I've noticed that there do not seem to be a whole lot of older women who have shared their experience about their navel piercing. Most of the postings I've sorted through are all younger girls. I'd like to share my experience in case there are any older readers who are contemplating having their navel pierced.
At A Glance Author Mom Contact Mom@bme.anon When A week ago Artist Sarah Studio Checkered Past Location New Cumberland, PA
I am a 33 year old mother with 4 kids and a husband. I am a RN by trade and enjoy coaching soccer and basketball in my free time. I've NEVER considered having my navel pierced until recently. Maybe it was our vacation to Tampa, Florida that got me curious, seems like everyone and their mother had their navel pierced.
I often joked about having it done but was never serious about it. 2 weeks ago I was on the net researching the "how to's" of navel piercing and the possible side effects that could go with it. When my husband got home from work I told him I wanted it done. He supported me and wanted to take me that night. Being that I can be an impulsive person I decided to think about it before having it done. My plan was to wait a week to think it over. HA!
The next evening after dinner I decided "what the heck" and we drove over to Checkered Past. I wasn't all that nervous on the way over, I figured if I could survive child birth I could definitely withstand a needle in the stomach. The store was on the second floor, very nice place. They had a very large variety of jewelry and offered every piercing service imaginable. I went to the counter and told the young girl I wanted my navel pierced. She smiled and seemed very happy with my statement. She told me I would love it. She proceeded to pull out all of the starter jewelry for a first time navel piercing. She explained the difference between a hoop and banana barbell. She said the hoop was easier to care for but the barbell was a better choice for active people. Since I didn't see any hoops that caught my attention I looked at the barbells. I saw one that I liked but did not point it out. I then asked my husband which one he liked. He chose the same one- a ba nana barbell with a red jewel at the bottom. (red is my favorite color).
I filled out all of the paperwork and paid for everything. A girl walked over and introduced herself as Sarah, my piercer. She seemed very nice. We walked into the back room, they said my husband and daughter could watch but I didn't want my 5 year old to see it so they waited out front. The room was very clean and well lit. There was an exam table and a dentist chair. As Sarah washed her hands she explained all of the after-care instructions. After putting on gloves she continued to talk to me while she opened up sterile packs. She had me stand up so she could mark my navel. After I ok'd it she had me lay down on the table. She explained everything she did as she started each step. I was somewhat nervous at this time but not like I had expected myself to be. She cleaned the site thoroughly and put the clamps on. (no pain at all). She told me to take deep breaths in and out. As I breathed out she pierced me. Yes I felt it but it wasn't that painful. It f elt just like a needle going into my stomach. :) She put the barbell in without any difficulty and spent a few minutes cleaning the site and the little bit of blood.
When she was done with everything she told me to stand up slowly and take a look. I loved what I saw. It was beautiful. I went out to the store where my husband and daughter were and showed them. They both liked it. My husband thought it was sexy.
We drove to my sister's house to show her. She thought it was cool. She is thinking of getting her navel pierced in the future- she'll be 40 soon. My son hated it. He thinks the only thing that should be pierced are ear lobes.
I took my sis in law the next day for her navel piercing. It was my birthday present to her- she was turning 30. She loved her piercing as well and has had NO problems with is yet.
My step daughters love it and think I am the coolest mom. :) My oldest step daughter wants to get hers done soon. She is 14. We are thinking of letting her get it done in a month, once softball is over. I've been letting her watch me when I clean it and have showed her the "bad" days when it was red and oozing. I wanted her to understand it's all part of the healing process. I also want her to see what goes into caring for because it isn't something you get done and let go. It's also something that you don't play with, which is something she likes to do with new piercings which is why her cartilage got infected. I think she will be ok with it.
I am careful with cleaning it, I use Satin soap once a day and sea salt soaks 3 times a day which is the routine that works best for me. My skin got irritated with twice a day cleanings, the site was red, tender, and oozing secretions. Once I backed off to a daily cleaning and increased the salt soaks it seemed to have resolved on it's own accord. Every piercing is different though, don't take what I do as what you should do.
If there are any older women who are thinking of getting a navel piercing done, I say go for it. Don't let society's definition of a "normal" piercing sway your decision. Navel piercings are not just for younger girls! A navel piercing is not a sign of deviant behavior, more like self expression. I love my navel piercing and am so happy that I had it done.