Many new mothers may wonder if getting or a tattoo or having one removed can have a direct impact on breastfeeding.

Having an existing tattoo will not impact your ability to breastfeed your baby however newer research suggests that chemicals from the tattoo ink get passed into the blood over a period of years and months.

Most experts recommend waiting until after you have finished breastfeeding to get a tattoo as not much research has been done on the subject.

The main concerns for getting a tattoo while breastfeeding are the potential risk of skin infections, blood infections and allergic reactions.Most tattoo artists will not tattoo someone who is breastfeeding or pregnant due to liability reasons. It is suggested that mothers wait at least until 9-12 months after birth, when the child is no longer dependent solely on breastmilk before getting a tattoo.

The chances of the infection passing into your milk are low. Choosing a registered tattoo studio with strict hygiene practices can reduce your chances of contracting an infection. If you’re thinking about tattoo removal, keep in mind that the process breaks up ink particles, and the effects on breastmilk are unknown. Many experts suggest waiting until after weaning to start tattoo removal.

It is generally assumed that ink molecules are too large to pass into breastmilk during the tattoo process. Once tattooed into the skin the ink is trapped, however it is unknown whether the ink can pass into breast milk as it slowly breaks down in the body months to years later. The same precautions are applied when it comes to tattoo removal. The tattoos are removed using lasers that break down the ink particles into smaller particles which are then flushed out by the body through the liver.

There isn’t enough research done on the subject but it is best to be cautious to ensure a healthy supply and a healthy baby.

Most experts recommend waiting until after you have finished breastfeeding to get a tattoo as not much research has been done on the subject.