Is it safe to use a tanning bed? Will it affect my milk?

The BREASTFEEDING ANSWER BOOK, 3rd revised edition, published by La Leche League International, states on page 449, "No evidence exists that the nursing mother's use of tanning beds has any effect on her breastfed baby."

It is important to limit exposure so that burning is avoided. Some mothers have reported getting burnt nipples and breasts when using tanning beds. This is extremely painful so be sure to cover your nipples and breasts and use caution. If any vitamins or medications are suggested to enhance the tanning, be sure to check with your health care provider before taking them.

The La Leche League comprehensive guidebook, THE WOMANLY ART OF BREASTFEEDING, is offered for sale by most LLL Groups and from LLLI's Online Store. It has lots of helpful ideas for breastfeeding and ways to overcome challenges.

Contacting an LLL Leader in your area or attending a meeting may help you. To find a Group near you, call 1-800-LALECHE, look at our LLL Web Page Index or follow the hints in our page on finding a local LLL Leader. If you are unable to find a local Group, you may consider attending one of our online LLL meetings.

Our FAQs present information from La Leche League International on topics of interest to parents of breastfed children. Not all of the information may be pertinent to your family's lifestyle. This information is general in nature and not intended to be advice, medical or otherwise. If you have a serious breastfeeding problem or concern, you are strongly encouraged to talk directly to a La Leche League Leader. Please consult health care professionals on any medical issue, as La Leche League Leaders are not medical practitioners.

Last updated Saturday, July 22, 2006 11:34 AM by sjs.

Page last edited Sun Oct 14 09:31:04 UTC 2007.