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tattoo while breastfeeding
i really want to get a tattoo soon but am breastfeeding my 2mo old, not sure if its ok to do this or not. any suggestions??thanks
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Christi, Star Mom on -
This comes from kellymom.com (a reputable site recommended by my lactation consultant):
There is no evidence that getting a tattoo will affect breastfeeding. There should be no harm to mom or baby from the dyes injected. If you get a tattoo, the biggest concern for anyone (not just nursing moms) is infection (hepatitis or HIV)-- so make sure the place you go has good references and is clean.
That info came from this page (full of a lot of other similar topics others might be curious about):
http://www.kellymom.com/health/lifestyle/mom-activities.html
And here are a couple of related links from La Leche League International:
http://www.llli.org/FAQ/tattoos.html
http://www.llli.org/llleaderweb/LV/LVFebMar05p3.html
So if I were you I'd say you're good to go, but if you need to hear it from someone in person contact your local LLL chapter, or a lactation consultant from your place of delivery.
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Permalink Reply by vanessa cadena on -
i heard you shouldn't because it passes through your blood. i'm in the same vote, i wanna get a tattoo so bad, but I'm not sure if it's worth the risk.
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Permalink Reply by Krystle Samuelson on
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I got one while I was breastfeeding. It did no harm to me or my daughter. Just be careful where you go and make sure they are clean so you don't get an infection because that will go to our milk! :)
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Permalink Reply by dyoungwhite on
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I am waiting until I am done. I look at it this way. If you are not able to give blood for a year after getting a Tattoo, then why would you want to take a chance. I don't think there is much research on this though.
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Permalink Reply by vanessa cadena on
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i totally agree with you!!!! not worth the risk
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Permalink Reply by Annette Woodyard on -
Im breastfeeding my son, and I got a of of my sons footprint. It did no harm to him.
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Permalink Reply by Eva Ramsey on -
Never thought too much about this, but I am looking into getting a tattoo removed. I was advised by the doctor who would remove it that I should wait until I'm done breastfeeding b/c when they remove a tattoo, it breaks up the ink and it's dissolved into your bloodstream. But I don't think it's the same at all the get one put on. My only thing is: do you really want to deal with taking care of a 2 month old baby and care for a tattoo?
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Permalink Reply by Christi, Star Mom on
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La Leche League says that there's no risk in having tattoos removed, either (per the link I posted above). Of course it's all up to you and your level of comfort. I don't envy you, though. I had one removed a few years ago. Not fun, and not cheap. :(
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Permalink Reply by One Hungry Mama on -
The advice from Kellymom.com is exactly what I've heard from two sources that I trust very much: a mom friend who happens to be a researcher by profession and is *covered* in tattoos (she wanted to get some work done while b'feeding her first son, did a TON or research and decided against it) and a very well regarded female tattoo artist who refused to even consult with me while b'feeding (she was that serious about it).
My understanding is that, bottom line, it's a lot like avoiding certain foods while pregnant... you do it not b/c you'll inevitably get sick or hurt your baby, but b/c there is a risk of getting sick or hurting your baby. And why take that risk for a good meal or, in this case, a tattoo. (And believe me... I say that as someone who LOVES good food and body art! :-) Hope this helps.
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Permalink Reply by mama k on
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I was in the same boat when I had my oldest son. I was ready to go, got to the tattoo shop and filled out the form. That's when I noticed at the bottom of the form it said "not pregnant or breastfeeding." When I asked the artist about it, he said the reasoning is that some people can go into shock and that it would affect the milk supply. I had gotten a tattoo previously and had no problems, but I didn't want to risk my milk supply since I was breastfeeding exclusively. Think of it this way- you'll still be able to get the tattoo when you're done breastfeeding, but will you still be able to breastfeed when you're done with the tattoo?
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Permalink Reply by Kelli Yost on -
I have about 20 tatoos but when it comes to the health of my baby; my baby comes first. I wanted to get one also but i waited until i wasn't breast feeding. It's your choice but I would wait. Your skin is not going anywhere and if you get an infection at least your baby won't be affected. Happy motherhood. :)
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Permalink Reply by Shelly Zaugg on
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It is definitely your choice. However, my tattoo artist is a friend of mine and he refuses to tattoo anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding. He'd rather be safe than sorry. I finished breastfeeding my first and got pregnant a few months later so no tattoos for me for a few years. It just gives me more time to dream of all the ones I want.
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