Is it possible for nursing mothers to sunbathe and how to do it? Tanning in the sun and solarium while breastfeeding Is it possible to sunbathe while breastfeeding?

30.04.2024 -

Having a child is not something extraordinary for modern women, so they quickly begin to think about restoring the beauty of their face and body. The question of acquiring an even tan is acute. And if residents of the sea coast can use natural forces for this, then all other ladies can only rely on the solarium.

The benefits and harms of artificial tanning have been discussed by doctors and scientists for many years; opinions differ even regarding healthy people. The birth process requires quite a long rehabilitation, so the issue of visiting a solarium should be decided individually and only with a doctor.

Tanning still has some benefits for the body. Doctors know two facts that hardly anyone can dispute:

Under the influence of ultraviolet rays, the body intensively produces vitamin D. It is necessary for the mother during the recovery period after childbirth and for the baby for the normal development of the musculoskeletal system. The baby will receive the vitamin through breast milk.
During tanning, “happiness hormones” are produced, called endorphins in medicine. This moment is especially important in winter and autumn, when people already suffer from constant cloudy weather, grayness and cold.

Is it possible to go to a solarium after childbirth?

Only a gynecologist will give an exact answer to this question. The fact is that the birth process takes place differently in each case: a woman may lose a lot of blood, she may be put on, a severe inflammatory process may develop, and so on. Naturally, any complication during childbirth or during the recovery period is a contraindication to visiting a solarium.

If the birth was uncomplicated, and the woman’s body copes well with the load during recovery, then the doctor will not interfere with the “event” in question.

Particular attention is paid to what medications a woman takes, specifically about contraceptive methods. If preference is given to oral hormonal drugs, then visiting a solarium will be questionable. These drugs increase the skin's sensitivity to ultraviolet rays, so you will need to either protect the skin from this or abandon the procedures.

When can you go to the solarium after giving birth?

Experts do not recommend going to the solarium earlier than 6 weeks after giving birth. The optimal time will be 9 - 10 weeks after the birth of the baby. And these time frames are only suitable for those women who had a natural birth and without complications.

Even if no health problems arise after childbirth, before the procedure under consideration you should seek advice from a gynecologist, mammologist and dermatologist.

They can identify hidden contraindications.

Rules for choosing and behavior in a solarium

After giving birth, you should not go to the first beauty salon you come across to get a tan. First of all, you need to make the right choice of an institution that provides such services. What you should pay attention to:
Are there certificates and permits for conducting such activities - this will help protect yourself from too aggressive exposure to ultraviolet rays in the case of, for example, poor-quality equipment;

To what extent are sanitary and hygienic standards observed in tanning booths - it is easy to get infected in them, and this is undesirable for a nursing mother.

As for the rules for visiting a solarium, they are as follows:
When tanning, you should cover your chest. It is too sensitive to ultraviolet rays and irreversible changes can occur in it.
If a woman is breastfeeding, then a special protective cream should be applied to the nipples. You should choose it only after consulting a pediatrician, since most cosmetics can cause a strong allergic reaction in an infant.

If there are large moles on the body, you need to use special stickers, covering them from ultraviolet radiation, since it enhances pigmentation, and the mole can increase in size several times.

When visiting a solarium, a woman’s body loses too much moisture. This negatively affects the quantity and quality of breast milk, so the young mother must solve the problem.

The best option is to drink large quantities of water on the days you visit the solarium, at least 2 liters per day.

Watch the video about the rules of tanning in a solarium:

Positive and negative effects of solarium on the body

If a healthy woman visits a solarium (even after childbirth), then her body will have an extremely positive effect:
and acne will become less noticeable;
the body will begin to actively produce vitamin D, which is necessary to maintain the beauty of hair, nails and bone health;
the amount of serotonin and endophrins will increase - a good mood and a stable psycho-emotional background are guaranteed.

Unfortunately, solarium can cause quite serious harm to the body:

if you are overly enthusiastic about the procedure in question, age-related changes in the skin begin much earlier, it becomes dry and thin;
with too many moles and extensive age spots, a solarium can provoke the degeneration of healthy cells into malignant ones;
if there is an exacerbation of any chronic disease (even unrelated to the reproductive system), then ultraviolet rays will aggravate the situation and worsen the state of health;
Without proper protection, mammary glands exposed to ultraviolet radiation can reduce the amount of milk produced (important for a nursing woman).

The advisability of visiting a solarium after childbirth should be determined by a doctor.

A young mother should first visit a gynecologist, then see a therapist (he will refer you to a mammologist and endocrinologist if necessary) and a pediatrician if the baby is breastfeeding.

Only after permission from all these specialists can the procedure begin. If you follow all the rules and recommendations, then a tan will decorate mommy’s body and restore her confidence in her irresistibility.

How does a solarium work?

Solarium is a platform equipped with erythema lamps emitting direct or diffuse ultraviolet rays. The flasks are made of glass, which does not transmit the short part of the ultraviolet spectrum (UV-C), which poses a danger to human health.

Solarium lamps produce two types of rays - UV-A and UV-B in different percentages. The first of them are hard and aggressive, the second are soft and gentle on the skin.

Under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, the protective pigment melanin is synthesized in the cells of the integument, which gives them a brown-golden hue. The intensity of tanning depends on the number of lamps in the installation, their power, the balance of UV-A and UV-B, as well as exposure time. The procedure should only be carried out under the supervision of a specialist, otherwise you may get burns.

The effect of solarium on lactation

The attitude of doctors towards visiting a solarium by a nursing mother varies, but they do not give a direct ban on the procedure. Theoretically, with the right approach, an “artificial luminary” cannot negatively affect the woman’s condition, the lactation process and the health of the child. Moreover, the solarium has certain benefits.

To produce vitamin D, which is involved in the absorption of calcium, daily exposure to the sun is necessary. In the warm season, a woman can allow herself to gradually sunbathe under its rays. In autumn, winter and early spring there are not enough natural ultraviolet rays, so you should resort to synthetic ones.

Vitamin D, which passes into breast milk, is very necessary for the baby for the proper formation of the musculoskeletal system. With its deficiency, the risk of developing rickets increases. In addition, under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, endorphins are synthesized in the body - hormones of good mood. They save the mother from depression and provide a positive attitude to the child.

In the summer there is no point in going to the solarium, but in the autumn-winter period the amount of sun is catastrophically reduced, and the production of vitamin D is suspended. If the mother sunbathes in doses, it will not cause harm to her and the baby

Contraindications

Breastfeeding is not a contraindication to visiting a solarium. However, in some cases, artificial irradiation can worsen health conditions. For chronic diseases, you should consult a doctor before the session. Artificial tanning should be avoided if:

a large number of moles on the body;
gynecological pathologies;
oncological diseases;
problems with the mammary glands;
dysfunction of the thyroid gland;
bronchial asthma;
tuberculosis;
neurological disorders;
kidney diseases;
taking certain medications - hormones, drugs for high blood pressure.

General rules for tanning

You can go to a solarium while breastfeeding, but you need to follow some general recommendations. First of all, you should choose the right beauty salon or tanning studio. It is important that the equipment is in good working order and of high quality:

Lamps must be replaced after 1000 hours of operation. Neglecting this rule jeopardizes the client’s health, since such devices transmit rays that are dangerous to the skin.
The solarium cabin must be cleaned after each session. Otherwise, pathogenic microorganisms may enter the nursing mother’s body, which is especially dangerous for the baby.

Ultraviolet light activates the growth of new cells, including moles. Under the influence of the “artificial luminary”, existing spots may increase or new ones may appear.

It is better to cover large formations with special stickers, which should be issued at the institution. If there are a lot of moles, sunbathing is not recommended. If the spots increase in size, change in color or shape after visiting a solarium, you should consult a doctor - a dermatologist or oncological surgeon.

Artificial rays can provoke the appearance of age spots. If your skin is prone to this problem, it is better to avoid the procedure. It is also important to use a quality sunscreen designed for tanning beds. It is necessary to protect the skin from intense exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

Nuances for nursing mothers

When visiting a tanning studio while breastfeeding, a woman should take into account some nuances:

To ensure lactation, it is necessary that a sufficient amount of fluid enters the body. During the tanning process, a lot of moisture evaporates. After completing the session, you need to replenish its reserves by drinking 200-300 ml of still water.
All women are advised to protect their nipples while sunbathing as their skin is very sensitive. This is especially true during feeding. In addition, under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, the process of cell proliferation (division) can begin, leading to the formation of tumors. You must wear a swimsuit.
It is necessary to apply a cream with protective filters to the skin. You should choose fragrance-free cosmetics and rinse them thoroughly from the skin after the procedure. The baby may not like the pungent smell and traces of the cream and he will refuse to latch on to the breast.
It is not advisable for a breastfeeding woman to stay in a solarium cabin for more than 5 minutes - this applies to both those girls who are performing a similar procedure for the first time, and those who have visited the tanning studio many times.

Visiting a solarium while breastfeeding is acceptable and brings some benefits, but it is important to take precautions and not overuse artificial tanning. Otherwise, you can provoke premature aging of the skin and the development of cancer. If possible, it is better to spend 10-15 minutes under the rays of the sun during the period of its weak activity.

Summer is approaching, and we are already starting to plan our vacation at sea. Breastfeeding mothers are especially sensitive to their health, and the question of the possibility of tanning also becomes urgent. As you know, for women during lactation there are not a large number of categorical prohibitions - only reasonable restrictions. Likewise, in the question of whether a nursing mother can sunbathe, it is important to adhere to measures and listen to reason.

The content of the article:

The effect of ultraviolet rays on the skin

The human body is designed in such a way that we need sunlight. Under the influence of UV rays, vitamin D is produced, which promotes the absorption of calcium and plays an important role in the functioning of our body. In the cold months of the year, from a lack of sunlight, our skin becomes pale and prone to diseases, and our mood changes for the worse. In addition, moderate sunbathing is also beneficial for the baby.

However, overexposing your skin to UV rays has the opposite effect. Firstly, under prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation, the protective function of the skin is activated and it becomes thicker. Secondly, skin damaged by rays begins to age prematurely. Such unnatural aging is characterized by the appearance of spider veins and age spots. Thirdly, ultraviolet radiation negatively affects the growth of dividing cells, which can contribute to the occurrence of skin cancer.

Tanning rules for nursing mothers

Is it possible for a nursing mother to sunbathe? It is possible, but subject to strict adherence to the following tanning rules:

During breastfeeding, a woman's breasts are the most sensitive, so it should not be exposed to UV rays; it is necessary to cover the breast area. Simply put, topless tanning is contraindicated during this period.

During breastfeeding, all recovery processes intensify. Therefore, if moles or birthmarks are exposed to sunlight, they will increase significantly in size.

Be sure to use sunscreen with at least 25 PF protection, but do not apply it to the chest area so that the child does not accidentally taste the remaining cream. Carefully study the composition of the cream; it should be applied half an hour before going out into the sun. Do not forget that the strong smell of the cream may repel the baby, and he may refuse to breastfeed.

Increase your time in the sun gradually. It is advisable to sunbathe during the safest hours: before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m.

Drink plenty of fluids while in the sun to reduce the risk of skin dehydration.

Rules for tanning in a solarium for a nursing mother

Can a nursing mother sunbathe in a solarium? Here, the opinions of doctors differ: some consider this procedure inapplicable during lactation, others view it more favorably, subject to a number of restrictions. Of course, if there is no urgent need to visit a solarium, you should abandon this idea. However, if you decide to sunbathe in a solarium, then remember the following rules:

Please check the cleanliness of the cabin before visiting.

Start sunbathing for a minimum number of minutes (2-3) and observe how you feel.

Cover the chest area as much as possible; it is better to sunbathe in a bra, since the skin here is highly sensitive during this period.

Do not forget that any cosmetic product for tanning in a solarium can cause an allergic reaction, so take its choice seriously.

If after one or another method of tanning you feel that you have overdone it, take a break and provide your skin with peace and coolness.

Is it possible for a nursing mother to sunbathe - conclusions

As we found out earlier, uncontrolled tanning is harmful to any person. However, ultraviolet radiation does not have any additional effect on the lactation process itself. Therefore, it’s up to you to decide what is more important for a child: a beautiful mother or a healthy mother? And what is more important to you?

And if you still decide that you will sunbathe, then it is better to do it naturally, taking short-term sunbathing with your baby at “safe” times. Be healthy!

All women want to look good, this does not depend on age or marital status. Solarium is an excellent procedure for those who are naturally endowed with very pale skin. But visiting a solarium while breastfeeding raises many questions. Is it good for new mothers?

Breastfeeding is not a contraindication for visiting a solarium; it does not have a direct effect on lactation. A young mother can either visit a salon for a professional procedure or use a mini-solarium at home. The main thing is to follow the instructions.

Before visiting a solarium, you should consult a therapist, especially if you have chronic diseases. The fact is that contraindications to tanning in a solarium are:

a large number of moles;
gynecological diseases and postpartum complications;
oncology;
diseases of the mammary glands;
diseases of the cardiovascular system;
asthma;
kidney disease;
taking hormones and medications to lower blood pressure.

Visiting a solarium under these conditions can lead to complications. The doctor will tell you whether the procedure can be performed in your particular situation. We must not forget that immediately after a caesarean section you cannot go to the solarium. It is necessary to wait until the stitches are removed, the scar is completely healed, and the crusts come off. Only after this (with the permission of the doctor) can you create a tan.

The benefits of solarium during breastfeeding

Visiting a tanning salon while breastfeeding can be beneficial. First of all, vitamin D is produced under the influence of ultraviolet rays. In the warm season, when we often sunbathe and wear open clothes, the body usually has enough of this substance, but with the onset of autumn and winter the situation changes for the worse. Meanwhile, vitamin D is very important for the body: it is involved in the absorption of calcium and supports the normal functioning of the immune and nervous systems. Vitamin D ensures the normal development of the child’s musculoskeletal system.

Ultraviolet rays also enhance the production of endorphins - joy hormones. Young mothers are often tired and feel depressed, so healthy emotions are very important at this time. Women go to the solarium to look better, so satisfaction from the procedure will have a beneficial effect on the nervous system. Do not forget that a mother’s good mood is the key to normal lactation. Some women even notice that their milk supply has increased after the procedure.

Harm from the procedure

A visit to a solarium may not have a very good effect on the body of a young mother. The hormonal background during lactation differs from the hormonal background of a woman during normal times, this can also affect the result of the procedure. Pigment spots and new moles appear on the body of some women, while old ones increase in size.

If low-quality or old lamps were used in the solarium, the visitor may experience burns and the risk of cancer increases. If a nursing mother sunbathes under such lamps, changes may begin in her mammary glands.

During the procedure, the body loses a lot of moisture. It is necessary for normal lactation, so after visiting a solarium, a woman may experience a decrease in the amount of milk.

Rules for visiting a solarium for nursing mothers

To make your visit to the solarium as safe as possible, follow a few rules:

All large moles need to be covered with special stickers; they should be issued by the salon. If after the procedure any moles have increased in size, be sure to consult a dermatologist or oncologist;
nipples must be protected from exposure to ultraviolet radiation. The best option is to go to the solarium in a tight bra;
Before the procedure, drink half a liter of water, and after it - another 300 ml. This is necessary so that lactation does not stop due to lack of water;
Use sunscreen designed specifically for tanning beds. Choose a product without a strong odor, and after the procedure, rinse off the residue thoroughly so that the baby does not refuse to latch on to the breast;
After tanning, apply moisturizer to the skin to restore water balance;
you need to stay in the cabin for no more than 5 minutes;
Before visiting the solarium, ask the administration how long ago the lamps were changed. The organization must provide documentation of replacement and inspection of lamps. If they burn for more than 1000 hours, then it is unsafe to be under them.

With the onset of summer, any nursing mother who is responsible for her health and the health of her child is afraid to be under the sun's rays. Despite the many restrictions associated with the lactation period, sunbathing is not strictly prohibited. As to whether a nursing mother can sunbathe, any doctor will answer positively, but exposure to the sun must be done at certain hours and in compliance with safety rules.

Effect of sun rays: harm and benefit

Even in ancient times, the famous philosopher, doctor and folk healer Hippocrates called the sun a panacea for all ailments. In modern medicine there is even a direction - heliotherapy, which involves treatment with sunlight.

But do not forget that when it comes to sunlight, the rule “the more, the better” does not work. As useful as they are for a short stay under them, they are just as dangerous for people sunbathing for hours.

Moderate sun exposure has a positive effect on health and well-being:

Your mood improves. Under the influence of sunlight, the human body produces the hormone serotonin, which is responsible for saving from depressive conditions.
The body satisfies the need for vitamin D, which is synthesized under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. To do this, you don’t have to sunbathe for a long time; half an hour is enough for the body to make up for the deficiency.
Women who sunbathe according to all the rules are less at risk of developing multiple sclerosis in older age than those who always prefer to remain “in the shadows.”
The sun's rays help fight fungal skin infections. Ultraviolet light promotes the death of fungi - with limited but regular exposure to the sun, healthy skin appears at the site of the rash.

Abuse of sunbathing can and will give you a beautiful tan, but you need to take into account the high possibility of negative consequences:

Those who sunbathe for several hours in a row significantly increase the risk of melanoma - skin cancer. Recently, the disease has assumed enormous proportions.
A lack of sun rays reduces the immune system, but their excess is much more dangerous - the reactions of the body's defenses are inhibited. This explains why most sunbathers suffer from colds more often in the summer. In addition, the body is inhabited by many viruses in a dormant form; from excess ultraviolet radiation they can enter the active phase.
Excessive exposure to the sun provokes active hair growth on the female body, it becomes thick and tough.
Prolonged tanning triggers the aging process of the skin, drying it out.

Rules for tanning while breastfeeding

A nursing mother should not deny herself the pleasure of soaking up the sun. After all, they will not only help compensate for the lack of vitamin D, which is especially important during lactation, but will also help improve your mood.

Even prolonged exposure to the sun will not affect the quality and quantity of breast milk during breastfeeding; it will only have a negative impact on the health of the nursing mother.

But it is important to know that during lactation the breasts increase in size due to active tissue growth. Ultraviolet radiation has a detrimental effect on cell division and in the future this may become one of the causes of breast cancer. In addition, the body of a nursing mother after childbirth continues to synthesize growth hormones. They provoke the appearance of pigmentation and various formations on the skin; the sun significantly accelerates these processes.

To enjoy the sun's rays and a beautiful tan without harmful effects on health, during breastfeeding you must strictly adhere to the rules of sun exposure:

It is unacceptable to sunbathe during the daytime hours, when the sun is most aggressive; ideal intervals for a nursing mother are from 8 to 10 am and after 5 pm;
you need to sunbathe for no more than 1 hour, the duration of the first exposure to the sun is 20 minutes, every day it increases by 10 minutes;
It is recommended to be in the shade of trees - the leaves transmit ultraviolet light well, thereby you can achieve a good tan without being exposed to direct sunlight;
a nursing mother should sunbathe with her chest covered; the best clothing option is a white cotton top;
do not forget about the headdress;
When you are in the sun, you need to drink only clean water without carbon, you can add lemon to it.

Sunbathing is necessary using cosmetics that help protect the skin:

For a nursing mother, you need sunscreen/lotion/spray with a protection factor of at least 30 spf (preferably 50 on the first day), you can gradually move on to a product with a factor of 15 spf.
The cosmetic product must be applied in advance (at least half an hour beforehand) to clean, dry skin, re-applying every 2 hours and after each bathing;
during lactation It is prohibited to apply protective equipment to the chest, it is enough to cover it;
You must strictly follow the instructions for use and choose products marked with a hypoallergenic composition, because upon tactile contact with the baby, he may experience an allergic reaction;
After sunbathing you need to use moisturizing creams.