Getting a tattoo is not a decision which anyone should take lightly, as it means a permanent change to the body of a person. Some women have some concerns about their safety and the safety of the baby when getting a tattoo while they are breastfeeding. However, a tattoo needle will only reach the dermal layer of the skin, and the molecular structure of the ink is also too big, so it cannot pass through the breast milk.
But, women that consider having a tattoo while they are breastfeeding should be aware of the possible risks of developing an infection that may harm the baby. While there is a low risk of infection, it is quite possible to occur. Even though infections like Hepatitis and HIV do not necessarily spread through breast milk, contact with some cracked or bleeding nipples. At the same time, feeding can increase an infant’s risk of contracting a disease.
Usually, it is safe to breastfeed when the woman is sick with a minor infection or illness. However, she should also make sure to ask for antibiotics that are safe to use at the time of breastfeeding, if she visits a doctor for a bacterial infection.
Taking the precautions which are needed in such cases, like researching the tattooist, checking out the tattoo studio you have chosen to go to, as well as following aftercare instructions given by the tattooist are going to minimize any risk of infection.
When it comes to getting a tattoo at the time of pregnancy or breastfeeding, it depends on the individual itself. While there are a lot of precautions that a pregnant or breastfeeding woman can take to minimize the risk, there is no assurance that the infection is not going to happen.
A lot of women prefer to wait to get a new tattoo until after the baby is born, and they have stopped breastfeeding. This ensures that any associated risk of getting a tattoo is not going to affect their baby in any way.
