Getting new tattoos to commemorate the birth of your child can be a fun way to make a lasting impression. Here’s what you should know first, including whether can you get a tattoo while breastfeeding.
Even though there isn’t much evidence to suggest that skin dyes can harm your unborn child after your first trimester, the risks are largely unknown. So we don’t recommend getting a tattoo while breastfeeding.
If you’re weighing your options, continue reading to find out about the possible dangers and some preventive measures you can take if you’re determined to go to the tattoo parlor as soon as possible.
Can You Get a Tattoo While Breastfeeding?
Currently, there is no data on the topic of getting tattoos while breastfeeding and no major medical organizations have put out statements on the matter.
Making a decision about whether or not getting a tattoo is right for you can be challenging in light of this.
The main issue with tattooing is the possibility of getting diseases like Hepatitis B/C and HIV.
These infections may be passed on to the infant through the breast milk or through breaks in the breast tissue and bleeding while nursing.
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Does Ink Affect Breast Milk?
Ink molecules are typically believed to be too large to enter breast milk after getting a tattoo, according to general belief.
There’s just no way to know for sure right now if you can safely nurse after getting a tattoo because tattoo ink can take months or even years to break down in the body.
Possible Risks of Getting a Tattoo While Breastfeeding
Even if ink or chemical transfer isn’t the only issue, there are still some others that might arise.
Possible Infection
The risk of getting an infection from getting a tattoo is the main concern.
You run the risk of contracting a blood or skin infection from bacteria, including HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and other infections, if a tattoo artist uses unsterilized equipment.
Additionally, the lack of sleep that comes with having children young can affect your immune system, making it more difficult for your body to fight off even minor infections.
Allergic Reaction
Hormonal changes that take place during pregnancy and breastfeeding may make you more sensitive or prone to an allergic reaction caused by a certain dye ingredient.
Impact on Breastfeeding
Additionally, getting a tattoo may affect your ability to breastfeed. Think first about how you want to be holding yourself while nursing.
Depending on the placement and size of your tattoo, you may need to refrain from touching or rubbing that area of your body. Trying to nurse a fussy baby while doing that can be challenging.
Kendall adds that maintaining proper tattoo hygiene may be difficult while caring for a newborn. Waiting to get tattooed will relieve you of one more worry during an already stressful period.
Body Changes
Your body undergoes significant changes both before and after giving birth. Due to postpartum body changes, Kendall advises new mothers to delay getting inked.
The heart tattoo you’ve been dying to get might start to resemble an oddly shaped butterfly all of a sudden due to distortion in the tattoo.
Emotional Changes
Another drawback to getting a tattoo while nursing, according to Stokes, is emotional changes.
In just a couple of months, your ideas and decisions might have slightly changed. We advise delaying until you have finished breastfeeding in order to be certain that your decision is clear.
When Can I Resume Getting a Tattoo?
If you decide or a healthcare provider decides that getting a tattoo while breastfeeding is ill-advised, you can certainly get one after you have weaned.
If you are breastfeeding long-term, you may decide that getting a tattoo while your breastfeeding baby is older makes more sense for you.
We caution against getting a tattoo while nursing due to potential safety concerns as well as the fact that waiting might be beneficial for the tattoo’s aesthetic appeal.
This is due to the fact that during pregnancy and the postpartum period, your body experiences many changes, and you may want to wait until your body returns to its previous normal.
Read More: Why Do People Get Tattoos?
Final Thoughts: Can You Get a Tattoo While Breastfeeding
So at the end of the day, can you get a tattoo while breastfeeding? Maybe. Should you?
Probably not. Ultimately, when it comes to tattoos and breastfeeding, you’re best off delaying the process.
You can probably wait until your breastfeeding experience is over since you waited more than nine months for the birth of your child.
Also Read: Can You Get A Tattoo After Drinking?
FAQs
Why Can’t You Get a Tattoo While Breastfeeding?
Your baby cannot be exposed to tattoo ink because the molecules are too big to pass through breast milk.
When Can I Get a Tattoo While Breastfeeding?
Before getting a tattoo, it is advised that mothers hold off at least until the child is no longer entirely dependent on breast milk, or 9 to 12 months after the baby’s birth.
Can I Get Piercings While Breastfeeding?
In general, it’s safe to get piercings off the breasts while nursing and three months after giving birth.
