Note: we are republishing this story which originally made the news in June 2022.
A mother’s decision to pierce her newborn daughter’s ears while she was still in the hospital has sparked a heated debate on social media. The mother, who posts on TikTok under her daughter’s name, Lara [@laraticaofficial], shared a video of her baby in the hospital, just one day after her birth, with small floral studs in her ears.
The video, which has been viewed over one million times, has received both praise and criticism from users. Some argued that the practice is common in various cultures and that babies feel less pain than toddlers when piercing their ears. They also pointed out that in some cultures, it is considered a traditional practice and is seen as a rite of passage. Others, however, felt that the mother should have waited until the child could decide for herself.
The mother, who lives in Colombia but did not wish to give her name, stated, “I understand that some people disagree with my decision, but I stand by it. I believe that a few days after birth is the best time for a child to get their ears pierced because it is less traumatic for them. Lara had no reaction when the doctors gave her the holes and I believe that this is the best decision for her.”
Ear piercing is a common practice in various cultures throughout the world, but it is more controversial in the U.S. and the U.K. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises that parents should postpone the piercing until the child is mature enough to take care of the pierced site herself. The organization also acknowledges that with proper care, the risk to an infant’s health is minimal.
It is important to note that the decision to pierce a child’s ears is a personal one and should be made by the parents with consideration of cultural and personal beliefs. It’s also important to consider the child’s well-being and comfort. While some may argue that waiting for the child to make the decision themselves is the best course of action, others believe that getting it done at a young age is less traumatic for the child.
In any case, it is crucial for the parents to ensure that the piercing is done in a safe and hygienic environment, by a professional and with proper aftercare to avoid any complications. Additionally, with the rise of social media, it’s also important to consider the child’s privacy and how their images are shared online.
Photo Credit: Instagram/laraoliviatica
In conclusion, the decision to pierce a child’s ears is a complex one that should be made with consideration of cultural and personal beliefs, child’s well-being and safety, and also privacy concerns. It’s important for the parents to weigh all the pros and cons before making a decision. Ultimately, the most important thing is to ensure that the child is comfortable, safe and well taken care of.
Sources: Newsweek