Many women are wondering, can you get a tattoo while breastfeeding? It is an interesting question that many people have, and there are some important factors to consider before you decide to go forward with your plans of getting a new tattoo while breastfeeding.
Can you get a tattoo while breastfeeding?
Many people have opinions on whether it is okay to get a tattoo while they are breastfeeding. No governing body or medical organization forbids getting a tattoo if you are currently breastfeeding.
At the moment, there is also no research that shows that getting a tattoo while breastfeeding can have negative effects.
The Journal of Midwifery and Women’s Health recommends that you don’t get a tattoo while you are breastfeeding.
What are the risks of getting a tattoo while breastfeeding
There are a few risks involved that you should be aware of if you choose to get a tattoo while breastfeeding.
- There is a risk of a skin infection when you are tattooing the skin.
- You could have any allergic reactions.
- There is a chance that you could contract a blood infection such as HIV, Hepatitis B, or MRSA from an unsterilized needle.
You need to check with the tattoo artist and your healthcare provider about any precautions or health risks that are associated with getting tattooed while breastfeeding.
For many women, it is also important to note if their tattoo will be exposed to sunlight. Sun exposure can cause tattoos to fade over time.
If you are breastfeeding and have any other questions or concerns, it is always best to consult with your doctor before making a decision.
Things to consider
First of all, you will need to make sure that the tattoo studio is clean and well maintained. You also want to know what type of ink they use for your tattoos. Tattoos are usually made with a mixture of different colors in order to get the right look, but these chemicals can be harmful if consumed by infants or young children when nursing.
If you can find a studio that uses organic ink, then this is the best option for you and your child. However, if you are not able to find an organic studio, there are other ways to ensure that your child is safe while breastfeeding. One way is to wait until after they have been weaned before getting any tattoos.
Another thing to consider is the placement of your tattoo. If you are getting a new tattoo on an area that will be exposed when you are breastfeeding, then it is important to know how long it will take for the wound to heal. Most tattoos take about two weeks to heal completely, but if you are breastfeeding, then you will need to wait at least six weeks before getting a new one.
Can you get a tattoo removed while breastfeeding
Tattoo removal is a process that uses lasers to break up the pigment in tattoos. The laser removal process breaks the ink down into tiny pieces over many sessions. The ink released and your immune system moves the ink particles and heavy metals which are then absorbed by the mother’s body and eliminated.
The amount of time it takes to remove a tattoo varies depending on the size, color, and age of the tattoo.
It is possible to remove a tattoo while you are breastfeeding, but it is important to consult with a laser removal specialist to find out if there are any risks involved.
Research
There is no research that has been conducted on the effects of tattoo removal while breastfeeding.
Any woman who is thinking about getting her tattoo removed should speak with her healthcare provider before making a decision.
In general, healthcare providers recommend mothers wait until they are finished breastfeeding if they wish to remove a tattoo.
You should also speak with your healthcare provider about any concerns that you may have before getting this procedure done. There is no research or evidence that shows it is not safe, but the risks and other complications do exist.
Can tattoos affect your milk supply
It is unknown if the tattoo ink affects your milk supply.
There is no research that has been conducted on this topic.
If you are worried about your milk supply, it is best to consult with a lactation consultant. They may be able to recommend some ways to increase your milk production if you are having trouble.
Can tattoos negatively affect your breastfed baby?
It’s unlikely that tattoos you had before you began breastfeeding would harm your infant. The ink will not migrate from the epidermis layer of your skin to your milk.
Precautions I should take before deciding to get a tattoo while breastfeeding
it’s important for a nursing mom to do her research on the potential risks that are involved in the tattoo process. Be sure to find a reputable tattoo artist when getting a new tattoo.
You can also find synthetic and vegan brands that make tattoo ink but they could still have the same risks.
Most tattoo artists will not tattoo you if they know you are still breastfeeding your baby for legal reasons and the baby’s health. Others might have you sign a legal waiver beforehand.
What should you do after your appointment at the tattoo parlor
After getting a tattoo, be sure to keep the tattoo site clean while it’s in the healing process.
Improper aftercare can lead to local infections and skin irritation.
It is important to wash the tattoo with antibacterial soap and water. Then, pat dry with a clean towel or paper towel. Apply an unscented lotion after every time you wake up in the morning.
If there are any signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or itching under your tattoo; contact your healthcare provider.
Can I breastfeed right away after getting my new ink done
Since there are no regulations on breastfeeding and getting a tattoo, it is still unknown. The ink particles are believed to be too large to pass through the breast milk during the tattooing process. However, it is unknown if the tattoo ink can pass after time as it breaks down.
Can you donate your breast milk if you have a tattoo?
If you have preexisting tattoos and you want to donate breast milk, it is okay if they were applied with a new needle. Make sure to follow the Human Milk Banking Association guidelines.
Tattoos – is it worth the risk?
There is no right or wrong answer to this question. It’s up to the individual mother to decide if the risk of getting a tattoo is worth it.
Before making a decision, you should speak with your healthcare provider and take into consideration the risks associated. The safest option would be to wait until you are done breastfeeding before getting a tattoo, but it is ultimately up to you.
Be sure to read Best Protein Powders That Are Safe While Breastfeeding and When is it Safe to Breastfeed After Drinking
