Whether you’ve decided to get your first-ever tattoo or want to add to your existing body art, getting new ink is always exciting.
But if you've just had a baby and are breastfeeding, this might not be the best time to do so.
In today's article, we'll address common concerns nursing mums may have when it comes to getting a tattoo while breastfeeding and provide expert insights into the potential risks, so you have all the information you need to make a safe decision.
Is it safe to get a tattoo while breastfeeding?
The question of whether or not getting a tattoo while breastfeeding is safe isn't as straightforward as one might hope.
Experts have differing views — and while some don’t see any major concerns, most advise against it simply because there isn't a lot of data on the potential risks of getting inked as a nursing mum.
Discussing your plans with your doctor is your best bet here, as they can provide you with tailored advice based on your circumstances.
But let's dive into what researchers have found so far.
Limited research
Currently, there are no governing bodies or medical organisations with explicit guidelines against getting tattooed during breastfeeding — which explains why many experts tend to err on the side of caution.
This doesn’t mean that getting inked while breastfeeding is inherently unsafe.
However, the absence of peer-reviewed studies does leave many questions unanswered.
Expert opinions
While research is limited, many medical professionals recommend waiting until you’ve finished breastfeeding before getting a new tattoo.
Some advise against it due to potential safety risks and others emphasise the risk of infection (as well as the possibility of tattoo ink entering your breast milk).
In the same vein, it's typically recommended to wait at least 3 months after the end of pregnancy or breastfeeding before undergoing laser tattoo removal treatments — but we'll get to that shortly.
Potential risks
The primary concern when it comes to getting a tattoo while nursing is the possibility of infection, but there are other factors you should consider.
Infection risk
When you get a tattoo, there's always a risk of local and systemic infections [1].
The first type can occur when proper aftercare isn't followed, while the latter can happen as a result of inadequate equipment sterilisation.
Some of these infections may require treatment with antibiotics, which aren't always compatible with breastfeeding.
Plus, breastfeeding — along with the sleep deprivation that typically comes with having a newborn — can impact your immune system, making it harder to fight off infections.
Allergic reaction
Allergic reactions, particularly to red tattoo inks, are a known risk when getting a tattoo [2].
This is something to keep in mind when you're breastfeeding as, during this phase, your body goes through a bunch of hormonal changes that could potentially exacerbate these reactions.
Tattoo placement and comfort
The placement and size of a tattoo can have a significant impact on your comfort during breastfeeding.
The developmental stage of your little one should be considered because they might accidentally scratch or hit your fresh tattoo during breastfeeding, potentially disturbing the healing process.
Body changes after childbirth
Body changes during and after pregnancy can also affect tattoos.
For instance, some women may experience swelling or engorgement during their breastfeeding journey, which can temporarily distort tattoos located on the breasts.
If that's your case, Kin's Breastfeeding Essentials might just come in handy.
Designed to help you through some of the most common breastfeeding challenges, this kit features our Nipple Balm, which helps build skin elasticity and soothe and restore sore nipples, as well as our Breast Pads to ease discomfort from sensitive nipples.
It’s worth noting that these changes are usually temporary and your tattoo should return to its original shape once you finish breastfeeding. However, it’s still something to keep in mind.
Precautions for getting a tattoo while breastfeeding
If you decide to go ahead and get that tattoo while breastfeeding, taking certain precautions can help mitigate potential risks.
As we mentioned before, you want to carefully choose your tattoo placement, but also select a reputable tattoo artist and, of course, follow proper aftercare practices.
By taking these steps, you can ensure the tattooing process is as safe as possible.
Choosing where to get a tattoo
When planning the location of your tattoo, consider how it might affect your ability to breastfeed comfortably.
For example, a large tattoo on the forearm might be uncomfortable if your baby’s head rests on that area during feeding.
Similarly, tattoos on the chest or breasts may be uncomfortable due to the pressure of a nursing bra or your bub's hands.
Picking a reputable tattoo artist
When it comes to choosing a tattoo artist, their style and catalogue are always things you want to check — but there's a lot more to consider.
First and foremost, you always want to prioritise certified tattoo artists who follow proper hygiene and sterilisation practices, hold an updated license, and put their client's well-being first.
Make sure, as well, that it's someone who's aware of potential risks and precautions when tattooing breastfeeding mums and who'll be able to guide you through the process safely.
Lastly, look into the tattoo studio and ensure it follows strict safety guidelines, including registration with the relevant authorities and proper maintenance of their equipment.
Taking care of your new tattoo
Proper aftercare is essential in preventing infections and helping your skin heal, so be sure to listen to the instructions given by your artist and carefully stick to them.
This usually involves keeping the tattoo covered and clean, refraining from picking at scabs, and keeping the tattoo out of the sun.
Remember that caring for a newborn can make it difficult to maintain proper tattoo hygiene, so you'll need to be extra vigilant in preventing infection.
With postpartum being such a demanding period, it's worth asking yourself if this is something you want to deal with as well, or if you're happy to wait a few months.
Can you remove a tattoo while breastfeeding?
Experts generally advise waiting until after breastfeeding to undergo tattoo removal. Once again, this is mainly due to the uncertainty around potential risks.
Just like with getting a tattoo, we recommend you discuss your plans with a healthcare professional before proceeding with having a tattoo removed.
Laser tattoo removal risks
When you get a tattoo removed, the ink is broken down into small particles, which your immune system sends to the liver, for it to filter them out of your body.
For breastfeeding mums, there's the possibility of these particles migrating to the breast milk, although researchers are not sure this can actually happen, as they don't know if the ink particles are small enough to enter the milk supply [3].
However, it's best to err on the side of caution and limit the risk of your baby ingesting tattoo ink, especially since the potential effects of these particles are not well understood either.
And similar to getting a tattoo, there are aftercare guidelines you'll need to follow in order for your skin to heal after each laser removal session (of which there will probably be a few!).
Expert recommendations
Due to the lack of research, experts recommend waiting until after breastfeeding to undergo tattoo removal.
It’s worth noting that this is a general recommendation, and individual circumstances can vary. As always, it’s best to discuss your plans with a healthcare professional.
Getting a tattoo while breastfeeding is a personal decision that should be made after careful consideration, with your and your baby's safety front of mind.
Remember, your breastfeeding journey is a special time, and taking extra precautions can ensure it remains a positive experience for you and your little one.
Image credit: Getty Images
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