Michelle:  I can't think of a reason that a tattoo per se would be a
reason (excuse?) to not breastfeed, BUT, the possibility of contracting
hepatitis or HIV when getting a tattoo would.  Mom, of course, could be
tested for these.
        After I got my tattoo (when I was young and foolish), I began
testing positive for Hepatitis B antibodies.  My doctor at that time told
me not to have children, or to breastfeed.  So I went to someone who knew
what he was talking about.  Dr. #2 (a specialist in infectious
diseases), explained that antibody means I had been exposed, and my body
made antibodies to fight off the disease.  If I had antigens,(active
germs) then I was infectious, and should wait until I wasn't infectious
anymore.  Being an ICU nurse at the time, I should have known that, but
it's easy to doubt your own knowledge when it's your own body and someone
acts like they know more.
        Otherwise, my tattoo did not interfere at all with childbearing
or breastfeeding in any way.



Margie Forrest, RN, BSN, IBCLC, in WPB, FL