Can you have a tattoo while breastfeeding...?

[whingeomatic]

not at the same time - obviously

I've googled it and can't get a definitive answer - some sites say no way, wait until you stop. Others say it is okay as long as the equipment is single-use/properly sterilised etc, etc.

What do you think?

my siter did she had two and had no problems. it depends on the tattoo artist and weather there are comfortable doing it

Yes,if you are as rough as a bear's arse, go ahead by all means.

Arse antlers perchance?

You should be ensuring that the equipment is sterile/single use etc no matter when you have it done.

One question is to whether or not the ink enters the bloodstream, and can therefore be transferred to baby. The answer is - we don't really know with 100% certainty.

The other point to be made is that if you do end up with some sort of infection/illness resulting from the tattoo it could transfer to the baby through BM.

As someone has said above, it will also depend on whether an artist would be happy to tattoo you whilst you were breastfeeding. I think you would find that the more reputable artists would say no (at least that is my experience).

I made the decision to wait as I was not happy with the possible risks. It's going to be there for life anyway, what difference will waiting a couple of weeks/months/years whilst bf make?

^ Should be 'ink enters breastmilk' not bloodstream - am having a dim day

a little harsh, moondog - no need for that

and no is the answer...

Thanks katpink & MissAnthrope - my head is telling me to wait, just wanted other opinions/info

have a look here www.kellymom.com
my friend has just had one done and she did all the research and was satisfied it would in no way harm her boy.

you are braver than me!

pants www.kellymom.com

I waited till I had stopped tbh, couldnt find anything difintive either way so thought better be on the safe side.

I'd put the baby down first!

ta, pooter - just off to take a look...

err on the side if caution, methinks...

Will have to ask Santa for it next year!!

I want to get a small tattoo but am waiting to stop BFing first, there isn't any harm in waiting a couple of months, where as there could be if you have it, not worth the risk imo.

Iv just booked in 4 1 in 2 days, hadnt even considered it being a risk while bf, will give the artist a ring later c wot he says :-(

Bumping in hope of an answer. Tattooist & pharmacist dont know, google has conflicting answers & nhs direct is only taking urgent calls... & im booked in 4 11am 2moro!

The LLL website says "the ink molecules are too large to pass into breastmilk." You might want to have a read of this too.

There is the risk of hepatitis or HIV infections, this would be pretty small in a decent tattoo place that followed all the H&S rules. It's up to you whether you go for it or not, I would be sure to way up the risks and benefits before you make your decision so that you're confident about it.

Thanku 4 that
i got hokd of an old colleagie who works with tats he sed with proper aftercare etc its fine
but
after readong ur link saying my body could reject the tat i think its safest to wait

thanku! :-)

I honestly didn't realise this could be an issue when I had a tattoo whilst breastfeeding with my first, the artist I went to was very clean and professional. I had no problems with either tattoos or milk afterwards. but you should just do what you are comfortable with, not every1 is the same after all.