Hey there! :angel4:
I come from an old Italian family and I had mine done at birth too! I thank God I didn't have to go through all that Deb! EEEEks
The reason they use these big needles so, I'm told, is so the jewelry can be put in much easier (with that mindset, you could stick a 1/2" dowel in there duh??)
I wouldn't mind learning how to do this, it seems so interesting and I'm sure I'd meet some really cool people too.
Good luck with your future piercings and tattoos ...
Love &