Pregnant & Pierced

At A Glance Author Jacki Contact [email protected] Artist Scott Walker Studio Bee Cool Location Calgary, Alberta

Okay, this is kinda about piercings and tattoos cuz I have both. I have numerous ear piercings, my eyebrow, tongue and labret; as well as 6 tattoos..... And just recently found out that I'm pregnant. Since I've started telling people I've had many give me odd looks and ask if I'm going to take out my piercings! I've asked 'why?' and had replies such as: 1) How can you be a good mother looking like that? 2)What will your child think? ETC..... I see no problems with me having piercings and being able to raise a child. So I've told people that my having pierrcings does not dictate what kind of mother I'll be..... I hope you all agree.

I'm 22 years old and am a law student; already have a degree in Criminology. I get so much slack for the piercings and tattoos in that as well. What I look like or how I've modified myself have absolutely nothing to do with how good of a lawyer I'll make.

I love every mod I have. People ask if the piercings are for me, or for attention. I hate the attention; I love the way they feel and look on myself. I love being unique; and I think that having tattoos and piercings will make me an even better mother, because it teaches me what they may want, and also tolerance.

So far the attention isn't that bad because I'm not showing. I can just imagine the looks I'll get when I'm 8 months!

I just can't understand how people can think that piercings can say how I'll raise my child. My friend has her eyebrow, tongue, and nose..... as well as her nipples done. She also has two children and is a great mother!

The father of my child was straight and narrow, no piercings, no tattoos. He knocked me up, cheated on me, lied to me, and wants nothing to do with his child; nor will offer and support of his child. Yet people could look at him and I and judge me as the bad one, and it has happened.

I'm not a partier; I like to go clubbing once in awhile, and don't smoke or drink; I've taken every precaution for this to be a healthy pregnancy; yet when I go to the OB's office and have to wait; the other mothers stare at me with discust. How are they any better than me?

I've been pierced and inked for well over 4 years; I will not get rid of them for anyone. I have a vine of flowers on my right ankle, a tribal floral design on my left ankle, tribal star on my lower back, butterfly on my left breast, chinese symbol on my right shoulder, and the eye of Ra (Egyptian Sun God) on the back of my neck.

How will having ink under my skin make me a bad mother?

This all just probably sounds like a rant, but it angers me to think that people are still so close minded that they still think this way.

It's not like I'm taking my child out to get piecings; if it's a girl I'll get here ears pierced at 1 and if it's a boy, it's his choice whether he wants to get his ears pierced. When they come to me in their teens and ask for a piercing or a tattoo. I will consider it. Though I didn't start till I was 18. But I think I'll be able to make a much more responsible decision since I've expierienced it. And will be ale to support them and help them take care as to not get infections.

Many kids get infections, because they don't take care of the wound, and that doesn't have to happen.

My OB has her nose pierced..... does that make her a bad doctor?

My niece pulls on my labret; so that one may actually have to go because it's uncomfortable. But that's a decision I'll have to make down the road.

My mom and even my grandmother who is VERY old school supports my decision in keeping and having my piercings; so if they can, why can't anyone else?

I'm giving my child a loving home, a mother with an education a a promising career, family that will love them, and look out for them; which is more than I can say for some people who have children. I'm going to be a great mother cuz I'm a fighter. I'm doing this without the father. I'm not sure I can handle the responsibilty of a child, but I want this baby. All of me, including my tattoos and percings and funky coloured hair, want, love, will cherish this new life.

I hope you all can understand this and if there's any views; email me