Can You Get A Tattoo while breastfeeding? Absolutely, getting a tattoo while breastfeeding is possible, but it’s essential to approach it with careful consideration and proper precautions. This article, brought to you by tattooat.com, explores the facts, busts the myths, and offers expert advice to help you make an informed decision about body art during this special time. From understanding the risks and safety measures to finding the right artist and ensuring a smooth healing process, we’ve got you covered. Discover how to confidently combine motherhood and self-expression through tattoos.
Table of Contents:
- Understanding the Basics
- Safety First: Choosing the Right Tattoo Artist and Studio
- The Risks of Getting a Tattoo While Breastfeeding
- Tattoo Ink and Breast Milk: What You Need to Know
- Timing is Everything: When is the Best Time to Get a Tattoo While Breastfeeding?
- Pain Management and Milk Supply
- Planning Your Tattoo Session
- Essential Aftercare Tips for Breastfeeding Moms
- Advice for Tattoo Artists: Tattooing Breastfeeding Mothers
- Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can You Get a Tattoo When Breastfeeding?
Yes, you absolutely can get a tattoo while breastfeeding, but there are important considerations. The primary challenge lies in ensuring both your safety and the well-being of your baby. Breastfeeding mothers need to take extra precautions to minimize any potential risks of infection or complications, which is why careful planning and choosing a reputable tattoo artist are essential.
Getting a tattoo while breastfeeding requires careful planning. It involves finding a tattoo artist who is comfortable tattooing a breastfeeding parent, ensuring arrangements for your baby’s feeding during your absence, and managing travel and finances. Although it may require more preparation than before, getting a tattoo is entirely achievable with the right approach. Many women, like Maria, who got a half sleeve while breastfeeding her five-month-old, and Fiona, who got tattooed while pumping for her child, have successfully navigated this process.
2. Should I Tell the Tattoo Artist That I’m Breastfeeding?
Yes, you should always inform your tattoo artist that you are breastfeeding. Disclosing this information is crucial because it allows the artist to assess any potential risks and take appropriate precautions. Additionally, it gives the artist the opportunity to discuss aftercare instructions specific to breastfeeding mothers.
Fiona, a tattoo artist at Black Market Tattoo Parlour, emphasizes the importance of discussing your breastfeeding status with the artist beforehand. This ensures they are comfortable proceeding and understand the implications. If you don’t disclose this information, it will likely be addressed in the consent form, and the artist may decline the tattoo if they are not prepared or comfortable tattooing a breastfeeding client.
3. Will a Tattoo Artist Tattoo Me While I’m Breastfeeding?
Some tattoo artists may be hesitant to tattoo breastfeeding mothers due to concerns about potential risks, such as infection. This is a valid reason, as the artist must consider not only your health but also the well-being of your baby. If an infection occurs and requires antibiotics, certain medications may not be safe for breastfeeding.
Fiona Lewitt of Black Market Tattoo Parlour
Image: Fiona Lewitt of Black Market Tattoo Parlour, a tattoo artist who is comfortable tattooing breastfeeding mothers, emphasizing the importance of open communication and understanding potential risks.
If a tattoo artist declines due to these concerns, it’s best to find one who is knowledgeable and comfortable tattooing breastfeeding clients. Fiona, for example, is happy to tattoo breastfeeding individuals who meet her criteria, provided they have discussed potential issues and are comfortable proceeding.
4. Is It Safe to Get a Tattoo While Breastfeeding?
It is generally considered safe to get a tattoo while breastfeeding, provided you take certain precautions. Consulting with a qualified antenatal teacher, doula, and international board certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) can help you assess all potential risk. The most important factor is ensuring that the tattoo studio follows strict safety guidelines and health precautions. This minimizes the risk of infection, which is the primary concern.
Maria suggests conducting thorough research to ensure the tattoo studio adheres to high safety standards. Key questions to ask the artist and studio include:
- Do you have a valid license?
- Have you completed courses in cross-contamination and health and safety?
- What sanitizing stations are available, including sinks, antibacterial washes, and gels?
- What is your setup and clean-down process?
- Do you use fresh needles, gloves, individual ink pots, and other disposable equipment?
- How do you wrap and clean your tattoo machine?
A reputable tattoo shop will follow strict guidelines to prevent cross-contamination and infection. Always discuss any concerns with the artist before proceeding. After getting your tattoo, adhere strictly to the aftercare guidelines provided by your artist, including how long to keep the cling film on and which aftercare creams to use.
5. What Is the Main Risk With Tattooing and Breastfeeding?
The primary risk associated with getting a new tattoo while breastfeeding is infection. While this risk exists for anyone getting a tattoo, it is heightened for breastfeeding mothers because an infection could potentially affect both the mother and the baby. Some tattoo artists may choose not to tattoo breastfeeding individuals to avoid this risk.
Maria emphasizes that a parlor’s decision not to tattoo breastfeeding clients is often a precautionary measure related to aftercare and the rare chance of complications, rather than concerns about the tattooing process or ink itself. It is essential to understand and respect their policies, which are designed to protect both you and your baby.
6. Can Tattoo Ink Get Into My Breastmilk?
According to La Leche League International, the tattoo ink molecules are too large to pass into breast milk during the tattooing process. When you get a tattoo, the ink is deposited into the top layer of the dermis, where it remains trapped.
Maria supports this, stating that tattoo ink molecules are unlikely to cause harm to your child. However, it is unknown whether the ink will eventually break down and potentially enter breast milk over the long term. This is a personal consideration, and you may choose to wait until you have finished breastfeeding.
7. Should You Wait Until Your Baby Is a Certain Age Before Getting a Tattoo?
There is no specific age at which it becomes universally “safe” to get a tattoo while breastfeeding. However, practical considerations may influence your decision. Many tattoo studios do not allow children, and if your baby has a frequent feeding routine, scheduling a tattoo appointment can be challenging.
Fiona suggests several guidelines based on her experience:
- Both parent and baby are in good health.
- Breastfeeding is well-established.
- The baby can be away from the parent for a few hours and can drink from a cup or bottle without difficulty.
- The baby is at least 6 months old.
These guidelines ensure that your body has adequately healed after childbirth, which can take longer than you might expect. The age at which you choose to get a tattoo is ultimately a personal decision, but your chosen artist may have specific recommendations to ensure safety.
8. Will the Pain Affect My Milk Supply?
The pain associated with getting a tattoo should not directly impact your milk supply. However, the stress of the experience can sometimes affect milk flow.
Maria reassures that while the quantity of milk you produce should not be affected, you might experience a slower flow than usual. Warm compresses and massage can help stimulate milk flow after getting tattooed. Fiona notes that some women find their pain tolerance has increased after childbirth, making tattoos less painful.
9. So a Tattoo Artist Has Agreed to Tattoo You, Now What?
Once you’ve found a tattoo artist who is comfortable working with you, there are several factors to consider to ensure a smooth and safe experience.
9.1. Think About the Size and Placement
Fiona recommends avoiding large tattoos while breastfeeding, as pregnancy and birth can significantly impact your body’s ability to heal. Hormonal changes, lack of sleep, and energy expenditure on milk production can all affect the healing process.
Consider the placement of your tattoo in relation to your baby’s developmental stage. Will they be likely to scratch, rub, or bump the new tattoo? Can you comfortably breastfeed in your usual positions? If you’re getting a tattoo on your arm, will you still be able to carry or wash your baby?
If you’re considering a tattoo near stretch marks, consult resources for specific advice.
9.2. Preparing for Your Tattoo Appointment
In the days leading up to your appointment, prioritize rest and self-care.
Fiona advises, “Try to get a good night’s sleep and allow for rest around having it done (as much sleep as you can with a child!). Rest is very important to your body’s healing. Eat before your tattoo and maybe take a drink and a snack with you in case you need it!”
Read preparation guides for additional tips, and research how to sleep with a new tattoo to protect it during the healing process.
9.3. Do I Need to Pump Before Getting Tattooed?
Maria clarifies that pumping or dumping is not necessary, as the tattoo ink particles do not enter the milk. However, if you’re having a long tattoo session, pumping can help prevent complications with your milk supply.
Woman with breast pump attached under a t shirt
Image: Fiona using a breast pump, demonstrating a practical way to manage milk supply during longer tattoo sessions.
9.4. Healing Your New Tattoo
The healing process for a tattoo while breastfeeding may take slightly longer than usual, but experiences vary.
Fiona recommends, “Follow the artist’s aftercare instructions as closely as you can (make sure to carve out time for this in your daily life with a baby. As difficult as self care is postpartum, it’s paramount to the healing of your tattoo that you keep it clean to avoid infection) and then try your best to keep the fresh tattoo away from grabby little baby hands!”
Monitor your tattoo closely for any signs of infection, and consult your artist or doctor if you have concerns. Follow a tattoo healing guide for additional tips.
10. Advice for Tattoo Artists: Tattooing Breastfeeding Mothers
If you’re a tattoo artist unsure about tattooing breastfeeding clients, Fiona advises, “Do some research and make sure you feel comfortable, but if you don’t that’s fine!”
She includes an extra clause in her consent form to ensure the client understands the potential risks and agrees to follow aftercare instructions carefully. Fiona also encourages artists not to be scared, noting that skin texture remains unchanged during breastfeeding.
10.1. Can You Get a Tattoo When Breastfeeding?
Maria offers online consultations to discuss safe practices during breastfeeding.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Get a Piercing While Breastfeeding?
Yes, you can get a piercing while breastfeeding. The most important thing is to choose a piercer and studio that maintain high standards of health and safety. Ensure they have a valid license, evidence of training, and follow proper sanitation procedures. Adhere to all aftercare advice provided.
2. Can I Get Laser Tattoo Removal While Breastfeeding?
There is limited research on laser tattoo removal during breastfeeding. La Leche League International recommends waiting until weaning is complete before undergoing laser tattoo removal, as the process releases increased amounts of ink into the body. If you choose to proceed, take the same precautions with aftercare and studio selection as you would with getting a tattoo.
3. Can I Get Permanent Makeup While Breastfeeding?
Yes, permanent makeup, which is a form of tattooing, is generally safe during breastfeeding. Whether you’re getting eyebrow tattoos or freckle tattoos, ensure the shop and artist maintain high levels of hygiene and follow cross-contamination guidelines.
Fiona, a tattoo artist, had permanent makeup applied to her eyebrows while breastfeeding but skipped the numbing cream due to concerns about its safety. Consider this if you typically use numbing cream, but like Fiona, you may find it unnecessary.
4. How Can I Find a Tattoo Artist Comfortable Tattooing Breastfeeding Mothers?
Finding an artist experienced with tattooing breastfeeding mothers can take time. Start by researching local tattoo studios and reviewing their portfolios. Look for artists who emphasize hygiene and safety. Contact studios directly to ask if they have artists comfortable tattooing breastfeeding clients. Discuss your concerns and ask about their procedures. Online forums and social media groups for breastfeeding mothers can also be valuable resources for recommendations.
5. What Questions Should I Ask a Tattoo Artist Before Getting Tattooed?
Before committing to a tattoo artist, ask several key questions. Inquire about their experience with tattooing breastfeeding mothers, their sterilization procedures, and the types of ink they use. Ask to see their license and certifications related to health and safety. Discuss aftercare instructions in detail, and make sure you are comfortable with their responses.
6. Are There Specific Tattoo Placements That Are Better to Avoid While Breastfeeding?
Certain tattoo placements may be more challenging to care for while breastfeeding. Areas that come into frequent contact with your baby, such as the chest, stomach, or inner arms, may be more prone to irritation or infection. Consider getting tattoos on areas less likely to be disturbed, such as the upper back, shoulders, or legs.
7. What Type of Aftercare Products Are Safe to Use While Breastfeeding?
When choosing aftercare products, opt for those that are hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and specifically designed for tattoo healing. Avoid products containing harsh chemicals, alcohol, or petroleum-based ingredients. Consult with your tattoo artist or a healthcare professional for recommendations on safe and effective aftercare products.
8. How Soon After Giving Birth Can I Get a Tattoo?
The ideal time to get a tattoo after giving birth varies among individuals. Most experts recommend waiting at least six months to allow your body to heal and your hormone levels to stabilize. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best time for you, based on your individual circumstances.
9. Can Stress from Tattooing Impact My Breast Milk?
While the pain of getting a tattoo shouldn’t directly impact your milk supply, stress can sometimes affect milk production or letdown. Try to relax and minimize stress during your tattoo session. Listen to music, practice deep breathing, and take breaks as needed. Ensure you are well-hydrated and have eaten a nutritious meal beforehand.
10. What If My Tattoo Gets Infected While Breastfeeding?
If you suspect your tattoo is infected, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of infection can include redness, swelling, pain, pus, and fever. Prompt treatment is essential to prevent complications. Inform your healthcare provider that you are breastfeeding, as some antibiotics may not be safe for your baby. Follow their instructions carefully and continue breastfeeding unless otherwise advised.
Are you feeling inspired and ready to explore the world of tattoos? Visit tattooat.com for endless design inspiration, a curated list of talented tattoo artists, and detailed guides to help you navigate your tattoo journey safely and confidently. Find your perfect design, connect with a skilled artist, and embark on your tattooing adventure today! Located at 1825 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97201, United States, or call us at +1 (503) 725-3000. Visit our website at tattooat.com.
