Breastfeeding with existing tattoos is generally safe, but getting a new tattoo while nursing requires careful consideration due to potential risks. No governing medical body currently forbids getting a tattoo while breastfeeding, but the lack of specific research means caution is necessary. Primary concerns center on whether ink pigments can enter the milk supply and the significant risk of acquiring an infection during the procedure or healing process. This article provides context on the safety profile of tattoo ink and steps to minimize risks associated with the tattooing process.
Understanding Systemic Risk from Tattoo Ink
Nursing parents often question whether ink components can travel through the body and into the milk supply. Tattoo ink is injected into the dermis, the layer of skin beneath the surface, where the pigment particles are designed to remain permanently. Most sources suggest that the pigment molecules are too large to pass into the bloodstream and subsequently enter breast milk in significant quantities.
The immune system attempts to clear the foreign particles, with specialized cells engulfing the pigment. Over time, some ink particles, including tiny nanoscale-sized fragments, are transported away from the skin via the lymphatic system. These fragments often accumulate in the lymph nodes near the tattooed area, causing the nodes to change color.
While the ink’s movement to the lymphatic system is established, no scientific study has definitively shown that tattoo ink enters breast milk. Theoretical concerns remain because the long-term breakdown of ink is not fully understood, and the ink is not regulated by the FDA specifically for injection into the skin. Due to this uncertainty, the risk is considered low for the baby, but not entirely zero.
Minimizing Localized Infection and Contamination
The most immediate and controllable risk is the potential for infection, as a new tattoo is essentially an open wound. An infection can be localized to the skin or, less commonly, become systemic, impacting the entire body. Infection places a strain on the body’s resources, which are already focused on recovery from childbirth and milk production.
Choosing a licensed and reputable studio is a primary defense against serious blood-borne pathogens like Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, or HIV. These pathogens can be transmitted through contaminated equipment or unhygienic practices, and a systemic infection could potentially be transmitted to the infant. Reputable artists follow strict hygiene protocols, including using single-use needles, gloves, and sterile equipment, mitigating this danger.
Aftercare is a significant factor in preventing localized infection, often caused by bacteria like Staphylococcus or MRSA. Following the artist’s instructions for keeping the site clean and dry is necessary for proper healing, which typically takes a few weeks. Signs of a localized infection include increasing redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or a persistent fever, warranting an immediate call to a healthcare provider. While a localized skin infection does not typically affect breast milk, it can be passed to the baby through direct contact with the affected skin.
Practical Guidance on Timing and Placement
In the absence of conclusive safety data, many medical professionals recommend waiting until the baby is weaned before getting a new tattoo. Waiting allows the body to fully recover from childbirth and ensures the baby is not wholly dependent on the milk supply if an infection or complication occurs. If a procedure is planned, waiting until the tattoo is completely healed (which can take between two weeks and one month) is necessary before considering the risk period complete.
The placement of the tattoo requires consideration, especially concerning the breasts. Tattooing the breast, areola, or nipple area is generally advised against while nursing. The process can cause swelling and irritation, and there is a theoretical risk that the trauma could interfere with the delicate milk ducts. Furthermore, a healing tattoo on the breast is a direct contact risk for the baby during feeding and could be uncomfortable for the parent.
It is prudent to discuss the decision with a trusted healthcare provider, such as an obstetrician or lactation consultant, before proceeding. They can provide personalized advice based on the individual’s health history and the specific circumstances of their nursing journey. Considering the minimal known risk from the ink and the higher risk from infection, delaying the procedure until the end of the breastfeeding period is the most cautious approach.