Many of us opt for a tattoo to symbolise an important moment or milestone in our lives. A forever reminder of our most cherished memories. Breastfeeding can end up being such an important part of our early parenthood experience that we feel compelled to get a tattoo to commemorate our journey.
Often the decision to get a tattoo happens when the nursing journey comes to an en end. It’s signifies all we went through to breastfeed and it can help us comes to terms with the end of a special chapter in our lives. It’s a constant reminder of the bond between parent and child and a celebration of our body’s ability to nourish our little one.
And, it’s not just the breastfeeding mother who wants to get inked, it’s their partner too. For many families, breastfeeding is a core part of how they parent and it’s a chosen commitment. Many partners chose to get a tattoo as an act of solidarity and support to their breastfeeding partner – to showcase how important breastfeeding has been to the entire family.
Let’s look at four very different tattoos and what they mean
A tattoo to symbolise the special breastfeeding bond
This signifies the love and special bond that feeding gives us.
Helen Marie Atthowe, mama of three and breastfeeding peer supporter
Mama of three and breastfeeding peer supporter Helen Marie Atthowe has overcome three complicated births to breastfeed all three of her children.
Speaking about her tattoo, Helen Marie says: “I got my tattoo to symbolise my breastfeeding journey. I have breastfed all three of my children and am still breastfeeding my third. This signifies the love and special bond that feeding gives us.”
You can read Helen Marie’s breastfeeding story here.
A tattoo to honour the commitment to breastfeeding
My husband wanted to honour Gabriel and I in some way.
Colette Myers, Hypnobirthing teacher and mama of three
Colette Myers, a Hpynobirthing teacher and mama of three, has been breastfeeding her youngest son Gabriel for over two years. Earlier this year her husband wanted to mark the amazing journey they’ve been on together. Together they decided on a tattoo and her husband has this inked on his arm.
Speaking about her husband’s tattoo, Colette says: “My husband wanted to honour Gabriel and I in some way. And I told him that he had always been such a great support on through my breastfeeding journey, and was an advocate for breastfeeding. So together we had a look at some pictures of me feeding Gabriel.
Charles wanted to do this because he understands how I have sacrificed my body (and at times my mind) to carry, birth and breastfeed his son. He told me it’s the least he can do, after what I have done, and currently still doing.
He isn’t really a tattoo person. He only has three words written elsewhere – a line from a Gil Scott Heron song, which we got together. So this was a pretty big deal. Although I am sure he wants more now!
Gabriel looks at it and says “Mummy, Gabriel, mummy’s milky”. It’s nice that he will grow up knowing his father is supportive of our journey.”
A tattoo in celebration of a breastfeeding journey
My breastfeeding tattoo includes my daughters birthday and her birth flower.
Emily Calam, mama of one and breastfeeding advocate
Mama of one and breastfeeding advocate Emily Calam breastfed her daughter Nova into toddlerhood and is incredibly proud of the special journey they’ve shared. Whilst they’ve encountered difficulties along the way, including a CMPA diagnosis, breastfeeding is one of Emily’s proudest achievements.
Speaking about her tattoo, Emily explains: “My breastfeeding tattoo includes my daughters birthday and her birth flower. Her name is Nova which means chasing butterflies and there is Super Nova surrounding it.
The tattoo symbolises the connection between me and Nova, even when she’s weaned I will still have our connection and it’s placed where she would rest her head when she feeds. Our beautiful bond will never be broken and is imprinted on me forever.”
You can read Emily’s breastfeeding story here.
A tattoo to reflect the circle of motherhood
My mum passed in July and I had the tattoo in September. It seems to be a good reflection of the circle of motherhood.
Mama of two Lisa Greenwood waited until she was 49 until she got her special breastfeeding tattoo. It was when her own mother was dying that she was motivated to finally get the tattoo she’s always wanted.
Speaking about her breastfeeding tattoo, Lisa says: “I got my first tattoo last year at the grand old age of 49! In terms of finally getting the tattoo – I’d thought about it for a while, but booked it when my mum was dying. She’d always been anti tattoo, but I showed her what I was planning and she thought it was beautiful. It seemed like the right time to do it.
My mum passed in July and I had the tattoo in September. It seems to be a good reflection of the circle of motherhood.”
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