Happy Holidays !
~Jeanne
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Flexible XMas DOUBLE GEM Pregnancy Belly Button Rings Now Available!!
Christmas navel rings now available. All DOUBLE GEM styles! And all on our softest Ultra FlexiBar. These are limited supply items, so when we're out, we're out! See them all at: http://maternitypiercings.com/holiday.htm
Happy Holidays !
~Jeanne
Happy Holidays !
~Jeanne
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Regular and Ultra FlexiBar Comparisons
Here is an example of our two kinds of flexi bars.
The bar on the left is what most others use exclusively. It is a great bar and very flexible, and was our one and only original bar when we pioneered threaded PBRs. We still use it on our acrylic styles because it holds really tight.
The bar on the right is made with our Ultra Flexibar. Both bars are cut to about 2 inches. The Ultra bar is softer, and noticeably more flexible than the regular bar. Ultra bars are standard on most of our dangles. However, because they are also about 5 times more expensive, we do cut these to about 1 inch, which is the length most people will cut their pregnancy belly rings, and should suffice for the entire pregnancy. However, extra bars up to 2" are available in our Accessories & Parts section.
While we do have wholesalers out there, most will acknowledge our brand on their site. However, there are some "copycat" sites that seem to have the same or similar designs, but do not use the same quality products as we do. If you have questions, let us know.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Infections, Pierced Navels, and Pregnancy Belly RIngs
Medically speaking, a navel piercing is a puncture wound. Every body will heal (or not) differently. Some women who have had their piercing for 2 years or more would have no problem taking out a belly ring for pregnancy. Another will have their piercing start closing up within a day. You can't know until you've tried it.
Pregnancy can complicate an otherwise trouble-free piercing. As the belly stretches, the skin thins, and can cause tiny ruptures to open. So you can get an infection where you've never had a problem before.
Because of this, you should always treat your piercing as if it were new. Keep the area and your jewelry clean. Even if you are not wearing a belly button ring, you need to keep this area clean because of the stretching. I haven't seen any medical opinion on this, but my thought is that if you have a retainer or flexible navel ring in the piercing, it should create a barrier for germs to enter. But again, that is assuming you keep the area and jewelry clean. Ask your doctor about this, and feel free to Email me with their medical opinions.
And a reminder....always wear the gauge you were pierced with. Wearing a thinner gauge means the piercing could close up smaller, and you'll be stuck. 14g is thicker than 16g. I know that sounds backwards, but that is the way gauges work. Do NOT use dental floss or fishing line. The reasons should be obvious. Whoever suggests this never had a piercing close up on them, or get infected.
Touching a bit more on allergic reations, the materials usually used for pregnancy navel rings are the safest out there. However hypoallergenic doesn't mean there's no chance of a reaction. If you have metal sensitivity, obviously you don't wear surgical steel belly rings. If you have a plastic sensitivity, you never wear acrylic. A plastic sensitivity could also make you sensitive to PTFE. Bioplast supposedly has even less of a reaction for plastic sensitive people, so you might consider trying it. Be aware...."bioplastic" and other words that sound similar to bioplast...well...they usually aren't. They are usually acrylic plastic, and that material should not be worn during pregnancy. (Or ever in my opinion.) Tygon is another up and coming material for piercings (though not really seen in belly rings), and is super flexible, but at this time is generally not available in exact gauges, and is so limp that insertion can be frustrating.
If you have questions or comments, feel free to post them or send them. I won't put your name online, unless you want me to.
All the best,
~Jeanne
Pregnancy can complicate an otherwise trouble-free piercing. As the belly stretches, the skin thins, and can cause tiny ruptures to open. So you can get an infection where you've never had a problem before.
Because of this, you should always treat your piercing as if it were new. Keep the area and your jewelry clean. Even if you are not wearing a belly button ring, you need to keep this area clean because of the stretching. I haven't seen any medical opinion on this, but my thought is that if you have a retainer or flexible navel ring in the piercing, it should create a barrier for germs to enter. But again, that is assuming you keep the area and jewelry clean. Ask your doctor about this, and feel free to Email me with their medical opinions.
And a reminder....always wear the gauge you were pierced with. Wearing a thinner gauge means the piercing could close up smaller, and you'll be stuck. 14g is thicker than 16g. I know that sounds backwards, but that is the way gauges work. Do NOT use dental floss or fishing line. The reasons should be obvious. Whoever suggests this never had a piercing close up on them, or get infected.
Touching a bit more on allergic reations, the materials usually used for pregnancy navel rings are the safest out there. However hypoallergenic doesn't mean there's no chance of a reaction. If you have metal sensitivity, obviously you don't wear surgical steel belly rings. If you have a plastic sensitivity, you never wear acrylic. A plastic sensitivity could also make you sensitive to PTFE. Bioplast supposedly has even less of a reaction for plastic sensitive people, so you might consider trying it. Be aware...."bioplastic" and other words that sound similar to bioplast...well...they usually aren't. They are usually acrylic plastic, and that material should not be worn during pregnancy. (Or ever in my opinion.) Tygon is another up and coming material for piercings (though not really seen in belly rings), and is super flexible, but at this time is generally not available in exact gauges, and is so limp that insertion can be frustrating.
If you have questions or comments, feel free to post them or send them. I won't put your name online, unless you want me to.
All the best,
~Jeanne
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Fit Pregnancy Article
I was a little confused by a couple things they said in the article. First, they named them "surgical plastic retainers " which I'd never search for in a million years, and then they went on to say that they were "thinner" and longer, and that is incorrect. Although they are longer than steel bars, and we do have thinner 16g styles available on the site, 99% of what we sell are standard 14g bars, and we feel this is vital because if you wear a 14g (the standard gauge) and you switch to a 16g (a thinner gauge) during pregnacy, your piercing could close up a little, and then you'll have to use a taper to try to stretch back to a 14g back in again (OUCH) or be stuck with 16g forever, which are REALLY hard to find in cute styles. So make sure and get the gauge that you wear now!
Interesting that they would change the name, our pregnancy belly rings first started out as tongue rings, when they first came out with the flexible materials like bioplast and PTFE. These are products we added to our regular body jewelry offerings on Ebay, and our regular body jewelry site, but the weren't wildly popular at first. I think really it's because nobody knew to search for them. They were functional, but not very fun styles. The length was good, 16mm, which is 5/8". That's probably enough length for most people. But it's nice to have the longer length just in case. So that is what we sold for "pregnancy belly rings", until someone approached us to make longer length ones. Then we got serious, and creative. And then we finally started marketing on a separate site. And THEN we got a lot of competition. Wow....so many sites are offering these now, it's incredible. I still think we have the best selection and prices, and guarantees in the business though! :)
Interesting that they would change the name, our pregnancy belly rings first started out as tongue rings, when they first came out with the flexible materials like bioplast and PTFE. These are products we added to our regular body jewelry offerings on Ebay, and our regular body jewelry site, but the weren't wildly popular at first. I think really it's because nobody knew to search for them. They were functional, but not very fun styles. The length was good, 16mm, which is 5/8". That's probably enough length for most people. But it's nice to have the longer length just in case. So that is what we sold for "pregnancy belly rings", until someone approached us to make longer length ones. Then we got serious, and creative. And then we finally started marketing on a separate site. And THEN we got a lot of competition. Wow....so many sites are offering these now, it's incredible. I still think we have the best selection and prices, and guarantees in the business though! :)
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Upcoming issue of Fit Pregnancy
BRRRRR-r-r-r...it has been so cold here! Hope you all are staying warm and cozy this winter.
We were so pleased to be asked to be in the February/March 2010 issue of Fit Pregnancy magazine. It should be on stands in mid January!
We sent in several products to their photographer, so just like you, it will be a surprise to us which one was photographed. The magazine is also online. We'll be in the "The Whole 9 Months" section. In case we get overwhelmed with orders, there are a items we may remove from the site temporarily. These items are either labor intensive, or the suppliers won't be able to get us more product in time. Grab bags will most likely be gone during this time, and 16g items will be reduced. We figure by March, or when sales start to ease up, we should have everything back as normal, and we have several new items we will be sharing.
What an exciting time!
Happy holidays everyone!
We were so pleased to be asked to be in the February/March 2010 issue of Fit Pregnancy magazine. It should be on stands in mid January!
We sent in several products to their photographer, so just like you, it will be a surprise to us which one was photographed. The magazine is also online. We'll be in the "The Whole 9 Months" section. In case we get overwhelmed with orders, there are a items we may remove from the site temporarily. These items are either labor intensive, or the suppliers won't be able to get us more product in time. Grab bags will most likely be gone during this time, and 16g items will be reduced. We figure by March, or when sales start to ease up, we should have everything back as normal, and we have several new items we will be sharing.
What an exciting time!
Happy holidays everyone!
Saturday, November 7, 2009
What You Should Look When Buying a Pregnancy Belly Ring
Pregnancy belly rings come in a variety of styles and materials these days. Which is best for you?
The thing most pregnancy navel rings have in common is that they are made of a flexible material and are longer than normal length belly button rings. Most can be cut shorter to fit whatever length is desired. The balls or ends will rethread back onto the bar.
Some sellers are still trying to pass off regular plastic acrylic normal length belly rings as pregnancy belly rings. Forget those. They are too short and not flexible enough to be much difference than your steel bar. They also cannot be rethreaded. Be aware...
Some maternity belly rings are made of a material called Bioplast....also you will find similar names such as Bioplastic, or Bioflex. Bioplast is the original and best of the "bio" names. Anything else could actually be acrylic plastic...but usually at least longer in length. If in doubt, ask the seller. The drawback with real Bioplast is that the bottom is not removeable. The bar and the bottom mold where the gems are set are generally one piece. This is not a problem as long as you are very careful when you cut it. If you cut it too short, you're stuck. You can't replace the bar. Also sometimes the molds that are poured have a contoured back and do not lie flat. Fine for most types of wear, but not great for later months of pregnancy because they can stick out quite a bit.
Most pregnancy belly rings are made of PTFE. There is a wide range of PTFE. Some types are far more flexible than others, and there is no standard on which you are getting. Generally, the more "milky" colored the bar, the more the flexibility. White or colored bars generally have the least flex, but are still fine for pregnancy. In fact the less flexible ones can be easier to rethread. They usually come about 2 inches long and you can cut them to whatever length you like. However the super soft ones are definitely superior in comfort. So it depends on whether you're shopping for price or flexibility.
The softest flexible milky colored bars sometimes come shorter than 2 inches because they are so soft, they are harder to rethead. (Usually just a basic steel ball works just fine as a threading ball.) Although shorter than the 2 inch type, these shorter belly rings are usually at least twice as long as a regular belly ring. On our site, for example they are just over 1 inch...or about 28-30mm long. In comparison, a normal length belly ring is only 3/8", or 10mm long. So a pregnancy navel ring of 2 inches is probably way too long, and really SHOULD be cut for daily use.
Some pregnancy navel rings are internally threaded, meaning the bar is hollow, and the ends slide in. Most are externally threaded, which means the balls thread on like regular belly rings. External also means you can use any standard 14g ball or end on them, (including ones you already own) and replacements are widely available for very little cost in case you loose the top ball when you're threading it back on. About $2-3 per gem ball on our site.
Pregnancy belly rings can be basic or dangle styles, including baby themes like pink or blue colored pacifiers or "baby on board" etc Some styles are just plain ball ends in different sizes or colors. The smaller the ends, the less they will show through your fitted sweaters, etc. Standard belly rings have bottom balls of 8mm. You can find pregnancy belly rings with smaller ends than that, if desired.
A seller that offers replacement bars is a great find, especially if they offer the softest milky colored bars that are prethreaded for you.
The last thing you should consider when purchasing a pregnancy belly ring, is if there is a breakage guarantee. A company that stands behind their products, is one that will work with you should something happen. Sometimes this requires sending the jewelry back for repair, sometimes not.
The thing most pregnancy navel rings have in common is that they are made of a flexible material and are longer than normal length belly button rings. Most can be cut shorter to fit whatever length is desired. The balls or ends will rethread back onto the bar.
Some sellers are still trying to pass off regular plastic acrylic normal length belly rings as pregnancy belly rings. Forget those. They are too short and not flexible enough to be much difference than your steel bar. They also cannot be rethreaded. Be aware...
Some maternity belly rings are made of a material called Bioplast....also you will find similar names such as Bioplastic, or Bioflex. Bioplast is the original and best of the "bio" names. Anything else could actually be acrylic plastic...but usually at least longer in length. If in doubt, ask the seller. The drawback with real Bioplast is that the bottom is not removeable. The bar and the bottom mold where the gems are set are generally one piece. This is not a problem as long as you are very careful when you cut it. If you cut it too short, you're stuck. You can't replace the bar. Also sometimes the molds that are poured have a contoured back and do not lie flat. Fine for most types of wear, but not great for later months of pregnancy because they can stick out quite a bit.
Most pregnancy belly rings are made of PTFE. There is a wide range of PTFE. Some types are far more flexible than others, and there is no standard on which you are getting. Generally, the more "milky" colored the bar, the more the flexibility. White or colored bars generally have the least flex, but are still fine for pregnancy. In fact the less flexible ones can be easier to rethread. They usually come about 2 inches long and you can cut them to whatever length you like. However the super soft ones are definitely superior in comfort. So it depends on whether you're shopping for price or flexibility.
The softest flexible milky colored bars sometimes come shorter than 2 inches because they are so soft, they are harder to rethead. (Usually just a basic steel ball works just fine as a threading ball.) Although shorter than the 2 inch type, these shorter belly rings are usually at least twice as long as a regular belly ring. On our site, for example they are just over 1 inch...or about 28-30mm long. In comparison, a normal length belly ring is only 3/8", or 10mm long. So a pregnancy navel ring of 2 inches is probably way too long, and really SHOULD be cut for daily use.
Some pregnancy navel rings are internally threaded, meaning the bar is hollow, and the ends slide in. Most are externally threaded, which means the balls thread on like regular belly rings. External also means you can use any standard 14g ball or end on them, (including ones you already own) and replacements are widely available for very little cost in case you loose the top ball when you're threading it back on. About $2-3 per gem ball on our site.
Pregnancy belly rings can be basic or dangle styles, including baby themes like pink or blue colored pacifiers or "baby on board" etc Some styles are just plain ball ends in different sizes or colors. The smaller the ends, the less they will show through your fitted sweaters, etc. Standard belly rings have bottom balls of 8mm. You can find pregnancy belly rings with smaller ends than that, if desired.
A seller that offers replacement bars is a great find, especially if they offer the softest milky colored bars that are prethreaded for you.
The last thing you should consider when purchasing a pregnancy belly ring, is if there is a breakage guarantee. A company that stands behind their products, is one that will work with you should something happen. Sometimes this requires sending the jewelry back for repair, sometimes not.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Nipple Piercings and Pregnancy
Several of our customers have inquired about nipple piercings and pregnancy. Unfortunately, the answers aren't what they had hoped for.
If you're planning on breastfeeding, you should remove your nipple piercing jewelry and let the holes close up as soon as possible. You can't breastfeed with jewelry in, obviously since the baby would not be able to latch on, and if she could it would be an extreme choking hazzard from the removeable ends.
If the piercing is not allowed sufficient time to close up, you could lactate from the piercing holes, and this also decreases suction, and makes it extremely hard for the baby to latch on. It may also cause the baby to choke.
If you are definitely not planning to breastfeed, you may still lactate through the piercing holes until the milk dries up. Nipple piercing jewelry during this time can be uncomfortable and messy, and has the possibility of getting infected. Keeping the jewelry and piercings sterile during this time can be a challenge. So ultimately, the best advice is still to allow the piecing to close up.
If you're planning on breastfeeding, you should remove your nipple piercing jewelry and let the holes close up as soon as possible. You can't breastfeed with jewelry in, obviously since the baby would not be able to latch on, and if she could it would be an extreme choking hazzard from the removeable ends.
If the piercing is not allowed sufficient time to close up, you could lactate from the piercing holes, and this also decreases suction, and makes it extremely hard for the baby to latch on. It may also cause the baby to choke.
If you are definitely not planning to breastfeed, you may still lactate through the piercing holes until the milk dries up. Nipple piercing jewelry during this time can be uncomfortable and messy, and has the possibility of getting infected. Keeping the jewelry and piercings sterile during this time can be a challenge. So ultimately, the best advice is still to allow the piecing to close up.
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