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Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; 2006-.
Drug Levels and Effects
Summary of Use during Lactation
No data are available on the safety of tattooing during breastfeeding. Theoretical concerns relate to transmission of pigments or infections to the infant during breastfeeding and in the United States, blood donation is not permitted for 12 months after a tattoo as a precaution. Opinion appears to favor not obtaining a new tattoo during breastfeeding.[1-3] Tattooing of the nipple-areola area is sometimes used as part of nipple reconstruction in plastic surgery.[2,4]
Effects in Breastfed Infants
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Effects on Lactation and Breastmilk
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
References
- 1.
- Farley CL, Van Hoover C, Rademeyer CA. Women and tattoos: Fashion, meaning, and implications for health. J Midwifery Womens Health. 2019;64:154–69. [PubMed: 30806488]
- 2.
- Kluger N, De Cuyper C. A practical guide about tattooing in patients with chronic skin disorders and other medical conditions. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2018;19:167–80. [PubMed: 28993993]
- 3.
- Roche-Paull R. Body modifications and breastfeeding: What you need to know. J Hum Lact. 2015;31:552–3. [PubMed: 26185213]
- 4.
- Boccola MA, Savage J, Rozen WM, et al. Surgical correction and reconstruction of the nipple-areola complex: current review of techniques. J Reconstr Microsurg. 2010;26:589–600. [PubMed: 20721849]
Substance Identification
Substance Name
Tattooing
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. The U.S. government does not warrant or assume any liability or responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information on this Site.
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- Breastfeeding or nipple stimulation for reducing postpartum haemorrhage in the third stage of labour.[Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016]Breastfeeding or nipple stimulation for reducing postpartum haemorrhage in the third stage of labour.Abedi P, Jahanfar S, Namvar F, Lee J. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016 Jan 27; 2016(1):CD010845. Epub 2016 Jan 27.
- Antiretrovirals for reducing the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV infection.[Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2011]Antiretrovirals for reducing the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV infection.Siegfried N, van der Merwe L, Brocklehurst P, Sint TT. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2011 Jul 6; (7):CD003510. Epub 2011 Jul 6.
- Antiretrovirals for reducing the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV infection.[Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2007]Antiretrovirals for reducing the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV infection.Volmink J, Siegfried NL, van der Merwe L, Brocklehurst P. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2007 Jan 24; (1):CD003510. Epub 2007 Jan 24.
- Antiretroviral therapy (ART) for treating HIV infection in ART-eligible pregnant women.[Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2010]Antiretroviral therapy (ART) for treating HIV infection in ART-eligible pregnant women.Sturt AS, Dokubo EK, Sint TT. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2010 Mar 17; 2010(3):CD008440. Epub 2010 Mar 17.
- Early discharge with home support of gavage feeding for stable preterm infants who have not established full oral feeds.[Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2025]Early discharge with home support of gavage feeding for stable preterm infants who have not established full oral feeds.Rumbold AR, Keir A, Collins CT, Cooper C, Shepherd ES. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2025 May 13; 5(5):CD003743. Epub 2025 May 13.
- Tattooing - Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®)Tattooing - Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®)
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