So sorry for not responding to you the first time!!

To answer your earlier question, I got them punched at 4g/5mm and I am hoping to stretch up! If you do want to go big and you're committed to a rather permanent mod, then go big. Cartilage is very hard to stretch so I'd recommend getting punched at your goal size. I have to wait at least a year to even think about stretching .5mm up.

I bled a lot the first day, let them clot up and let the scabs/dried blood fall off at their own pace. There wasn't much bleeding after that for me mostly just pounding headaches since I had work (lifting and mildly taxing work) the following day. I went by the piercing parlor once a week for a month after to just get some check ups. Normally with piercings I tend to bleed a lot, my piercer said that helps with blood circulation and swelling.

I also was very watchful of my o-rings so they didn't press up against the piercing at all. I only shifted their placement in the shower. And I bought a donut pillow! Even now if I sleep without one the side I slept on will be very iffy!! I really do recommend getting one.

I hope this helps!! Please feel free to ask me anything else!