people raise their children. We all know the big issues like politics and religion. Others, however, may seem minor to some people but get others really worked up. Take ear piercing, for example.
In some cultures, infants' ears are pierced before the babies even leave the hospital after birth, while other parents are staunchly against piercing until children are older, for fear of violating their body autonomy.
Dr. Tania Elliott, a physician and mom of two, posted a video on Instagram and clearly stated that as a doctor and parent, she wouldn't pierce a baby's ears, and her stance caused quite a conversation.
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Elliott thinks baby ear piercing is too risky.
She serves as a health care influencer with 96,000 followers on Instagram and offers tips for healthy living. Elliott said in her video that as a doctor that she doesn't use Neosporin, let her kids wear shoes in the house, and that she would not pierce an infant's ears.
She explained her position in an email to the New York Post.
"Piercing your child's ears when they're infants can lead to bacterial infections requiring antibiotics, abscesses and damage to the ear tissue and cartilage when done incorrectly, especially with certain commonly used devices and when the right sanitization protocols are not followed," she wrote. "It can happen at any age but young infants with a developing immune system are most prone."
Elliott added she's also concerned about allergies.
She says ear piercing can cause infection if not properly treated and can be a source of a nickel allergy.
"Ear piercing is also one of the most common causes of nickel allergy which can lead to skin rashes and affects up 15% of the population. In fact, nickel in jewelry is banned in the EU," she told the Post. "While babies' immune systems are developing and the skin is pierced, the body can mount an immune response, so the next time it is exposed to something containing nickel an allergic reaction can happen."
Her post was met with mixed reactions.
Some commenters on her Instagram post were adamant about no piercings.
This person thinks it should be a child's choice, writing, "Never pierce or cut a child's body for esthetic reasons, period. I don't care which culture you're from, cosmetic surgical procedures on children is gross idea. They can get it done when they are old enough to consent."
This person agreed: "I would not want to pierce my child's ears because I want them to decide on their own."
Some pointed out cultural differences.
Piercing babies' ears is common in many parts of the world, so a lot of people don't see the problem with doing so.
"I'm from Chile and we get pierced when we're born or very young mostly with 18k or above so the ear doesn't get infected they say but never knew why. Well back then when gold was cheap/accessible," a woman wrote.
This person shared a similar story, commenting, "Cuban girls get their ears pierced very young. Nowadays after shots, but when I was born in 1958, it was probably at about 6 weeks. Have never heard of a problem from it. Why do you recommend against it?"
This person joked, "I'm 58, had my ears pierced when I was a month old always wore shoes in the house and use Neosporin regularly! Still here to tell the awful take. "
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Other commenters questioned her reasoning.
As always, there was a camp who didn't agree with the doctor's advice.
"So you're admitting that ear piercing can cause a nickel allergy due to an immune response reaction but deny that vaccines can initiate a host of allergies (such as peanut) and autoimmune conditions? Ok got it," someone wrote.
This person had a similar thoughts: "Why is ear piercing young a cause for increased allergies but early exposure to shellfish, peanuts and other high allergen foods decreases allergy risk?! What if they get ears pierced with earrings free from nickel?"
Our thoughts? It's always good to be informed about the risk, so we don't fault the Instagram doctor. But in the end, these decisions are very individual, and should be left up to the parents – no judgement.
*Disclaimer: The advice on CafeMom.com is not a substitute for consultation with a medical professional or treatment for a specific condition. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified professional. Please contact your health-care provider with questions and concerns.
