When I had nipple piercings (rings), I was once tied to a whipping post - the chain going through one ring, around the post, and back to the other ring.

The guy then stepped back and started to whip me. The first stroke was very hard, and I jerked backwards strongly. (...)

After I finished screaming, I made a point of hugging the post tightly and not making a second move away from it. :-)

They do not tear as easily as one might fear - but it is good advice to let them heal well before starting to play with them.

I agree with TomOfSweden´s sayings about the general care, though as for the labia play, I cannot tell - have always been too great a coward for anything below the navel. *lol*

Kind regards
A.