zen_mommy

location: My desk

mood: amused

music: The Beauty & The Beast Soundtrack

On Friday May 15^th, 2009, I did something that some may find crazy or irresponsible or, crazy or painful, or crazy or all of the above. 

I visited a local tattoo parlor and walked out with two new piercings. 

Yes, as those who know me already know, I am one of those tattooed and pierced mommies who has sported every hair color known to man and refuses to officially grow up. 

I stood tirelessly in the front row at Emo’s in Austin, Texas, watching the likes of Clutch and Dub Trio as my five-month pre-born daughter swam about in utero. 

My son was with me when I got my navel pierced at age 24, and now my toddler daughter has been with me through two additional tattoos and now, these, my latest additions. 

(Note:  The piercings in question are NOT nipple piercings—they are dermal anchors, which are similar to surface piercings.  For more info, read on!)

For the past two years, I have pretty much, worn only tank tops, as I have found that nursing my baby is easier in a tank.

A couple of weeks ago I saw a girl with two VERY cute “piercings” on her décolleté area and was immediately intrigued.  After a little research, I learned that these little “sparklies” were technically NOT piercings—they are called “dermal anchors,” and are actually considered body modifications, not unlike sub-dermal implants. 

I thought about it, then thought about it some more, and after discussing it with my heavily tattooed hubby, I decided I wanted some of my own. 

The more I thought it over, the more I realized that the reason I liked these modifications so much, is that they adorn an area that has become sacred to me. 

(I have an eyebrow piercing for much the same reason; while everyone else was getting their noses pierced, I decided that I’d rather highlight my eyes, which, in my opinion, are some of my better facial features.) 

I have my daughter at my chest NUMEROUS times per day.  In public.  At home.  Here, there, and everywhere. 

My chest is a different chest than it was before I had her. 

So, why not decorate and celebrate it? 

The whole procedure was quick and relatively painless, and I am extremely happy with the results. 

My nursing toddler stares at them with intrigue as she nurses happily away. 

Almost every one of my body piercings, aside from my ears, I got for a “reason.”  My tattoos have meanings, too. 

I guess someday I will be a walking, talking story-book. 

Until then, I am simply a nursing mama who just gave her little nursling some interesting bling to look at! 

For info on Dermal Anchoring, see: http://tattoo.about.com/od/piercingsgeneralinfo/ss/dermalanchors.htm

--Please enjoy these other great blogs by fellow Carnival participants--

http://www.strocel.com/hannahs-weaning/   -- Amber on Hanna's Weening

http://bangerlm.blogspot.com/2008/12/weaning-toddler.html   -- Laura

http://offthespaceship.blogspot.com/2009/05/life-death-and-nourishment.html  -- Reiza, "Life, Death and Nourishment."

http://desireefawn.blogspot.com/2009/05/sticking-with-it-our-breastfeeding.html   -- Desiree

http://mommynewsblog.com/how-breastfeeding-changed-my-life/  -- Judy/A Mother's Boutique, "How breastfeeding changed my life."  

http://allthatsazz.blogspot.com/2009/05/flying-breast-milk-carnival-of.html  -- All That Sazz, "Flying Breastmilk."   

http://grudgemom.wordpress.com/2009/05/23/breastfeeding-failures-and-success/  -- GrudgeMom on breastfeeding successes and failures.  

http://www.baby-carriers-downunder.com/2009/05/25/kandy/ 

http://mfomnews.wordpress.com/2009/05/13/ben’s-story-the-best-breastfeeding-advice-from-the-least-likely-source/   -- Christina 


http://www.blisstree.com/breastfeeding123/the-i-told-you-so/  -- Breastfeeding 1-2-3: The "I Told You So" by Angela

http://fabnaima.blogspot.com/2009/05/breastfeeding-is-not-easy.html   -- Chronicles of a Nursing Mom by Jenny. 

http://breastfeedingmums.typepad.com/breastfeedingmums_blog/2009/05/breastfeeding-made-me-the-mother-i-am.html -- Breastfeedingmums / "Breastfeeding made me the mother that I am." 

 (The anchors 72 hours post-procedure)