Tattoos and Breastfeeding: Is New Ink Safe Right Now?

You’re nursing and scrolling through Pinterest (thankfully, for those easy breastfeeding positions like the football hold) when you come across an incredible tattoo design. Suddenly, you can’t stop imagining the ideal spot on your body for it. But before you book a session with your tattoo artist, there’s a crucial question to ponder: Is it safe to get a tattoo while breastfeeding? For breastfeeding moms, health considerations are paramount, so it’s completely understandable to question whether a new tattoo is a good idea. While your existing tattoos don’t pose any risk to your baby, acquiring new ink while breastfeeding is a different matter.

Delaying that new tattoo until after you’ve finished breastfeeding might be a wise choice for several reasons. Here’s what you need to know about tattoos and breastfeeding.

Can You Breastfeed if You Already Have a Tattoo?

Fortunately, yes! There’s no need to be concerned, even if you have a tattoo on your breast. Tattoos are created by injecting ink into the dermal layer of the skin using a handheld electric machine equipped with needles coated in ink. It’s important to note that tattoo ink can contain various additives and impurities, including heavy metals like cadmium, cobalt, and manganese. While synthetic and vegan options are available, there’s minimal research on this topic. However, it’s unlikely that the tattoo ink will enter your milk supply. Since the ink is sealed beneath the second layer of skin, your baby’s touch won’t be affected by it, nor will it affect your baby.

Can You Get a Tattoo While Breastfeeding?

If you’re eager to celebrate motherhood with new ink or just want a fresh design, you might want to reconsider getting a tattoo during your breastfeeding period for several reasons:

Safety Concerns
While there isn’t much research available, various sources, including the Journal of Midwifery and Women’s Health, advise against getting a tattoo while pregnant or breastfeeding. Some tattoo artists may even refuse to tattoo you due to liability issues.
Your Body Needs Time to Recover
Your body has been through a lot during childbirth, and it’s essential to allow it to rest. Postpartum, you’re more susceptible to infections, which makes getting a new tattoo potentially risky. While tattooing isn’t as traumatic as childbirth, it’s still a procedure that requires some recovery time.
Extended Healing Time
The healing process for your tattoo may take longer due to your postpartum condition. Tattoos require proper care and bandaging, and with a squirmy baby around, the last thing you want is the added hassle of managing a new tattoo.
Skin Changes
Your skin will undergo changes as it adjusts back to its pre-pregnancy state. Waiting until your skin stabilizes will allow you to see how the tattoo will ultimately look without worrying about changes in the immediate weeks following your tattoo.
Risk of Infection
There are inherent risks to getting a tattoo, which include allergic reactions and potential blood infections like HIV or hepatitis. Treatments for these infections could complicate your breastfeeding and pose risks to your baby. So, it’s worth considering if the new ink is worth these risks.

The Bottom Line?

While it’s great to want a tattoo, it’s advisable to wait a few months until your baby has transitioned from breastfeeding to bottle-feeding. Experts suggest waiting at least 9 to 12 months postpartum, when your child is no longer solely dependent on breast milk, before getting a tattoo. You’ll be in a better emotional and physical state to enjoy the process, and you can wear your new tattoo with pride without worrying about your baby’s health.

Tattoo Ideas for Breastfeeding Moms

Once you’ve waited a few months and your baby has weaned, a meaningful way to commemorate the experience is with a tattoo. Breastfeeding is transformative; consider getting ink that symbolizes your journey as a mother. Here are some creative tattoo ideas that reflect the bond between mother and child:

A colorful depiction of breastfeeding, inspired by you or a cherished image of you and your baby.
A tattoo that includes your child’s name, either in bold letters or a delicate signature font of your choice.
An intricate design representing a mother’s love, featuring vines and lilies, which symbolize rebirth and motherhood in Greek mythology.

For more insights on topics like this, check out one of our other blog posts linked here. If you’re leaning towards home insemination, consider visiting Cryobaby for expert advice, or UCSF for valuable resources on pregnancy and home insemination.

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Summary

While tattoos don’t pose a risk to breastfeeding, getting new ink during this time may not be the best choice. It’s safer to wait until your baby is weaned before getting a tattoo to avoid potential health risks and complications. Consider meaningful designs that celebrate your journey as a mother post-breastfeeding.