Tattoo while nursing

[Djan2011]

I posted this in the breastfeeding forum as well but this one seems to get more posts/answers. I really want to get my sons footprints tattooed on my forearm and my birthday is coming up. I'm going to be turning 21 my friend said since she can't take me out for drinks she'd get the tattoo for me. I've been looking online and it seems to be the only concern is risk of infection or allergic reaction. I already have 3 so I know I'm not allergic and know how to properly take care of it. I'm just looking for your opinions onthe matter or if anyone else has done this. Thank you

[Hisgoodgirl]

Me personally, I would just wait until your done breastfeeding to save yourself the headache. Even if the doctor says it's okay anything can happen. I have 2 tattoo's and I waited long after my son was nolonger nursing. Depending on were you get it the ink will travel through your veins and once its there its in your blood and once its in your blood itll be in your breastmilk. Look at it this way the tattoo parlor will still be there next year.

[Djan2011]

Well I looked at that one and its $50. I don't want to spend that for a weeks use and I can't seem to find anything online at babies r us. But thank you for the help! I'll keep looking :)

[Ashelen]

yeah I know Medela makes one and while baby will still be getting some of your breastmilk it should be mostly the stuff in the storage bag...you can search for them they're called lactation aids. you can also completely block your nipple so baby only gets the supplemented breastmilk...I saw an article on that but I don't remember what they suggested to block the nipple because obviously that gets tricky....bleah, idk but I sure wish I had one o these lactation aids when I was having supply issues ol

[Ashelen]

http://www.lact-aid.com/Home/tabid/955/Default.aspx   this might be what I saw but it's not the brand I saw...lemme dig a bit more.

[Djan2011]

Lol ok thank you. I will see if I can find it!

[Ashelen]

I think the one I saw was at Babies R Us but I can't for the life of me remember what it's called!

[Djan2011]

That's a great idea Ashelen! I think that's what I'll do :) and it makes sense lol. Do you know where they sell those?

[Ashelen]

I'd say talk to your doctor too. I have 2 tattoos and 6 piercings and I wouldn't get anymore while pregnant or BFing...but just because that's me, not because I know of any risks. how much longer do you plan to BF? You could always just pump and store it for a week or two just to be on the safe side! if you don't want the little one to lose the breast connection there are special feeders that attach to your nipples but draw liquid out of a bottle so you can still feed breastmilk from the breast even though it's stored in a bottle...if that makes sense, LOL

[mamaof4410]

i have my tongue (2x's) belly button,and nose pierced. I went to the SAME shop for all of these. In Oct 05' i got my nipple's pierced (bad idea it hurt like....!) In December 06 i had to have emergency surgery because i got an abcess behind my milk duct. The surgeon said it was from the peircing not being done professionally. I cleaned it everyday twice a day with dial soap, the way i had been instructed to. Mind you they had all of the proper paper work and the place was very clean. It happens no matter how much the person knows what they are doing or how clean they are. Everything was packaged and i watched the girl open everything with gloves on and none of it ever came into contact with anything that wasnt clean. Its completely up to you just know the risks if there are any. Infections happen even to the cleanest person. Good Luck.

[Djan2011]

Thank you lil_mama_of_3.  :) And i wouldn't be getting it done somewhere that doesn't use sterile/new tools and ink, wear gloves etc. And my son will be almost four months when I plan on getting it  and I'm getting it on my arm, which hasn't been affected by my pregnancy. Thank you ladies. I think I will ask my dr just to see. And then go from there

[lil_mama_of_3]

I didn't breastfeed, but a friend of mine asked her doctor about it, and he said it wouldn't be a problem...So I would just talk to it over with your doctor and see what they have to say...Just talk about the risks and concerns...Everyone is different some women weight and some women go for it with the go ahead from a doctor...Either way when you get it, it's going to be amazing i'm sure!

[alaysha]

Also I'm not sure how long ago you had your baby but it takes almost a full year to be back to prepregnancy size. Your skin might still be stretchy and that could cause the tattoo to look weird in a couple months when it shrinks back up.

[mamaof4410]

Honestly i wouldnt do it if i was breastfeeding. i have 3 tattoos and i wouldnt do it while i was pregnant or breastfeeding because of risk to the baby. If you get an infection (from the needle or poor handling) it could be secreted in the breast milk.Its not a chance i'd be willing to take.