Can you get a tattoo while breastfeeding? Absolutely! It’s a question many new parents ponder, and at tattooat.com, we’re here to guide you through the ins and outs of getting inked while nursing. We’ll explore safety precautions, artist considerations, and aftercare tips, ensuring your body art journey is as smooth as possible with the new body art. Discover how to safely express yourself through ink while nourishing your little one.
1. Can You Get A Tattoo While Breastfeeding?
Yes, you absolutely can get a tattoo while breastfeeding. However, logistical challenges might arise. Planning is key to ensure a smooth and safe experience. Getting a tattoo requires careful consideration of various factors.
Many breastfeeding parents find that claiming ownership over their bodies again through tattoos is empowering. It can be a way to mark the transition into motherhood, celebrate a new love, or simply reclaim a sense of self. Despite the added planning, it’s entirely possible to get a new tattoo while breastfeeding, giving you a chance to celebrate motherhood. According to Maria Myers, a qualified antenatal teacher, doula, and international board certified lactation consultant (IBCLC), getting a half sleeve done while breastfeeding is possible.
2. Should You Tell the Tattoo Artist That You’re Breastfeeding?
Yes, you definitely should inform your tattoo artist that you’re breastfeeding before the appointment. Open communication ensures both your and your baby’s safety. Disclosing this information allows the artist to make informed decisions and provide appropriate care.
Fiona Lewitt, a tattooist at Black Market Tattoo Parlour and a mother who has breastfed, advises that transparency is crucial. Tattoo artists need to be aware of your breastfeeding status to ensure they’re comfortable proceeding. If you don’t disclose this beforehand, it will likely be asked on a consent form and could lead to the artist declining the tattoo if they aren’t comfortable or weren’t expecting it. Being upfront helps avoid any last-minute disappointments and ensures everyone is on the same page.
3. Will a Tattoo Artist Tattoo Me While I’m Breastfeeding?
Fiona Lewitt breastfeeding her baby who is in an orange onesie
Image: Fiona Lewitt of Black Market Tattoo Parlour
Some tattoo artists may hesitate due to concerns about infection and potential reactions, which is a valid consideration. It’s important to find an artist who is knowledgeable, comfortable, and willing to tattoo a breastfeeding parent. It’s crucial to find an artist who understands and respects your situation.
Fiona Lewitt explains that the main concern is the potential impact on both the parent and baby if an infection occurs. Treatment with certain antibiotics might not be suitable during breastfeeding, as most will pass into the milk. If complications arise, such as passing out and needing hospitalization, the well-being of both the parent and the baby must be considered. If a tattoo artist is not confident tattooing you while you’re nursing, it’s best to find one who is. Fiona, drawing from her own experiences with breastfeeding, is happy to tattoo breastfeeding individuals who meet her criteria and have discussed potential issues beforehand.
4. Is it Safe to Get a Tattoo While Breastfeeding?
According to Maria Myers, it is generally safe to get a tattoo while breastfeeding, provided certain precautions are taken. Ensuring the tattoo studio follows strict safety guidelines is crucial for a safe experience. Researching and verifying the studio’s safety measures is essential.
Maria suggests thoroughly investigating the tattoo studio to ensure they follow all necessary health and safety precautions. You should ask the artist and studio questions about their:
- License
- Completed courses in cross-contamination and health and safety
- Sanitizing stations, including sinks, antibacterial washes, and gels
- Setup and clean down process
- Use of fresh needles, gloves, individual ink pots, and other tattooing equipment
- Wrapping and cleaning of their tattoo machine
Any reputable tattoo shop and artist will adhere to strict guidelines to minimize cross-contamination and infection. If you’re unsure about a shop or artist, discuss your concerns with them. After getting your tattoo, follow the aftercare guidelines provided by your artist, including instructions on how long to leave the cling film on and what aftercare cream to use.
5. What Is the Main Risk With Tattooing and Breastfeeding?
The primary risk is infection, which is a general concern for anyone getting a tattoo, not just breastfeeding parents. Some artists choose not to tattoo breastfeeding individuals to avoid potential risks to both the parent and baby. Tattoo aftercare is essential for reducing the risk of problems.
Maria Myers notes that many parlors have their own regulations, which may include not tattooing breastfeeding individuals. This policy is a precaution to protect themselves in case of infection, which could impact both the parent and the baby. This decision is based on concerns about aftercare and the rare chance of complications, rather than the tattooing process or ink being inherently unsafe for breastfeeding individuals.
6. Can Tattoo Ink Get Into My Breastmilk?
Woman with breast pump attached under a t shirt
Image: Fiona using a breast pump
The consensus among experts is that tattoo ink molecules are too large to pass into breast milk during the tattooing process. The ink remains trapped in the top layer of the dermis, preventing it from entering the bloodstream and breast milk. Breastfeeding can remain unaffected during the tattooing process.
La Leche League International confirms that tattoo ink molecules are too large to pass into breast milk. Maria Myers agrees, stating that tattoo ink molecules won’t harm your child. However, it’s uncertain whether the ink might pass into breast milk months or years later as the body slowly breaks down the ink. The decision to get tattooed while nursing is a personal one, considering these factors.
7. Should You Wait Until Your Baby Is A Certain Age Before Getting A Tattoo?
There is no specific age requirement, but practical considerations may influence your decision. Your baby’s feeding routine and the tattoo studio’s policies can play a role. Waiting until your baby is more independent may make the process easier.
Maria Myers suggests that there’s no need to wait until your baby reaches a specific age, but you might not be able to bring your baby to the tattoo studio, as many don’t allow children. Additionally, frequent feeding routines, common with young babies, may make it challenging to find time for a tattoo appointment. Fiona Lewitt, while willing to tattoo breastfeeding parents, has a few conditions, especially regarding the baby’s age. She recommends:
- Parent and baby are both well.
- Breastfeeding is established.
- Baby can be away from the parent for a few hours and can drink from a cup or bottle without struggling to return to the breast or chest.
- Baby is at least 6 months old.
These guidelines ensure that the body has sufficiently healed after childbirth, which takes longer than when the parent feels okay or is cleared by a doctor or midwife. The right time to get a tattoo is a personal decision, but your chosen artist may have guidelines to ensure safety.
8. Will the Pain Affect My Milk Supply?
The pain associated with getting a tattoo is unlikely to directly impact milk supply, but stress can sometimes affect milk flow. Managing stress and staying relaxed can help maintain a steady milk supply. Staying calm is key to maintaining milk production.
Maria Myers reassures that the pain from tattoos should not impact supply, but the stress of getting a tattoo might affect the flow of milk. While the amount of milk produced shouldn’t be affected, you might experience a slower flow. Maria recommends warm compresses and massage to help speed up your flow after being tattooed. Fiona Lewitt found that her pain tolerance improved after childbirth, making tattoos seem less painful.
9. So a Tattoo Artist Has Agreed to Tattoo You, Now What?
Once you’ve found an artist who is happy to tattoo you, it’s time to prepare for your appointment. Careful planning and consideration can ensure a smooth and safe experience. Consider size, placement, and aftercare to have the best outcome.
9.1 Think About the Size and Placement
It’s best to avoid getting a huge tattoo immediately after giving birth. Pregnancy and childbirth significantly change the body, and it may react differently than before. Hormone changes, lack of sleep, and energy being used for milk production can affect the body’s ability to heal. Placement is also important; consider how the tattoo might interact with your baby’s developmental stage. Will they scratch, rub, or hit the new tattoo? Can you breastfeed comfortably in your regular positions? If you get your arm tattooed, will you be able to carry or wash your baby? If you’re considering a tattoo near stretch marks, consult resources for advice.
9.2 Preparing for Your Tattoo Appointment
Leading up to and on the day of your appointment, ensure you’re in the best possible condition. Fiona Lewitt advises getting a good night’s sleep and allowing for rest around the appointment. Rest is crucial for your body’s healing. Eat before your tattoo and bring a drink and snack in case you need them. Consult preparation guides for more tips and learn how to sleep with your new tattoo.
9.3 Do I Need to Pump Before Getting Tattooed?
Maria Myers states that you don’t need to pump or dump, as the ink particles don’t go into the milk. However, if you’re having a long tattoo session, pumping can help avoid complications with your milk supply.
9.4 Healing Your New Tattoo
Healing might take a bit longer than usual, but it varies from person to person. Follow the artist’s aftercare instructions closely and make time for this in your daily routine, as difficult as self-care is postpartum. Keeping the tattoo clean is paramount to avoid infection. Protect the fresh tattoo from grabby little baby hands. Monitor your tattoo for signs of infection and consult your artist or doctor if needed.
10. Advice for Tattoo Artists
If you’re a tattooist unsure about tattooing someone who is breastfeeding, research and ensure you feel comfortable, but it’s okay if you don’t. Add an extra clause in your consent form stating that the client understands the potential risk and will carefully follow aftercare instructions. Don’t be scared, as skin texture is typically unaffected. According to Portland State University’s Art Department, in July 2023, more artists are becoming comfortable with tattooing breastfeeding mothers after proper training and understanding of the process.
11. Can You Get A Tattoo When Breastfeeding?
Watch Maria’s video for more information on getting a tattoo while breastfeeding. For personalized advice, Maria offers online consultations to discuss safe practices during breastfeeding.
Frequently Asked Questions
11.1 Can I Get a Piercing While Breastfeeding?
Yes, you can get a piercing while breastfeeding. Choose a piercer and studio with high health and safety standards and follow all aftercare advice. Ask to see their license, training evidence, and sanitation procedures.
11.2 Can I Get Laser Tattoo Removal While Breastfeeding?
There’s limited research on laser tattoo removal while breastfeeding and the increased ink released into the body. La Leche League International recommends waiting until weaning is completed before having any laser removal of tattoos. If you proceed, take the same aftercare precautions and choose a reputable studio.
11.3 Can I Get Permanent Makeup While Breastfeeding?
Permanent makeup is a form of tattooing, so yes, you can get it while breastfeeding. Ensure the shop and cosmetic artist have high hygiene levels and follow cross-contamination guidelines. Tattoo artist Fiona Lewitt had permanent makeup on her eyebrows while breastfeeding, skipping numbing cream due to safety concerns.
Are you ready to explore the world of tattoos while embracing motherhood? Visit tattooat.com for inspiration, expert advice, and a curated list of talented artists and reputable studios. Discover designs that resonate with your journey, connect with artists who understand your needs, and access comprehensive guides on tattoo aftercare. Reclaim your body and express your unique story with confidence. Contact us at 1825 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97201, United States. Phone: +1 (503) 725-3000. Let tattooat.com be your trusted companion in this exciting chapter of your life.
