When seeing the baby's face for the first time, it is not uncommon for mothers and fathers to think about eternalizing this new phase of the family with a tattoo related to their child. Among the most popular designs, we usually see the baby's footprint and the name chosen for him, for example. However, more than reflecting on the art that will be perpetuated on the skin, breastfeeding babies end up facing thequestion: can breastfeeding women get tattoos?

According to pediatrician Rosângela Gomes dos Santos, president of the Breastfeeding Department of the São Paulo Pediatric Society, it depends. The specialist advises that if the mother wishes to have a tattoo done, the ideal is to wait at least nine to 12 months after giving birth. In short, during this period, the baby will no longer be exclusively breastfeeding. In other words, the introductionfeeding will have already started and breast milk will be a complement for the little one.

Read more: Breastfeeding and breast cancer: what is the relationship?

"Can breastfeeding women get tattoos?": the reasons to wait

This pediatrician's orientation is due to the scarcity of scientific evidence about whether or not tattooing is safe during the breastfeeding period. For example, it is still not known if the elements that make up the tattoo ink, such as heavy metals, are capable of reaching the breast milk.

In addition, Rosângela explains that there is a risk of local infections caused by the mother's skin reaction to some component of the ink as well as if the nursing mother does not follow the prescribed care in relation to the procedure. Also, if the establishment where the tattoo is done does not follow the hygiene measures recommended by the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa), the mother can contractdiseases such as hepatitis B and C, HIV, tetanus, and others.

"Therefore, before getting a tattoo, a mother should keep in mind that procedures of this type are not risk-free. One must make sure to take all necessary safety precautions to lessen the potential risks," emphasizes the pediatrician.

Source: Dr. Rosângela Gomes dos Santos, pediatrician, president of the Breastfeeding Department, São Paulo Pediatric Society