New mothers often ask – “Can you tan while breastfeeding”. Get the answer to this intriguing question by giving a thorough read to this article.
Breastfeeding and pregnancy are generally associated with a lot of changes to a woman’s body. During these times, women are curious if they are allowed to do a lot of things. One such commonly contemplated procedure is tanning. Some of the readers asked whether can you tan while breastfeeding. We attempt to answer the question in this article, keep reading.
Can You Tan While Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding moms are often extra anxious and concerned about the well-being of their little ones. They worry about even the common beauty procedures they used to indulge in before their baby’s birth, wondering if it will bring any kind of harm to their baby. One such fashion statement is skin tanning. As a mother of a young baby, you might wonder if undergoing tanning will harm your baby or affect your breastmilk in any manner. The answer to the question is ‘No,’ however, depending on the tanning process you choose, there are a few precautions you need to take.
Tanning Techniques and Precautions
Always consult your doctor before you decide to go in for tanning and discuss the safest option. Tanning techniques range from natural sun tanning to tanning beds, spray tans, and tanning lotions.
1. Sun tanning
If this is your choice to get a good tan, bask in the sun only after smearing an effective sunscreen lotion or cream over your skin. If you need to breastfeed your baby while out in the sun, make sure you wash off sunscreen from your breasts and nipples so that your baby doesn’t swallow it while s/he nurses.
2. Tanning Bed
Tanning beds are not known to affect your milk supply’s quantity or quality. However, take the precaution of covering your nipples and areola with tape, breast pads, or apply petroleum jelly on your nipples so that the UV rays emitting from the tanning beds do not burn or dry your nipples and make them sore. Sore nipples will make breastfeeding your baby a painful process. Avoid staying on the bed for a long time as it may lead to skin problems like wrinkling and sometimes even skin cancer. Avoid taking tanning enhancers like carotene when you are breastfeeding.
3. Spray Tans
These sprays are simple to use and can give you a quick tan. However, they contain a chemical called DHA, which is for external application only according to FDA guidelines. Avoid breastfeeding your baby till the tan dries completely. Cover your entire breast area when you spray tan and ensure your baby is not near you when using the spray to protect him/her from breathing in the spray mist. Ideally, you can have a shower before breastfeeding your baby.
4. Tanning lotion
Use a tanning lotion that is organic and made of plant products. Apply the lotion well before you plan to nurse your baby. Wait till the lotion is absorbed into your skin and avoid applying it to your breasts. Contact with tanning lotions or spray tan can cause an allergic reaction in some babies.
Extra Safety Measures:-
Before you get yourself tanned, it is a good and safe option to express your milk beforehand and feed your baby. The skin can absorb tanning lotions and may get expressed in your breastmilk. To avoid that, go in for organic tanning lotions that you can wash off quickly.
If your baby’s sensitive skin comes in contact with tanning lotion or tan spray, wash it off immediately with soap and warm water. Alternatively, if your baby accidentally ingests tanning lotion or spray, contact your doctor immediately.
Take the necessary precautions but carry on with the procedure, as there is absolutely no reason why you must not pamper yourself and give yourself a beautiful tan!
