People acquire tattoos for a number of reasons, including as a method of self-expression, for religious or artistic reasons, to remember a loved one who has passed away, or to consecrate a unique bond. Tattoos featuring children or pictures of expanding families are popular among new parents. If you're a new, breastfeeding mom and you might be thinking of getting a tattoo of your adorable child, or perhaps you've simply reached a place in your life where getting the tattoo is your dream. In either case, you are unsure about the safety of having a tattoo while you are still nursing your infant. The issue of getting a tattoo while nursing has not garnered much study. There is disagreement among experts; some believe it should be avoided until after you have finished breastfeeding, while others advise waiting until your child is older. Still others believe getting a tattoo is probably not a problem. All medical professionals believe that if you get a tattoo while nursing, you should take precautions and speak with a doctor or midwife first.  

As of current moment, there is no information on the subject of obtaining tattoos while nursing, and no significant medical groups have released statements on it. This can make it challenging to decide if having a tattoo is the correct choice for you. Dr. Spencer is reluctant to suggest tattoos to nursing mothers because of the possibility for infection from the needles used in the procedure. The likelihood of getting an infection like Hepatitis B/C or HIV is the biggest worry with tattooing. These infections can be passed from the mother to the infant through the breastmilk or by breast breaks and bleeding. However, the ink itself is not usually a concern for the infant. The ink from tattooing is sealed under the first layer of skin and deposited into the second layer of skin, known as the dermis, making it unlikely that it will enter the breastmilk supply, according to Dr. Spencer. She does, however, issue a warning that there have been reports of bacterial contamination of tattoo ink or allergic reactions caused by the ink itself.

There are no particular advantages to breastfeeding or to getting a tattoo for a nursing mother. However, a breastfeeding parent may find having a tattoo to be personally rewarding or gratifying, which is undoubtedly beneficial. Getting a tattoo might be a method to regain the sense of freedom and self-expression that parents sometimes feel they have lost while raising young children. Many parents decide to put off getting a tattoo until their children have outgrown the neonatal stage or until they have finished nursing.

There are several measures you may take to lessen the dangers if you decide to get a tattoo while nursing.

• Before choosing to work with a specific artist or venue, confirm that they are licensed and have a good reputation. You should also research their quality control procedures and any penalties or violations they may have received from the health department. Additionally, make certain that every piece of equipment they utilize is pristine and hygienic.
• You should see a healthcare professional before getting a tattoo if you are a nursing mother. Parents who are at high risk for infections, or who have compromised immune systems, should wait till breastfeeding is over to get a tattoo.   Hepatitis B and C infections in mothers are not transferred through breastfeeding, according to the CDC and the Academy of American Pediatrics (AAP), however HIV infection is. That doesn’t mean becoming infected with hepatitis B or C is a risk you should take, however, and your baby may have particular health vulnerabilities that a pediatrician can discuss with you. Additionally, as Dr. Spencer notes, if your nipples break and bleed while breastfeeding, blood borne illnesses like hepatitis B and C or HIV can be passed to your infant.

Each choice you make after having a baby might feel significant, and you might question what is best for you and your child. When there is little information available regarding whether or not it is safe then it can be difficult to decide whether or not to get a tattoo while you are nursing. Still, what is known about getting a tattoo while breastfeeding points to the fact that while doing it may be a low-risk activity in certain circumstances, it is not a risk-free activity. Because of this, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional before making a decision about getting a tattoo.

ZS DMO II Karla P. Calapardo, RND

Reference:

https://www.verywellfamily.com/can-i-get-a-tattoo-while-breastfeeding-5195644