The reason for the tattoo ban is the same for milk donation as blood donation. There is a POSSIBILITY of the tattoo needles being contaminated, ink being used for more than one and there is chance of hepatitis or AIDs or other viral illness being contracted through blood contamination. When tattoo artists use disposable inks and needles and are themselves washing hands, wearing masks or whatever (universal precautions) this risk is very slim. But the rules apply because most people might not even know any of that information about their tattooist and the donation industry has to set a rule across the board without exceptions to guarantee somewhat the safety of the supply.
-----Original Message-----
From: Lactation Information and Discussion [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of [log in to unmask]
Sent: Friday, January 13, 2012 10:48 AM
Subject: Re: Breastfeeding and tattooing
Hello all,
Tina writes: The question arose from a mom who was told she could not get
a tattoo because she was breastfeeding. Of course, it was explained that
the risks are the same whether a mom is breastfeeding or not; did a little
research on tattooing websites to find out their recommendation. Many of
the "Consent to Tattoo" forms do state "I am not pregnant or nursing". I
have an email in to a company who insures tattoo palors and provides oversight
for liability, as to why this is on the form. Awaiting a reply. Any
others have some insight on this? Thank you.
~~~
Personal insight: after having donating 3 gallons of blood over a period
of 6 years, then taking a break and getting tattooed 5 times in 3 years, I
always wondered this myself. Obviously one loses more blood in a shorter
amount of time while donating, which I was told drops your iron a full point
and obviously blood volume drops. My tattoos are not big, so the blood loss
was less, but it still occurs each time. Beyond the risks of infection
from the needle ( which has never happened to anyone I know either donating or
getting tattooed, but then I always go to my cousin whose shop, like most
these days, is in complete compliance with health laws and protocols etc.),
I figure this rule protects the one who wants to donate or get tattooed. I
went into every donation and tattoo in excellent health, and took really
good care of myself( healing foods, sleep etc.) and the tattoos afterwards.
If an emergency donation was needed, say a family member and they would
have allowed it while I was nursing ( which in my case lasted 7 years), I
figure my body would have handled it fine, same for being tatooed. By not
allowing it, all the healing energy of the body goes to dealing with the
donation/blood loss/wound healing. But the way healthcare works, I have to wait a
full year after the last tattoo to be accepted as a blood donor again.
They don't just test you and say ok you're healed and didn't get an infection,
it's an arbitrary year. Those forms have all kinds of caveats for time
lags or being ruled out based on different actions/life events. Balancing
protecting the donating person and those who would receive the donation....
Peace,
Judy
Judy LeVan Fram, PT, IBCLC, LLLL
Brooklyn, NY, USA
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