Written by Editorial Team
Parenthood is a beautiful journey filled with countless choices and considerations. For those who are breastfeeding, there may be questions about the safety of certain activities and practices. One such concern is whether it is safe to get a tattoo while breastfeeding. Tattoos have become increasingly popular as a form of self-expression, and it’s natural for new parents to wonder about their compatibility with breastfeeding.
While there is limited research on the specific effects of tattooing on breastfeeding, taking precautions to minimize potential risks is crucial. In this article, we will explore the topic and provide insights into the potential risks and precautions associated with getting a tattoo while breastfeeding, helping you make an informed decision.
In This Article
Tattoos are made by injecting ink into the body in the skin’s dermal layer. A tattoo artist uses a handheld machine that has needles coated in the ink. These needles pierce the skin hundreds of times a minute and with a few millimeters depth.
It is not unsafe to get a tattoo done while you are nursing your baby. This is because the ink molecules are too big to pass into breast milk. Your baby will in no way get exposed to it. But to be on the safer side, wait for a sufficient time after delivery before getting yourself inked. Let your body recover completely from childbirth before you indulge yourself in getting a tattoo made.
When you are going to get a tattoo there are several things you should look at so that you come out with a clean and healthy tattoo. General instructions about tattooing also apply to breastfeeding moms. These include:
FDA has not approved any tattoo pigments for use on or under the skin. Some inks contain pigments that have industrial-grade colors which are used in automobile paint or printers’ ink. FDA has warned that anyone getting a tattoo is at risk of developing some infections. (Source)
The risks involved in having a tattoo are the same if breastfeeding or not. Here are some of the risks involved in having a tattoo done:
Nowadays it’s easier to get the tattoo removed using lasers. The laser emits energy that causes the breaking up of tattoo pigment into smaller particles. These are filtered out by the immune system of your body. The whole removal process is bloodless, involves very less risk, and has negligible side effects. You need to take care of the area while breastfeeding in a similar way as you would have if you got yourself inked.
If you are weary of getting a cosmetic tattoo done on your body while you are breastfeeding because of the risk of infections then a henna tattoo could be something that you can consider when nursing your baby. Just make sure that the henna that you use is natural and free from chemicals.
Though getting a tattoo is considered safe while you are nursing, but it is necessary that a breastfeeding mom must weigh the potential risks to her body, no matter how small, before deciding to get a tattoo. Take an informed decision. Did you get your baby’s name inked on your body while you were breastfeeding? Did you have any harmful effects? Do share your experiences in the comments section below.
Yes, it is generally safe to breastfeed after undergoing tattoo removal. Most tattoo removal procedures, such as laser removal, do not pose a significant risk to breastfeeding. The ink particles targeted during the removal process are typically too large to pass into breast milk. However, it is essential to follow proper aftercare instructions provided by the tattoo removal specialist to minimize any potential complications or adverse reactions.
No, pumping and dumping breast milk is generally unnecessary after getting a tattoo. The ink used during the tattooing process does not enter the breast milk in significant quantities. The primary concern with breastfeeding after getting a tattoo is the risk of infection. It is crucial to ensure proper aftercare, including keeping the tattoo clean and following any instructions provided by the tattoo artist. If there are any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge, it is important to seek medical advice. However, in most cases, there is no need to interrupt breastfeeding or discard breast milk after getting a tattoo.
With a rich experience in pregnancy and parenting, our team of experts create insightful, well-curated, and easy-to-read content for our to-be-parents and parents at all stages of parenting.Read more.
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