Breastfeeding And Cosmetic Procedures

Breastfeeding mothers have many questions about the safety of various things that they apply to maintain their appearance during breastfeeding. Which is safe and which is not? Do the various substances pass into breast milk? Are they harmful to the baby?

Skin care

Cosmetics used on the skin, including creams and lotions containing alpha-hydroxy acids, are not a problem for breastfeeding mothers and are considered safe during breastfeeding. It is best to avoid the use of such cosmetics in the nipple area (so that the baby does not swallow it).

When it comes to topical medications, almost nothing passes through the skin into the bloodstream unless specifically formulated to do so (such as nicotine patches).

It is advisable to avoid products containing retinoids (popularly used to remove wrinkles). Oral use of these products during pregnancy can lead to birth defects. The retinoids in the products are listed as retin-A, differin, tazorac, retinol and retinyl, so carefully check the list of cream ingredients you have decided to use. 

A common ingredient in many skin whitening products is hydroquinone. Although, its absorption when applied topically is minimal, it is best to avoid such products during breastfeeding.

Sunscreen and tanning products

Very few of these products are absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream and reach the milk. Remember to take the necessary precautions against sunburn, especially for problem and sensitive skin. Sunscreens are applied topically so that they will not affect breast milk. But if you use them on your breasts, be sure to wash them before breastfeeding so that they do not fall into your baby's mouth.

The active ingredient in most tanning products (lotions, sprays, airbrushes) is dihydroxyacetate (DHA), a chemical that temporarily stains the skin. They should not be a problem for breastfeeding mothers. However, care must be taken when applying them to the breast so that they do not fall into the baby's mouth. It is also a good idea to wait at least an hour after using the product for it to dry well, then breastfeed.

Botox

Dermatologists advise Botox to be avoided during breastfeeding. Other procedures such as microdermabrasion, fraxel laser and V-beam laser (latest generation "Pulsed Dye" laser) are safe.

Insect repellents

According to the Centers for Disease Control, no side effects have been reported after the use of repellents.

Hair removal

Generally speaking, topical products that are applied to the skin (depilatory creams) are poorly absorbed into the bloodstream and are therefore very unlikely to reach breast milk. Laser hair removal also does not affect breastfeeding.

Solarium

It is important to limit exposure to avoid burns. Some mothers report that their nipples have burned when using a tanning bed, which is extremely painful. So don't forget to cover your chest. Keep in mind that ultraviolet exposure leads to premature skin aging and increases the risk of cancer. There is currently no evidence that using a tanning bed can affect the baby through breast milk in any way.

Sauna

There is no reason for a breastfeeding mother not to be able to relax in a hot sauna. There is no real risk for the child. However, there are infrared saunas on the market, which can be a problem. There is very little data on the effect of infrared radiation on breast milk, so the manufacturers of this type of sauna will advise women to avoid breastfeeding for 24 hours after using the sauna. For the greatest safety it is good to avoid the use of such saunas during lactation.

Hair care

If you are worried that dyeing your hair or any other treatment would affect breastfeeding, you can rest easy. There is no evidence that the use of hair products (dyes, henna, bleaches, oils, crystals) has an effect on the infant. Some chemicals contained in hair care products can be absorbed through the skin. But if your scalp is healthy (no injuries), a very small amount of the product will be absorbed.

If you suffer from postpartum hair loss, keep in mind that this is a normal reaction during pregnancy and after childbirth in some women. Postpartum hair loss is not related to breastfeeding. The normal hair growth cycle will return to normal between 6 and 12 months after birth. If you think that hair loss is excessive or things do not return to normal after 12 months, consult a specialist.

Nail care

There are no studies to prove that doing a manicure or pedicure while breastfeeding can have a negative effect on the baby. To be safe, however, it is best to use varnishes that do not contain chemicals such as formaldehyde, camphor, dibutyl phthalate, toluene and formaldehyde resin, which have toxic properties and can be absorbed in minimal amounts. Also keep in mind that there are no studies on the effect of newer types of nail polishes (such as gel polish and arkil polishes).

Hot tubs

Breastfeeding mothers should follow the usual precautions when using hot tubs. You need to make sure that the bath is clean and well maintained, as very often they can be a "breeding ground" for microorganisms that cause a variety of diseases (skin rashes, infections, digestive disorders, lung diseases, hepatitis).

Massage after birth

Postpartum massage can be as important as that during pregnancy.

This procedure will lead to relaxation, stress reduction, pain relief and other health benefits. The benefits of postpartum massage include: hormonal regulation, reduced swelling in the body, better sleep and improved breastfeeding. More advanced therapies help restore your body to its pre-pregnancy state.

Reduce stress. Massage relaxes muscles, increases blood circulation and reduces stress hormones, which leads to relaxation and stress relief. Some women prefer a lighter massage, while others enjoy deeper techniques in the areas of grasping. Myofascial massage and craniosacral therapy are more profound techniques that are usually used for healing purposes and lead to relaxation and stress reduction. Anxiety and depression respond very well after these procedures.

Reduce swelling. Massage procedures increase blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, thus helping to eliminate excess fluids and waste products.

Pain relief. Residual body aches from pregnancy are normal, but with the addition of breastfeeding and childcare, they can become quite debilitating. The arms, shoulders and back are most commonly affected. Massage is an effective approach that relaxes and relieves pain without medication.

Improves sleep. Most mothers feel exhausted after the birth and constant care for the baby. The massage will relieve fatigue, will promote better relaxation and restful sleep.

Improving breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is the most wonderful gift a mother makes for her child. But it can also be a big challenge. Massage therapy relaxes the body, increases blood circulation and increases milk production. Studies show that massage increases prolactin levels.

Start as soon as you feel comfortable. Therapies will work well for you if you have chest or abdominal pain.

Tattoos

Tattoos are created by injecting ink into the dermal layer of the skin. Tattooists use a hand-held electric machine that is equipped with hard ink-coated needles. The needles enter the skin hundreds of times a minute to a depth of a few millimeters. However, the ink molecules are too large to pass into breast milk. The danger of tattooing (and not just for breastfeeding women) comes from local or systemic infections, which are a common risk. Restricted infections most often occur when following care instructions, including keeping the tattoo clean (with soap and water) and avoiding sun exposure, are not followed. Systemic infections occur when universal precautions (for hygiene) are not followed by the tattoo artist and include diseases such as hepatitis, tetanus and HIV. It is very important to choose a studio with a good professional who will follow the established precautions such as sterilization of the tattoo machine using an autoclave, inks, ink cups, gloves and disposable needles (to avoid cross-contamination) and thorough washing of hands with disinfectant soap. Most tattoo artists would deliberately refuse to tattoo a pregnant or breastfeeding woman. It is good for mothers to wait at least a year after giving birth to get a tattoo.

Tattoo removal is done with the help of lasers. The laser energy breaks down the tattoo pigment into smaller particles, which are taken from the body's immune system and filtered. The removal process is bloodless, low risk and has minimal side effects. The same skin care (as with tattooing) is taken after removing the tattoo.

There is no evidence that tattoos affect breastfeeding or have any effect on breast milk. If you have chosen to decorate your body with a tattoo and give your baby the best start in his life through breastfeeding, you can feel comfortable in your decision.

Body piercing

There is no evidence that nipple piercing (or any other) affects breastfeeding. Some professionals in this field do not recommend piercing the nipple during breastfeeding. All you need to do is choose a reliable professional who follows safety rules so that you do not become infected with hepatitis or HIV.

Breast implants (silicone)

Silicone implants are considered compatible with breastfeeding, but the surgery itself can affect breastfeeding in some mothers.

Chlorinated swimming pools

They are not a problem, because in most public water systems (from which we get water) the water is chlorinated.

Ingredients to avoid in beauty products

Experts advise breastfeeding mothers when looking for beauty products such as lotions and creams to read the ingredients carefully and avoid buying products with the following additives:

Petroleum products - such ingredients can irritate the baby's delicate skin. Watch for the following ingredients: propylene glycol, mineral oil, paraffin, petrolatum and isopropyl alcohol.

Formaldehyde - often used in skin care products as a preservative. It can cause serious allergies and allergic reactions in an infant if exposed to it. Watch out for the following technical terms that formaldehyde "hides" - hydroxymethylglycinate, DMDM-hydantoin and methenemine.

Parabens - they are usually used in most skin products and are absorbed through it. Over time, they can build up in the body, which can affect a child's endocrine system. Look in the list of ingredients for everything that contains "paraben" as a suffix, e.g. isopropylparaben, methylparaben and others.