The Use of Beauty Treatments While Breastfeeding
By Carma Haley Shoemaker
The controversy regarding the use of chemical agents while breastfeeding has reached a staggering new level. However, sometimes it is hard to determine how much of this information is actually there to help and how much is simply hype. Read on for a look at how common beauty practices affect breastfeeding.
“Do” Doubts
“Like most mothers of infants, I found it difficult to find time to sleep, let alone fix my hair,” says Alice Workman, a mom from Sequim, Washington. “I was not happy with the way I looked, so I asked my friend to give me a home permanent. At the time, I didn’t think about the fact that the chemicals in the perm might affect my baby. I was just desperate to have an easy-care hairstyle that looked decent.”
“Chemicals such as hair coloring, highlighting solution and perms are not absorbed through the scalp so they do not enter the bloodstream.”
Heather Jacobson, a licensed cosmetologist from Asheville, North Carolina, reports that about 65 percent of her clients come to her to have their hair colored, highlighted, or permed. Although not all of them are breastfeeding, Jacobson states she has had a large number of new mothers sitting in her chair, most with a concern regarding the use of chemicals.
“I simply reassure my clients that the use of these chemicals is safe and will not affect breastfeeding in any way,” says Jacobson. “Chemicals such as hair coloring, highlighting solution and perms are not absorbed through the scalp so they do not enter the bloodstream. I never take my clients’ concerns lightly, as I know how important it is for them to protect themselves and their babies.”
“I had my hair highlighted while breastfeeding,” says Brette Sember, a writer from Clarence, New York. I wanted my hair to look attractive. I didn’t ask my doctor about any danger in getting my hair highlighted while breastfeeding since it is not something you ingest. I did mention it to my hairdresser and was reassured right away. I think getting your hair highlighted is not a problem, but as with anything, if you have a concern, ask.”
Taming the Tanning Doubt
Another popular practice for women is visiting tanning beds. After enduring all the hormonal changes that affect the skin, a healthy bronze glow is a welcomed change. However, should a woman who is breastfeeding use tanning beds? According to Cassandra Chase, a registered midwife from Greenville, South Carolina, it’s a matter of timing and responsibility.
“Women who are breastfeeding need to consider how long they have been breastfeeding when deciding whether or not to visit a tanning bed,” says Chase. “If you just had your baby and have only been breastfeeding for a week, your milk production is still in the early stages and you may want to wait on that tanning appointment. However, if you have been breastfeeding for a few months and your milk production is adequate and consistent, there should not be a problem with a short visit to add a little color back into your skin. But use this procedure responsibly. Don’t go into a tanning bed without protecting your breasts as they may dry, crack, get sunburned, all of which can make breastfeeding very uncomfortable. Wear a halter top, a jogging bra or a towel to cover the entire breast area. Tanning can be relaxing, refreshing and a great way for Mom to get some ‘me’ time, as long as it is done sensibly.”
“I love going tanning,” says Cyndi Prower, a stay-at-home mom from Columbus, Ohio. “I couldn’t wait to go tanning after my baby was born, as I had become so pale, I was often told I looked ill. But, as I was breastfeeding, I was very concerned about what the effects of the tanning bed would be. I asked my doctor and was told as long as I protected my breasts from burning and drying out, as well as avoided using any of the tanning creams on the breast area, a 10 or 15 minute visit would be fine. I was very happy to hear this and made an appointment that day. I’ve been tanning twice a week for three months – protecting my breasts by wearing an exercise bra – and it has not affected my ability to produce milk or breastfeed my daughter at all.”
Enjoy Yourself
Breastfeeding is a wonderful way for a mother and baby to bond. It should not be looked at as a chore, a task or a hindrance to Mom, especially when she wishes to make herself feel and look beautiful. Many procedures do not interfere with breastfeeding, but some mothers still have many concerns as to their safety. The easiest way to deal with these concerns is to ask questions until you are satisfied with the answers. Then, allow yourself to enjoy both your baby and your body.
“Women have the right to ask questions where their health, and the health of their baby, is concerned,” says Chase. “While most concerns regarding ‘beauty’ treatments tend to be misleading, asking questions and getting answers may be the only way to put these concerns to rest. Your doctor, a breastfeeding consultant, your cosmetologist or a midwife all can offer you information and reassurance regarding your concerns. So ask them what you want, as often as you need to, and then relax, and allow yourself to be pampered for a while.”
