Question

I am a breastfeeding mother and i want to know if it is safe to use Tatoo? Is Tatoo safe for nursing mother and child? Does Tatoo extracts into breast milk? Does Tatoo has any long term or short term side effects on infants? Can Tatoo influence milk supply or can Tatoo decrease milk supply in lactating mothers?

Tatoo lactation summary

Tatoo usage has low risk in breastfeeding
  • DrLact safety Score for Tatoo is 3 out of 8 which is considered Low Risk as per our analyses.
  • A safety Score of 3 indicates that usage of Tatoo may cause some minor side effects in breastfed baby.
  • Our study of different scientific research indicates that Tatoo may cause moderate to no side effects in lactating mother.
  • Most of scientific studies and research papers declaring usage of Tatoo low risk in breastfeeding are based on normal dosage and may not hold true for higher dosage.
  • While using Tatoo We suggest monitoring child for possible reactions. It is also important to understand that side effects vary largely based on age of breastfed child and time of medication in addition to dosage.
  • Score calculated using the DrLact safety Version 1.2 model, this score ranges from 0 to 8 and measures overall safety of drug in lactation. Scores are primarily calculated using publicly available case studies, research papers, other scientific journals and publically available data.

Answer by Dr. Ru: About Tatoo usage in lactation

Tatooing must meet all known safety and sanitation standards in order to avoid transmission of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV infections. As a safety measure, blood banks and many human milk banks do not accept donation of biological products until that a 4 to 12 months period has elapsed after Tatooing. Based on this, some authorities recommend to wait until breastfeeding is finished for Tatooing. Aluminum, Cadmium (yellow), Charcoal (black), Cinnabar (red), Cobalt (blue), Chromium (green), Iron (brown), Magnesium (violet), Mercury (red), Titanium (white), Zinc (white), plastics and Formaldehyde are some products used as dyes and pigments for Tatooing. Although dyes and pigments used for Tatooing may pose a risk for toxicity are kept under skin that prevents them from entering into blood stream. This is the reason for what an old Tatoo or a new one done while breastfeeding is not contraindicated, provided that best standards of safety and sanitation are followed to warrant the prevention of infectious disease transmission. Creams used for anesthetic, antiseptic or anti-inflammatory purposes before or after Tatooing are compatible with breastfeeding, so as Paracetamol or Ibuprofen used for pain relief. Tatoos on the nipple should be avoided since it poses a risk for swallowing of dyes that may be toxic. Hide a Tatoo with make-up or cover-up is compatible with breastfeeding. Removal by Laser-ray may disaggregate pigments of Tatoo that get into lymph and blood and would be excreted into breast milk that is a reason to prudently wait, depending on the dye to be removed, until breastfeeding is finished.
Disclaimer: Information presented in this database is not meant as a substitute for professional judgment. You should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. We do not warrant or assume any liability or responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information on this Site.