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Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. Registry Builder New. Help Me, Heidi! Should you think before you ink? Here's the verdict on tattoos and breastfeeding. By any chance do you know how long I should wait to get a tattoo after giving birth?
Will it affect my milk supply? Tattoo inks are made from various compounds, including heavy metals such as, cadmium, cobalt and manganese. There are synthetic and vegan brands of ink available. It is generally assumed that ink molecules are too large to pass into breastmilk during the tattoo process. Once injected into the skin the ink is trapped, however it is unknown whether the ink can pass into breastmilk as it slowly breaks down in the body months to years later.
General information about tattooing also applies to breastfeeding women. Local and systemic infections are the most prevalent risks of tattooing. Local infections can occur when the recommended aftercare regimen is not followed. Allergic reactions to the ink used may occur as well, with red inks being the most prevalent, even after many previous tattoos.
Aftercare includes keeping the tattoo clean with mild soap and water, not picking at the scabs and keeping the tattoo out of the sun. Tylenol is often prescribed for the pain, if needed. Systemic infections occur when universal precautions are not followed by the tattoo artist and can include such diseases as hepatitis, tetanus and HIV.
It is very important to screen the tattooist and the shop carefully, checking with the local health department for local laws and regulations.
Professional tattooists will follow universal precautions such as sterilization of the tattoo machine using an autoclave, single-use inks, ink cups, gloves and needles, bagging of equipment to avoid cross contamination, and thorough hand washing with disinfectant soap.
Most tattooists will not knowingly tattoo a pregnant or breastfeeding mother. This is for liability reasons on the tattoo artists part, but also to prevent any disease that might affect the growing baby, and to allow the mothers body time to heal. It is suggested that mothers wait at least until months after birth, when the child is no longer dependent solely on breastmilk before getting a tattoo.
Reputable tattoo artists will have a waiver for the client to sign that asks about pregnancy and breastfeeding. Tattoo removal is now accomplished with the use of lasers. The removal process is lengthy, often taking sessions spaced weeks apart. It may be painful, and may cause blistering and scarring. The tattoo may not be fully removed. It is suggested that mothers wait until weaning is completed before having any laser removal of tattoos done. There is little evidence surrounding the safety of tattoos and breastfeeding.
While the act of having a tattoo placed will not affect the breastfeeding relationship itself, it is unknown whether the inks used may pass into breastmilk especially during laser removal.
Carefully weigh your options and seek out a professional tattoo artist. You can chose to adorn your body with a tattoo or three, and give your baby the baby the best start in life by breastfeeding, with careful consideration of the pros and cons.
It is totally safe for a nursing mom to get a tattoo. Tattoo ink is too large a molecule to make it into breast milk, so your baby has no way of being exposed to it. The risk to your health and your baby's comes if you get an infection from the tattooing process.
Because tattooing uses needles, it can — when not done with sterile technique — pass blood-borne infections such as HIV which can be passed on to your baby through breast milk or hepatitis which can theoretically transfer to your baby through breastfeeding if your nipples are cracked. So, make sure you choose a reputable tattoo artist who wears gloves and uses sterilized equipment. It's also very important to follow the after-care instructions, such as cleaning the area effectively and using antibiotic gels.
Be on the lookout for any signs of infection, like redness or pain. A skin infection wouldn't be a risk to your baby but it may need antibiotics to heal, so report these symptoms promptly to your doctor. If antibiotics are recommended, be sure to tell your doctor that you're breastfeeding and request a medication that's safe for nursing moms.
Though there are some rumors out there to the contrary, it's also fine for a mom who has already gotten a tattoo to nurse her baby. Just make sure that you've been screened for HIV and hepatitis.
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