You can get a tattoo while breastfeeding, but most experts advise waiting due to risks like infection (which could be passed to the baby), potential reactions to ink/medication, and a lack of research, with the primary concern being that a systemic infection requiring antibiotics could affect your milk supply or baby's health; also, some tattoo artists refuse to ink nursing mothers for liability reasons.
There is NO RISK to getting tattooed while breastfeeding.
The general recommendation is that you should not get a tattoo while pregnant or breastfeeding. However, there is little research available and nothing reporting a bad outcome to a baby after their mother got a tattoo. There is a very low risk of any tattoo ink passing to the baby through the breast milk.
“Do tattoos on the breasts increase risk of breast cancer?” Probably not. Tattoos only go down to the dermis layer of skin, much shallower than breast tissue.
Although the risk is small, it is recommended that you wait to get a tattoo until after your baby is born. Little information is available about the safety of skin dyes used for tattooing during pregnancy. It is possible that the chemicals in the dye may affect the development of the baby during the first 12 weeks.
Currently, there's no definitive proof that ink particles can't cross the fetal placental barrier (the placenta is the barrier filtering things between parent and baby). This uncertainty means that the chemicals in the broken-down tattoo ink could negatively affect the expecting parent and baby.
Everyday things to take care with
The "45 55 breast rule" refers to a widely studied aesthetic ideal where the breast volume is split with 45% in the upper pole (above the nipple) and 55% in the lower pole (below the nipple), creating a naturally sloped, teardrop shape rather than a round, full look. This ratio, established by plastic surgeon research, is consistently rated as most attractive by men, women, and surgeons across different demographics, supporting its use as a benchmark in breast augmentation for natural-looking results.
Among the rest of the Stories & Ink team, the most painful places to get a tattoo include:
Yes, a $50 tip on a $300 tattoo is a good tip, landing around 16-17%, which is well within the standard 15-20% range for good service, but if you absolutely loved the work or it was a custom piece, tipping $60-$75 (20-25%) would be even better, showing extra appreciation for exceptional quality and effort.
Ultimately, whether or not you can have tattoos as a nurse depends on your workplace. The industry is evolving, and many facilities recognize that body art does not impact a nurse's skill or dedication.
Since most exposure to the toxin occurs during the first trimester of pregnancy, it's recommended that you stop receiving injections for a few months before trying to conceive. If you are actively receiving injections and found out you are pregnant, it's recommended that you stop receiving Botox immediately.
Using hair dye while you're breastfeeding
Very little of the chemicals used in hair dye enter your bloodstream, so it's very unlikely that a significant amount will be passed on through your breast milk.
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. Reputable tattoo artists will have a waiver for the client to sign that asks about pregnancy and breastfeeding.
If your tattoo is located on your foot or ankle, keep shoes and socks away from the area. If your tattoo is located on your shoulder, please keep your bra straps away from the area (ie - don't wear a bra, or opt for strapless). Any rubbing can cause the scabs to fall off prematurely, resulting in ink loss.
Does Botox get into the breast milk supply? Current evidence suggests Botox is not expected to enter breast milk. The molecule is too large to pass into the milk ducts, and cosmetic doses remain localized at the injection site rather than spreading through the body.
For a $500 tattoo, a standard tip is $75 to $100 (15-20%), but you can tip more, even $125 or higher (25%+), for exceptional work, a long session, or custom design, with factors like artist's expertise and your satisfaction influencing the amount. Tipping 20% ($100) is generally considered great service, but tipping less is also okay if you're on a tight budget, while tipping more shows extra appreciation.
No, $200 an hour is generally not considered a lot for a professional, experienced tattoo artist in 2025-2026, often falling into the standard or even lower-mid range, especially in major cities or for specialized styles like realism or fine-line work, though rates vary significantly by location, artist demand, and expertise. While some talented artists charge around $100-$150/hour, high-demand or highly specialized artists can easily charge $250-$300+ per hour.
Mild burning: Some people describe the pain of a tattoo as a mild burning sensation, similar to that of a sunburn. Lot of scratching: Others compare him to a lot of scratching or redness. Vibration: In some areas, particularly the areas of bone, you can feel a vibration similar to that of a tunnel boring machine.
The only way to permanently change breast size is through cosmetic surgery, which comes with its own risks (and expense). Doctors usually prefer that girls wait until development is complete before getting surgery.
The "three-finger test" for breasts refers to the technique used in a breast self-exam (BSE) where you use the pads of your three middle fingers (index, middle, ring) to feel for lumps or changes, applying light, medium, and firm pressure to cover all breast tissue and the armpit, moving in circular or vertical patterns to detect new lumps or thickening. This method, often done while lying down or showering, helps you become familiar with your normal breast texture, but it's a supplement to, not a replacement for, regular clinical exams and mammograms for early detection.
First, we found that men generally considered medium to large, but not extra-large, sizes to be the most attractive, thus confirming some results from previous studies (Gueguen, 2007a, b; Horvath, 1981) but not others (e.g., Furnham & Swami, 2007; Singh & Young, 1995).
The "3-2-1 Rule" in pregnancy is a guideline for first-time mothers to know when to call their midwife or doctor for active labor: consistent contractions every 3 minutes, lasting 2 minutes each (or 1 minute long for some variations), for over 1 hour. It helps differentiate true labor from false labor (Braxton Hicks), signaling it's time to head to the birthing center, while subsequent pregnancies often follow the faster 5-1-1 rule.
A pregnancy may also be more likely to end in miscarriage if you:
One approach is the 'ten day rule,' which states that "whenever possible, one should confine the radiological examination of the lower abdomen and pelvis to the 10-day interval following the onset of menstruation."