Tattoos and Breastfeeding: Is It Safe to Get New Ink?

You’re nursing your little one and scrolling through Pinterest (thank goodness for comfy breastfeeding positions like the football hold) when you come across an amazing tattoo design. Now, you can’t shake the idea of where to place it on your body. But before you book that appointment with your tattoo artist, there’s a crucial question to ponder: Is it safe to get a tattoo while breastfeeding?

For breastfeeding mothers, there are various health considerations to keep in mind, making it completely reasonable to wonder about the implications of getting new ink. Fortunately, existing tattoos won’t harm your baby, but getting a new tattoo during breastfeeding could pose different risks.

While getting new ink is an exciting prospect, it might be wise to delay that decision until after you’ve finished nursing. Here’s what you should know about the relationship between tattoos and breastfeeding.

Can You Breastfeed If You Already Have a Tattoo?

Absolutely! There’s no need to be concerned here, even if your tattoo is on your breast. Tattoos are made by injecting ink into the dermis, the second layer of skin, using a handheld electric machine with needles coated in ink. Although tattoo inks can contain various additives and impurities, including heavy metals, the likelihood of the ink seeping into your milk supply is low. Since the ink is sealed beneath the dermis, your baby won’t be affected by it either.

Is It Safe to Get a Tattoo While Breastfeeding?

While it’s wonderful if you want to celebrate motherhood with a tattoo (or simply get one because you feel like it), it’s advisable to wait before getting fresh ink while nursing for several reasons:

Safety Comes First: There are mixed opinions regarding tattoo safety during breastfeeding. The Journal of Midwifery and Women’s Health recommends against getting a tattoo if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. Some tattoo artists may also decline to tattoo you due to liability concerns.
Your Body Needs a Break: After the intense experience of childbirth, your body deserves some time to recover. You’re more susceptible to infections postpartum, so it’s crucial to take care of your health, especially while your immune system is still adjusting.
Longer Healing Times: The healing process for a tattoo can take longer when you’re in a postpartum state. Your tattoo will require care and maintenance, which could be an added hassle when you’re already managing a newborn.
Skin Changes: Your skin has gone through significant changes during pregnancy. Waiting until your skin has stabilized can help ensure the tattoo looks exactly how you envision it.
Infection Risks: Getting a tattoo carries inherent risks, such as allergic reactions or potential infections like HIV or hepatitis. Treatments for these infections can complicate breastfeeding, and any illness can pose risks to your baby, so consider whether that new ink is worth the risk.

The Bottom Line?

It’s best to wait a few months until you’re no longer breastfeeding before getting that tattoo. Experts suggest waiting at least 9 to 12 months after giving birth when your child is not solely reliant on breast milk. You’ll be in a better emotional and physical state to enjoy the experience and wear your new tattoo with pride, free from concerns about your baby’s health.

Tattoo Ideas for New Moms

Once your baby is done breastfeeding, a tattoo can be a beautiful way to commemorate your journey. Here are some creative ideas that symbolize the bond between mother and child during breastfeeding:

A vibrant design that captures the sweetness of a nursing moment, inspired by a photo of you and your baby.
A tattoo that features your child’s name, with various font options for a personal touch.
An artistic representation of a mother’s love, adorned with floral elements that symbolize rebirth and motherhood.

For more insights on related topics, check out our other blog post here and learn more about the process of home insemination from experts like Make a Mom. For further reading on pregnancy and home insemination, visit this excellent resource: Healthline on IUI.

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Summary:

This article discusses the safety of getting a tattoo while breastfeeding, emphasizing the importance of waiting until after nursing to avoid potential health risks. It outlines the risks associated with tattoos, such as infections and longer healing times, and suggests waiting at least 9 to 12 months postpartum for better emotional and physical well-being. Creative tattoo ideas are also provided for mothers to commemorate their journey after breastfeeding.

Keyphrase: Tattoos and breastfeeding safety
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