Breastfeeding and tattoos are both increasingly popular today. New mothers who are also tattoo enthusiasts might wonder about the intersection of these two aspects of their lives. Specifically, is it safe to get a new tattoo or undergo tattoo removal while breastfeeding? This article delves into the potential risks and important considerations to help you make an informed decision.
Tattoos are created by injecting ink into the dermis, the second layer of your skin. Tattoo artists use a handheld electric machine equipped with needles coated in pigment. These needles puncture the skin at high speeds, depositing ink a few millimeters deep. While tattoo inks in the United States are regulated by the FDA as cosmetics, none are specifically approved for injection beneath the skin. Tattoo inks contain diverse compounds, including heavy metals such as cadmium, cobalt, and manganese, although synthetic and vegan ink options are available.
The primary concern regarding tattoos and breastfeeding revolves around the ink. It is generally believed that tattoo ink molecules are too large to pass into breast milk directly during the tattooing process. Once injected, the ink becomes trapped within the skin layers. However, what remains uncertain is whether these ink particles, as they slowly break down within the body over months or years, can then find their way into breast milk.
Beyond the ink itself, general tattooing risks are also relevant for breastfeeding mothers. The most common risks associated with tattooing are local and systemic infections. Local infections can arise if proper aftercare instructions are not followed. Allergic reactions to tattoo inks are also possible, with red inks being frequently implicated, even in individuals with previous tattoos. Typical aftercare involves gentle cleaning with mild soap and water, avoiding scratching or picking at scabs, and protecting the tattoo from sun exposure. Pain relief, if needed, is often managed with medications like Tylenol. Systemic infections, though less common, can occur if tattoo artists do not adhere to strict hygiene and sterilization practices. These infections can include serious conditions like hepatitis, tetanus, and HIV.
Choosing a reputable tattoo artist and studio is paramount. It’s advisable to research local regulations and even check with your local health department. Professional tattoo artists should always adhere to universal precautions. This includes sterilizing equipment, particularly the tattoo machine, using an autoclave, and utilizing single-use inks, ink cups, gloves, and needles. Proper bagging of equipment to prevent cross-contamination and thorough handwashing with disinfectant soap are also essential practices.
Many tattoo artists are hesitant to tattoo pregnant or breastfeeding women. This caution stems from liability concerns on the artist’s part, as well as a desire to prevent any potential harm to the developing baby and to allow the mother’s body adequate time to heal postpartum. A common recommendation is for mothers to wait until their child is at least 9 to 12 months old, when breastfeeding is no longer the sole source of nutrition, before getting a tattoo. Reputable tattoo artists often use client waivers that specifically inquire about pregnancy and breastfeeding status.
What about tattoo removal while breastfeeding? Laser tattoo removal is the prevalent method today. This process uses laser energy to break down tattoo pigment into smaller particles. These fragmented ink particles are then processed and eliminated by the body’s immune system, primarily through the liver. Tattoo removal is typically a series of sessions, often 8 to 10, spaced several weeks apart (4-8 weeks is common). It can be a painful process and may lead to blistering and scarring. Complete tattoo removal isn’t always guaranteed. Similar to getting a tattoo, laser removal carries risks of infection due to improper aftercare, and allergic reactions to the released ink particles are also possible. Crucially, there is a lack of research on how laser tattoo removal affects breastfeeding mothers. It is unknown whether the increased volume of ink particles released during removal, and their potentially smaller size, could increase the likelihood of ink entering breast milk. Therefore, the recommendation is often to postpone tattoo removal until breastfeeding is complete and the child is weaned.
Currently, there is limited scientific evidence directly addressing the safety of tattoos and breastfeeding. While the act of getting a tattoo itself won’t disrupt breastfeeding, the potential for tattoo ink components, especially those released during laser removal, to enter breast milk remains an open question. The decision ultimately involves carefully weighing personal desires against potential, though currently unquantified, risks to your breastfeeding child. Choosing a highly reputable and experienced tattoo artist is essential if you decide to proceed. You can choose to express yourself through tattoos while also prioritizing your baby’s health by breastfeeding, but making a well-informed decision based on the available information and professional advice is key.
References
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