I just had my daughter about 2 weeks ago. I am breast feeding, I was wondering if anyone knows anything about breast feeding and tanning? Is it ok to tan, or will it affect my milk? I never tan longer than a month a year, and sometimes not even the whole month, just enough to get a little color and not burn the first time I go to the lake for the summer.
I had that same question after my first. I heard it was fine, but I was still too nervous to do it.
from http://www.kellymom.com/health/lifestyle/mom-activities.html
Tanning is completely compatible with breastfeeding and will not alter the milk whatsoever. There is no record of any dangers to the breastfed baby in relation to tanning. Sometimes clients are given Carotene to enhance the tanning - that should be avoided while breastfeeding. Make sure to protect your nipples from burn (for your own comfort more than anything), and keep in mind that ultraviolet exposure ages skin prematurely and increases the risk of cancer.
* Is it safe to use a tanning bed? Will it affect my breastmilk? LLL FAQ
* Is visiting a tanning salon okay? by Debbi Donovan, IBCLC
I am a cancer survivor, so you can guess my opinion about tanning! However, if you are going to, at least cover your breast tissue. The skin on that area is so thin, I would hate to find out in the future that you have affected your milk, especially since you won't be exposing that area when you go to the lake. Or maybe you will?! I didn't ask that, right?!
Tanning is radiation, and I breast fed after radiating both breasts. So just be careful- and keep BF that new bundle of joy!
Best to you,
L.
Hi, S.. Congratulations on your sweet little girl. I think your milk will be fine but, if you are concerned about your own skin I have a product for you. It is called Made in the shade self tanner with an SPF 15, paraben free. You can actually sit in the shade and still tan. We have an entire Before Sun line. Take a look at www.helenbrown.myarbonne.com and let me know what you think.
I think I would check with my OB or other doctor if I were you.
I have psoriasis, and was prescribed a home UVB unit- basically a medical grade tanning bed- for use with my psoriasis specifically because it does not affect breastfeeding. UV radiation, either from natural sun or a tanning bed, does not penetrate far enough to affect your milk.
My doctor and I had to put together a ot of information on the safety of UV rays and BF to get the insurance company to cover the unit, and all the literature concurred that UV rays don't affect breastfeeding at all.
Tanning while breastfeeding is great you absorb Vitamin D. Sunscreen or tanning lotions, probably not. Your body does absorb it. I'm Irish but will not burn if I start out for 15 min a day for about 3 or 4 days then increase it to 30 min for a few days. Then you should have enough of a tan started that you can lay out longer without burning. Keeping your skin moisturized will help, I always bathed with a little baby oil added, drip dry then get straight outside. I'm old now though and don't know what it's safe to even use as a daily moisturizer,while breastfeeding these days.
sit out in the sun for fifteen minutes on one side and flip do the other side for fifteen minutes. then you can apply an instant tanner. i would stay out of a tanning bed.
I started tanning when my son was about 3 weeks old. Nothing adverse happened with my milk. Actually, the tanning help ease the soreness from nursing.
