to pierce or not to pierce

I never thought I would consider piercing my baby girl's ears, I have always thought it would be cruel to put her through pain for something cosmetic. I always said that I would postpone the piercing until my child is mature enough to want them and to take care of them herself. Some other reasons not to; infection - younger infants have immature immune systems, choking hazard, allergic reactions, or embedded earring.
But I have given it some more thought after talking to a kind lady at a jewelery store. My mom pierced my ears at three months old at a doctor's office. They are the best pierced holes I've ever had. As a teenager/adult I have had several more piercings and they all became infected and eventually closed up.
Alex's doctor said there is no more chance of infection if I wait. Hmm.
They say that parents should wait until the baby is at least two or three months old, which is when she should be old enough to handle mild infections and will have gotten at least one round of vaccines. It is also suggested that parents get earrings with locks or screw-on backs made of surgical steel (to reduce allergic reactions), which may help decrease swallowing or choking. And to choose a facility that uses sterile equipment and has experience piercing baby ears, such as your pediatrician's office. Unfortunately Alex's doctor does not pierce ears.