Tattoos & Breast Feeding?!?!?

Question

I want to get a tattoo once the baby is born, but I also intend to breast feed. Has anyone hurt of it being unsafe for the baby? Or know if the ink gets into the blood stream and potentially the breast milk???

Answer 1

I have 6 tattoo's, two of which I got while I was pregnant and didn't know it yet. (Though I was wondering why they were bleeding so much and why they made me lightheaded when the other 4 didn't)

The only real risk is if you would have an allergic reaction to the ink used or if you get an infection from unsanitary conditions. If this would be your first tattoo, I would wait because you would have no idea if you might be allergic. If you have ink already, then the risk of reaction is practically nothing, especially if you are going to the same artist.

As for infection, as long as you go to a reputable, lisenced shop where you can see that they properly sterilize everything, and as long as you make sure to take proper care of it afterwards, you should be okay there, too.

From what I understand, purples, blues, and blacks are the colors people are most likely to have a reaction too. When I was getting my third one, I went to a new artist in town, who used a different brand of ink. My tattoo from her was purple and black, and I broke out really bad afterwards and it took a very long time for it to heal, so I think I had a mild reaction to either the brand of ink or maybe the type of sanitizer or lotion she used. When it finally did heal, the black didn't stay dark, so someday I will probably have it re-colored.

Anyway, if you are new to the tattoo thing, wait until you stop nursing to get your first one. Otherwise, just be extra careful about where you have it done and taking care of it, and everything should be fine.

Answer 2

It is recommended that you avoid getting new tattoos during breastfeeding, not because of the ink, but because of the chance of infection.

If you go to a reputable tattoo parlour you likely do not have to worry about serious infections such as hepitis. However even a simple strep infection that spreads to the blood could make the nursing mother very sick.

However generally most illnesses do not spread through breastmilk (except things like hepatits).

So those are the risks you need to consider. Of course the choice is yours. It would, however, be best to wait until the baby is over 4 months as then the immune system and liver are much more developed.

"Tattoos

There is no evidence that getting a tattoo will affect breastfeeding. There should be no harm to mom or baby from the dyes injected. If you get a tattoo, the biggest concern for anyone (not just nursing moms) is infection (hepatitis or HIV)-- so make sure the place you go has good references and is clean.

FAQ on Tattoos and Breastfeeding from La Leche League International

Are Tattoos Compatible with Breastfeeding? by Robyn Roche-Paull and Karen Spicer, from Leaven, Vol. 41 No. 1, February-March 2005, pp. 3-4.
"
http://www.kellymom.com/health/lifestyle/mom-activities.html#Tattoos

Answer 3

I understand your question. The main reason most tattoo artist won't tattoo you for 1 year after birth or while breastfeeding is due to infection. I would hope anyone who chooses to get a tattoo would do so from a clean reputable shop then the risk of infection is very low. The infections that are most worrisome would be hepatitis and HIV (only HIV is transmittable to breast-milk). Other than that the after care is very important and taking care of an infant is difficult as well, so most artists consider this when denying mothers as well. Congratulations on your baby and your choice to breast-feed!

Answer 4

i think it's safe to get a tattoo while breastfeeding. just make sure you go to a reputable parlor.

i got 3 tattoos while breastfeeding. and no harm done to either me, my child, or my supply (milk). i just recommend not getting it somewhere such as your breast. or too close to that area.

also some tattoo parlors will not knowingly tattoo a pregnant woman or one that is breastfeeding. not because they feel they are being unsafe or are unclean. but because they do not want to take the risk of your tattoo becoming infected, and in result harming the baby.

also one last thing. i would wait a little on gettig the tattoo. until you at least have an idea of your child's eating habits. and pump and store breastmilk. this way you have some for when you do get the tattoo. another thing, you probably don't want to take the baby with you. most tattoo parlors frown on that. it looks bad on them.

Answer 5

It shouldn't hurt anything. I got a tattoo when I was 8 months pregnant with my first baby....however, you should take into consideration though, that if you are retaining water (as we do during and after pregnancy), the ink won't stay in your skin properly and the tattoo may end up looking bad. It may be better to wait until a few months after your baby is born just to be sure. This is what happened to me, I was retaining water and the ink didn't stay in as good and now I have a "connect the dots" tattoo and was unable to have it colored.

Answer 6

I have a tattoo and breast feed my baby boy. The doctors all saw it when i was being preped for my c section and they didnt say anything. so i think its fine. Just in case though, i would ask your doctor.

Answer 7

Also talk to your tatoo artist. i don't think ink gets into the bloodstream in any dangerous quantity.

If the doc and artist are both hesitant you can always wait. Breastfeeding doesn't last forever but it is so very important.

Answer 8

I have two tattoos and I am planning on breastfeeding. My OB has never mentioned anything when she's seen my tattoos--I don't think it will hurt baby at all. It stays in your skin--nowhere else.

Answer 9

i got a tattoo and was breastfeeding and my daughter is healthy...so im gonna say no..but go get the tattoo done by a pro. and make sure he opens the needle and everything in front of you.

Answer 10

I know the ink does go into your blood stream talk to your doctor at your next appt about it, they would know.