In this post we will discuss the safety risk and precautions along with getting a tattoo and removing the tattoo during breastfeeding.
Can You Breastfeed If You Have Tattoos?
Having pre-existing tattoos does not pose any risk to breastfeeding. The tattoo ink is placed below the first layer of your skin, which prevents it from entering your milk supply or coming into contact with your baby.
Therefore, there are no regulations against breastfeeding with tattoos, even if they are on your breasts.
Can You Get a Tattoo While Breastfeeding?
Safety:
There are mixed opinions on the safety of getting a tattoo while breastfeeding. No governing body or medical organization explicitly prohibits it, and there is currently no research that provides negative evidence of breastfeeding and getting tattooed.
However, some professional sources, such as the Journal of Midwifery and Women’s Health, advise against getting a tattoo if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
Tattoo establishments may also refuse to provide their services to breastfeeding mothers due to liability concerns and the possibility of increased risks, despite the lack of evidence.
If you decide to get a tattoo while breastfeeding, you may be required to sign a legal waiver.
If you choose to go ahead with a tattoo during breastfeeding, inform the tattoo artist about your situation and follow the same precautions as any other person seeking a new tattoo.
Risks:
Getting a tattoo carries certain risks. The process involves repeatedly poking your skin with a small needle coated with ink, which deposits the ink in the dermal layer of your skin.
Tattoo inks are not approved or regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for this purpose and may contain a variety of materials, including heavy metals and chemicals found in printer toner and paint.
Some potential risks of getting a tattoo include:
Allergic reactions to the inks
Skin infections, characterized by irritation, itching, redness, or pus on or near your tattoo
Blood infections such as HIV, hepatitis C, tetanus, or MRSA, which may be transmitted through unsterilized tattoo equipment
If complications arise from the tattooing process, treatments like certain medications may not be compatible with breastfeeding. It’s also worth noting that HIV can be transmitted through breast milk.
Precautions
If you decide to get a tattoo while breastfeeding, consider the following precautions:
Choose a licensed tattoo facility with a good reputation and a professional artist who uses clean and sterile materials.
Be mindful of your tattoo’s placement. Consider how you hold your baby while breastfeeding and if the baby will rub against the tattoo site as it heals.
Consult your doctor if you have health conditions such as blood clotting, heart, or autoimmune disorders.
Keep the tattoo site clean during the healing process by washing it with soap and water and protecting it from sunlight.
Use safe pain-relieving medications like acetaminophen, which is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers.
Discuss any concerns about potential ink transmission to your baby with your doctor.
Can You Have a Tattoo Removed While Breastfeeding?
Tattoo removal is typically done using lasers, which break down the ink in your skin into smaller particles. These particles are then picked up by your immune system and filtered out via the liver.
No studies have been conducted to determine whether these particles can enter your milk supply and be passed on to your baby.
Due to the uncertainty surrounding the safety of tattoo removal and breastfeeding, it is recommended that you wait until after you have finished breastfeeding to have a tattoo removed. It is unlikely that a doctor will agree to perform the procedure while you are still breastfeeding.
Effects of Breastfeeding on Tattoos:
Tattoos that you had prior to breastfeeding may change in appearance, but this is more likely due to pregnancy-related body changes rather than breastfeeding itself.
Tattoos may stretch and discolor as your body changes during pregnancy. Additionally, breastfeeding can cause your breasts to swell when engorged, potentially leading to temporary distortion of a tattoo on the breast.
Can Tattoos Harm Your Breastfed Baby?
It is unlikely that preexisting tattoos will harm your baby, as the ink is sealed beneath the first layer of your skin and cannot enter your breast milk supply.
Can You Donate Breast Milk If You Have Tattoos?
Yes, you can donate breast milk if you have tattoos, even if they are recent. As long as the tattoos were applied using a single-use sterile needle following the guidelines of the Human Milk Banking Association of America,
Your milk will be screened for safety eight days after any new tattoo application.
FAQS:
How long do you wait to get a tattoo after having a baby if not breastfeeding?
There isn’t a specific, universally accepted time frame to wait before getting a tattoo after having a baby if you’re not breastfeeding.
However, it’s generally recommended to wait at least a few weeks to a few months after giving birth
This allows your body to recover and reduces the risk of complications.
Some factors to consider when deciding when to get a tattoo after giving birth include:
Physical recovery:
Childbirth can be physically demanding, and your body needs time to heal. Waiting a few weeks or even a few months after giving birth can help ensure that your body is ready for the tattooing process.
Hormonal changes:
Pregnancy and childbirth can cause hormonal fluctuations, which may impact skin sensitivity and the healing process. Waiting for your hormones to stabilize can help improve your tattoo experience and healing.
Emotional well-being:
The postpartum period can be emotionally challenging, and it’s essential to feel emotionally ready to handle the stress and pain associated with getting a tattoo.
Consultation with a healthcare professional:
It’s always a good idea to discuss your plans with a healthcare professional, especially if you have any concerns or medical conditions that might impact your tattoo experience or healing.
Ultimately, the decision to get a tattoo after giving birth is a personal one, and you should consider your physical, emotional,
and mental well-being before proceeding. Always consult with your healthcare provider and tattoo artist to ensure the best experience and outcome.
Can I get a tattoo 3 weeks after the C section?
yes, but It’s best to consult with your healthcare provider before getting a tattoo 3 weeks after a C-section, as your body may still be healing. They can provide personalized advice based on your individual recovery and any potential risks.
Why can I get my eyebrows tattooed while breastfeeding?
Getting your eyebrows tattooed (also known as microblading) while breastfeeding is generally considered safe,
as the procedure is minimally invasive and the risk of infection is low when performed by a qualified professional in a sterile environment.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that every individual’s situation is different, and it’s always best to consult with your healthcare provider before proceeding with any cosmetic procedure, including microblading, while breastfeeding.
If you decide to get your eyebrows tattooed while breastfeeding, make sure to follow proper aftercare instructions to minimize the risk of complications and ensure proper healing.
In Conclusion:
Breastfeeding with pre existing tattoos is safe, but there are mixed opinions in terms of the wait time on getting a new tattoo while breastfeeding. If you decide to get a tattoo during this time, take precautions by consulting with your tattoo artist to ensure the process is safe if you have any concerns. It is recommended to wait until after you have finished breastfeeding but you can always consult with your artist, feel free to reach Angeloop Ink Tattoos for any questions in the following link: https://angeloop-ink.com/contact/.