Many mothers would like to get a tattoo while breastfeeding that represents their own motherhood as a lasting special memory. They would like to commemorate their maternity and breastfeeding journey and so have a special tribute to their motherhood. In this post, we answer any doubts you might have about the topic.

Can I get a tattoo while breastfeeding?
This question is sometimes difficult to answer because tattoo studios, at least most of them, do not specialise in breastfeeding mothers and do not have specific information about this topic. Therefore, if you ask the professional, he or she may give you an answer that is not entirely correct.

Is it compatible with breastfeeding?
Yes. Tattoos are compatible with breastfeeding, but certain hygiene standards must be followed, which are recommended in all cases, even if you are not breastfeeding.

Make sure that the studio and the professional chosen complies with all the necessary hygiene standards, which minimises the possibility of transmitting infectious diseases. The inks must also be professional ones and contain no pollutants or toxic carcinogenic substances.

Does the ink get into the breastmilk?
No. The ink is placed onto the skin and its passage into the blood (and from there into the milk) is highly unlikely due to the molecular weight of the ink. So the answer is no.

Can pain lower my milk supply?
Some people might say that pain or stress from the procedure could “dry up” a mother’s milk supply or spoil the milk. Breastmilk cannot dry up, let alone get spoiled by having a bad time or being in pain, so a breastfeeding mother can get a tattoo and breastmilk will not disappear.

What if it causes an infection?
This is one of the reasons why many tattoo professionals advise against tattooing while breastfeeding, thinking that if an infection occurs it is not possible to take antibiotics while breastfeeding. But the use of antibiotics is perfectly compatible with breastfeeding and there is no need to stop or pump and dump the milk. In fact, antibiotics are one of the possible treatment options for mastitis. You can check the compatibility of breastfeeding with each medication on the e-lactancia website.

Can I get a tattoo directly on my breast?
If you want to get a tattoo on your breast, areola or nipple, it is better to wait until you have stopped breastfeeding altogether, as there is a small risk that toxic elements from the ink can pass into the breastmilk in that area, for example, if there is a sore or open wound.

Can I have a tattoo removed while breastfeeding?
No. During breastfeeding, it is not recommended to remove a tattoo, as it is possible for the ink to reach the milk during this procedure, as it is broken down by the laser.

Do you have any more questions?

If you have any more questions about breastfeeding and motherhood, we can help. Please download our free app, LactApp for iPhone or Android. In the contact section of the app, you can find an in-app consultation channel, where our experts will answer your questions.