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Q: Question About Tattoos

asked by: Idony on January 29th, 2007

Extremely eHealthy

Ok so I know getting a tattoo while im pregnant is out of the question, I wouldnt even think about it

but what about getting a tattoo while im breastfeeding? Im hoping I can breast feed for at least a year. But ive been waiting to get a tattoo for a long time, I would love to be able to get one not too long after she is born but if its dangerous I guess ill have to just wait even longer

opinions please?

~alicia~

Replies(4)

lil_blaze2004

replied on January 29th, 2007

Moderator

Nope for the same reasons as when you're preggo. Whatever goes into you comes out in your milk. I got mine that my ex had drawn for me while I was preggo when trey was about 6 months old. Alicia, if you've been waiting this long, wait a lil longer just to make sure nothing happens. Just in case!!!

arcadia

replied on January 29th, 2007

Extremely eHealthy

Actuallllly, .Jess, ink molecules are too large to pass through into your breastmilk. But it still isn't advised to get one done while breastfeeding.

I found this on the body modification site I frequent:

".Having a tattoo does not affect your breastmilk. The ink used, although not intended or approved for injection under the skin, has molecules that are too large to pass into the breastmilk. This does not mean it is overly safe for a breastfeeding woman to get a tattoo. In fact, as stated before, most tattoo artists will not knowingly tattoo a pregnant or breastfeeding woman.

The precautions to getting a tattoo while breastfeeding is not because of the ink, again, as I have said several times before, it is the general risks that all face when getting pierced or tattooed that can affect the breastfeeding mother and inadvertantly, her child. It is suggested that a woman wait at least a year after childbirth before getting a tattoo just to give her body time to rest.

Now even though before I stated that many tattoo artists and piercing experts will not work on a woman who is pregnant or nursing, that does not mean that all will not do it. Some may but there are some things you might want to consider before insisting on being inked while pregnant. One thing is that the tattoo is being placed on skin that is not at its normal state.

The skin is not only still stretching, but after pregnancy, it will begin to retract back from its previously stretched state. Also, the hormones and antibodies present in a pregnant woman could cause the tattoo to heal in a lighter state than normal and of course, there are the normal risk factors tied into getting a tattoo that no longer just affect the woman getting the tattoo, but also the unborn baby. Before insisting on that tattoo or piercing while pregnant, always speak to your physician.

When it came down to the end of my research, it all boils down to the same for any pregnant woman, modified or not - she needs to take care of herself and her body and do things that will cause the least amount of risk to her unborn child. If it doesn't feel right, don't do it. If she has questions, ask her health care provider. There are risks to body modification regardless of gender or pregnancy - just take care of yourself and do what is best."

Idony

replied on January 29th, 2007

Extremely eHealthy

Ok thanks, guess ill keep waiting

thats what I was thinking though, that it didnt pass through the milk, I thought since it didnt go that deep under your skin it didnt go into your blood stream and into your milk

but the thing about your skin not being normal is understandable, I didnt even think of that

meh guess ill just stay on the safe side then

thanks

~alicia~

Lilmommabigheart

replied on February 20th, 2009

New User

I got a tatoo 3 1/2 weeks after my child was born

should I be concerned about anything major happening to me. I did not research before I did it. the only thing that the artist said was that he would not if I am breastfeeding and adviced me to wait at least 2 weeks to breastfeed again is that right or can i begin sooner or not at all?

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