It really doesn't matter. Your piercer should be able to get you the correct jewelry. Women are usually pierced with 12ga jewelry, and barbells are by far the best option. They are easier to heal, don't move around as much, and are less likely to get caught on clothing, etc.

Nothing larger than a 12 g certainly; larger gauges in that area are sturdier and easier to heal, imo.

Length (or diameter) of the jewelry should be enough to comfortably fit the pierced flesh when your breast is warm and relaxed. Your piercer should be able to determine this measurement.

a straight barbell is the most common piece of jewelry and a good choice. You can go vertical or horizontal, whichever you like better, but it's IMPERATIVE that you get good quality jewelry, that is, internally threaded implant grade stainless steel or titanium with a high polish to start. And leave them in there for a good long while to heal.

Thanks cloud, the hints on the type of jewelry was informative too. What should I expect from the procedure and aftercare?

The procedure is fairly standard. For me, the piercer cleaned my nipples like any other piercing, then used a pair of calipers to mark them. After several minutes of comparing the dots to make sure they were level, he clamped the first and pierced. The first one will likely not be a big deal due to adrenaline. For me, the second nipple was 3x more painful. The pain only lasts for a short amount of time, though. You will probably feel dull pain/burning sensation for an hour or so afterwards, but its no big deal.

Aftercare is pretty simple. The standard sea salt soaks are recommended, and I highly recommend buying a few shot glasses to use. Buying a bottle of Satin soap was probably the best thing I did for my piercings. All the other soaps I tried dried out my skin and made it stick to the jewelry. Satin doesn't.

I suggest that besides the above you use the LITHA method, do not change your jewelry until they are fully healed and do not waste your money on H2Ocean. It is a lot of money for about ten cents worth of sea salt. I have never used Satin as the shop that I go to does not have it. What is the cost of a bottle of it where you get it.

I ended up paying about $14, half of which was shipping (couldn't find it locally) but it was the best $14 I ever spent. A small bottle should last WELL over a year even with fairly constant use.

I've tried Satin, and a lot of people think it's more moisturizing, but I prefer Provon because it's what I started out with.

In terms of aftercare, hand-washing and general hygiene are one of the keys, whichever soap you use. Important aftercare factors are:

1) cleanliness and hygiene
2) support for a healthy body (sleep, vitamins, nutrition)
3) sea salt soaking
4) patience!

Is it the Jason Satin Tea Tree soap? If it is, you can buy it at the vitamin shoppe (they are in some malls here in Philly). Let me know, because I am interested in getting some for when I (eventually) get my nipples done. Thanks.

Satin? No. It's a medical grade soap, here

I prefer Provon too, because like Cloud, it was my first piercing soap.

Where online can you buy these soaps?

you can buy Satin on this site.

Awesome. I like to be prepared for things. I am a little pro-active sometimes. Like I just went out last night and bought cocoa butter for the tattoos I am getting on Saturday. Thanks for the info.

far better to gather your aftercare supplies beforehand and be prepared!

Just ordered the satin and sea salt - all I have to do is GET THERE!!!!