There are enormous health considerations that are to be taken while you are breastfeeding, so you might wonder if getting a tattoo is a factor here. The breastfeeding process is not impacted through the preexisting tattoos. When you have a question in the mind of when can I get a tattoo while breastfeeding?
Let’s look at the various aspects related to tattoos and piercings while breastfeeding!
Is Breastfeeding Possible If You Have Tattoos?
There are no significant regulations against having tattoos while you breastfeed.
The placement of tattoos does not elevate any risks while breastfeeding, even if they are present on your breasts. The ink is not likely to get into your supply of milk, and it is sealed under the initial layer of your skin, preventing the baby from contracting it. So, can you get a tattoo while breastfeeding?
Necessary precautions should be taken if you wish to get a tattoo while breastfeeding. It might be a good idea to delay the process of tattoo removal as you breastfeed, as it is not known whether the ink that is broken down gets to enter your milk supply.
Safety
There are various opinions in this matter of whether or not it is advisable to get a tattoo while breastfeeding. There are no medical organizations or governing bodies that are forbidding you to get a tattoo if you are breastfeeding currently. There is even no research made that will offer any negative evidence of getting tattooed while breastfeeding.
If you are currently breastfeeding, then the tattoo companies might not be allowing you to get one. They might get concerned about the increased possibilities of risks despite any evidence. They might also be concerned about the liabilities. You might have to sign off a legal waiver if you do get a tattoo while breastfeeding.
Make sure that you inform your tattoo artists that you are breastfeeding as they would use the necessary precautions.
Risk
The process of tattooing is quite risky.
Your skin gets poked repeatedly with the help of a small needle that is coated with ink—the ink deposits in the second layer of your skin, which is known as the dermal layer.
The following are a few of the risks that are included in tattooing:
- Allergic reactions to the ink
- Being subjected to skin infections
- Contracting with blood infections such as MRSA, hepatitis C, tetanus, or HIV.
Precautions
These are the necessary precautions you should take if you decide on getting a tattoo while you are breastfeeding:
- Always make sure that you are using a tattoo facility holding a good reputation. The professional should make use of fresh and sterilized materials.
- Always take care of the placement of your tattoo. It generally takes a few weeks or even longer to heal. Since you are breastfeeding, you might be in a lot of pain while getting a tattoo on some specific spots.
- If you plan on getting a tattoo while you breastfeed, it is important that you speak to your doctor about it if you are prone to certain conditions like heart, clotting of blood, or any other autoimmune conditions.
- While your tattoo heals, make sure that the site is clean. Protect the tattoo while you are out in the sun and wash the area with water and soap.
- Make use of safe pain-relievers. If you take a pain-relief medicine while breastfeeding, the best option would be acetaminophen.
Effects of breastfeeding on tattoos
You might be witnessing that the tattoos that you had before breastfeeding have changed in their aesthetics. It is more likely to be affected by your pregnancy than breastfeeding. Pregnancy affects your body, and it shows visible signs of changes, and your tattoos can significantly change color or might get stretched.
Your breasts can even swell up due to breastfeeding if you are engorged, and it can also cause a few temporary distortions of the tattoos that are present on the breast.
The Final Takeaway
If you wish to get a tattoo as you breastfeed, you will surely come across several mixed opinions on whether or not you should get a tattoo while breastfeeding or can you get a tattoo while pregnant.
Always make sure that you are taking the necessary precautions in order to ensure that the process is safe, and also contact your doctor if you have any significant concerns if you are deciding on proceeding with a tattoo as you are breastfeeding.