Tanning

I tanned while breastfeeding. I also just covered the area or kept something over so I would not leak. Nothing is good for you nowadays....Everything in moderation I say.

I agree. Not safe ever... Get a spray tan done (and have it done in January to see if you like how it looks). There are plenty of places around that do it now.

I don't know if it is safe to tan while you are nursing, but I would suggest trying some of the self tanning lotions that are available. I have used the Jergen's lotion and it subletly gives you color without streaking. You might want to check into the spray on tanning booths. Either choice is much safer than tanning beds.

S.

N. - maybe you could "dump" the next feeding after you go tanning.....just a suggestion.

I feel your pain, I will be in a wedding in April and I too am thinking of going tanning now before I get too white.

Tanning is never safe but it isn't more dangerous because you are nursing. A safer solution is fake tan or a good foundation cream. I know it is hard to get it streak free but it is definitely much better than harming you skin by tanning. Skin cancer is very prevalent today due to exposure to sun and tanning salons. You greatly increase your cancer risk by tanning.

Tanning beds are SOOOOO bad for your skin. Hello skin cancer! I use a gradual self tanner by Nivea. Nivea doesn't test their products on animals, so you aren't buying a cruel product. Plus, because it is gradual, you don't get streaks. I am very fair skinned and I use the one for medium to dark complexions, just to get extra color. It works great.

I know that the spray tan is much more than the regular beds, but it is sooo much better for you.

Tanning beds are NEVER safe. Try L'Oreal Sublime Tanning Gel....works great!

I don't think it's safe to use a tanning bed no matter what. There are great products that give you a natural "sunless" tan plus awesome bronzing powders as well. You don't have to sacrifice your health just to get some color. I know of a great line of natural product that I would be happy to share with you. Compromising your health for a wedding is not the solution. There is something out there that is truly amazing and NOT orange, fake looking etc. I used it all summer and never was in the sun. Everyone thought I was though! I just used the bronzing powder on my daughter this weekend because she had a spaghetti strap dress and she didn't want to look white. She didn't look un-naturally dark (it's winter time) and she looked healthy with some color. You really don't want to "stick out" with dark skin, but just have a nice glow - a healthy one at that. You can do this any time of the year and not have to go anywhere to pay for it and sweat! How cool is that? Let me know and I'll be more than happy to help.

Hi N.!

I am not sure if this is safe or not? But, I would suggest to get a spray tan. They last 2-3 days, and are wonderful. Plus, if you are nursing, I assume you are also super busy! So going in just once and you are tan. takes 30 seconds! Make sure you exfoliate before you go, the tan will last longer. And wear clothes you don't care too much about, you may get some of the spray tan on it. You cannot shower for 6 hours after? So I have always showered before, exfolating in the shower and then go. I have gone to LA Tan, and it cost $20? well worth it.

Have a great Holiday!
;-) H.

Of course tanning beds are never safe, but I don't see why it would be any worse while nursing, or how it would effect your milk. On the other hand my Dr. suggested that I avoid sunless tanners while pregnant, I would think the same might hold true for nursing. She said she just doesn't feel comfortable that it has been proven safe. At the very least if you use a sunless option I would avoid the breast area to be sure none can get in your childs mouth. As someone who is also very fair I have decided it just isn't worth it and have come to accept my very white skin. No one is supposed to be tan in February anyway.

Get a spray-on on tan. I am a very fair redhead, and those look great! So, in the summer, when i want to not blind everyone around me, that's what i do!!! ;) Also, i am a nursing mother. The tanning bed just isn't worth the risk...especially to your skin. Go get your spray-on, girl! Good luck!

I did this with both kids and just covered my Breasts with the towel they give you or if you can wear your bra or a bikini top. The heat will sometime stimulate the milk to let down and then yu will really need a towel. My kids did not seem to notice a difference in the milk.

Hope this helps.

Have you thought about getting an airbrushed tan? I did that when I was in my brother's wedding, and still nursing. It turned out really nice. It lasts about 1 week, so if you do it, I would do it maybe 4 days before the wedding. I used a place in Greenfield. I don't know where you live, but if it's close to you, I'd be more than happy to give you their info. I personally like tanning beds, and don't recommend them. I don't know if they effect the milk or not?
T.

IMO it's okay to tan while nursing. I always have and still do and I'm nursing my 9 month old. I've never had problems with leaking so I just wear panties and have no problems.

I have to agree that it is not the best thing to do. Your health and the babies health is more important. I don't know if it is unhealthy for the mothers breast milk. But if you are not supposed to tan while you are pregnant then why would you want to tan while you are feeding your baby your very own breast milk? I agree with doing the tanning powder or the spray. There is nothing wrong with being really white! I got married and I was pale as a ghost! But I was a very happy Bride! I have pic if you want to see them. I look back and I am glad that I did not use the tanning bed. I prob. would of looked like a burnt lobster. Enjoy the wedding and stay healthy! (for you and your baby)