Tanning & Breastfeeding??

I don't know anything forsure, but I mentioned to the lady that does my pedicures about wishing I could tan since I was breastfeeding and she told me I could. I didn't think it was possible either..I thought it would do something to the milk also. I haven't asked my doc though. She even said they have people that tan once a week that are expecting. I always heard it fries your ovaries, so I was really surprised docs say you can at all.

A.: Well, I'm not real sure about tanning while breastfeeding, but I'm sure it would be fine. You can call the tanning salon of your choice and ask--they will be able to answer your questions/concerns about this.

I really just wanted to say "kuddos" to you--being a single mom, with 4 children and one with Down Syndrome. You sound like "Wonder Woman"! :) And throw going through a divorce in the mix--well, all I can say is stay strong; keep on doing what you are doing and God Bless You!

Best of Luck,

S.

Its not about tanning as much as it is about radiation, so no, fake-baking wouldn't be such a great idea. But sitting out in the sun for short periods is actually healthy for you - despite all the hype. You get a full-spectrum light and very beneficial vitamin D intake - which converts the calcium you eat to be absorbable. I dont recommend any tanning lotions, as those (and any chemicals they contain) will be absorbed into your milk as well. But you can use natural oils - like olive or coconut - sparingly. Just dont get a burn, those little nails would be absolute torture. :}

A. not a dumb question at all. SO here's my two cents. I tan, have always. and I tanned while I breast-fed (NOT at the same time) It did nothing to my milk, nor did it harm my son. And approved by my doctor. However I did use a natural tanning lotion, mostly for moisturizer because it is very important to keep your skin moisturized. I really dont want it to sound as if I am pushing a product to make a profit like I have seen on this site many times. But if you'll go to the business section of this site there is a company called The Washtub,. she has a natural tanning lotion there made from Shea Butter, and it is just the best thing. and all completely natural.

Not sure about the "safe" issue, but I am sure you will get GREAT answers from quailified people, BUT.... Wear a bikini top or something over your nipples and the area baby hits. I BURNED there only and IT HURT TO FEED FOR DAYS!! No were else burned buy my boobs. Don't know why, but it was not fun!

Don't worry, it's awesome that you're checking!! I don't think it's a dumb question at all. You're being a great mom.

Here's what I found just by googling "tanning breastfeeding."

http://www.google.com/search?q=tanning+breastfeeding&...

You can just skim the results page :) But the consensus seems to be Green Light - Go Ahead.

(It looks like lots of people are wondering the same thing. You're in good company. Very common question, it turns out!)

Oh, but one site I checked said that you might want to cover your nipples, because they're more sensitive right now.

Don't bake the baby - but it is okay to bake the milk.
(It's not the rays for the baby - but the high heat)

I rarily tan, but our health club has it free. So in the spring about 1-2 time a week after working out I would while bfeeding - dr said no problem.

But you could also head outside with the kiddos a little each day and start getting some color - not as relaxing as that nap in the tanning bed though!

Tanning won't do anything to your milk, it's just a mega exposure of UV light which is what you get from the sun. I tanned a lot during the fall because someone told me it was good to help get rid of stretch marks, not so much. But my son had no problem eating after I tanned, the only thing I would recommend is to make sure you shower afterward if you're going to use a tanning lotion. Most of them say do not ingest so I worried about that. I always came home and showered afterward so that he wouldn't get any of the lotion in his mouth. More than likely it wouldn't hurt him if regular lotion doesn't but it might make your skin taste funny.

It's not a dumb question! It shows you are concerned about your child's health and safety! But I would be more concerned about your tanning in general (whether or not you are breastfeeding) and wanting to actually be around for your children as they grow up; skin cancer is very serious and deadly and I wouldn't tan for that reason. Plus I love the super-pale look, it is so cool, urban, artsy, and sophisticated. Just my two cents. I don't personally know anything specifically related to tanning affecting breastmilk. However, I would think anything that causes chemical changes in your body (causing your skin cells to produce melanin) might not be a good idea because who knows what other cells could start to mutate, and it doesn't seem unrealistic that it would affect breast milk, even if the scientists haven't discovered it yet. I will add one more thing, because I am so serious about preventing skin cancer and sun damage - my mom is in her mid-sixties and has stayed out of sun exposure her entire life - sunblock, big floppy hats, long-sleeved shirts if she's gardening or at the beach, etc. And her skin looks fantastic! She doesn't look a day over 40, and her friends the same age as her who tanned look like they are their age or older. Just wanted to mention it. I'm not being judgmental, I just wanted it to be something to think about. If I were you, I would opt not to tan and to embrace your natural skin color, just because I wouldn't want to risk anything for my baby. Just like even though they say it's okay to have a glass of wine now and then during pregnancy, I did not do it, just in case. You never know what doctors and scientists will find out down the road, so I'm all about prevention!