Mom Of Twins Gives Son A ‘Medical Tattoo’ Under The Recommendation Of A Doctor, MIL Freaks Out

Whether fraternal or identical, most twins share everything right from the start. In many cases, this is especially true of their appearance, as one of the main characteristics of twins is that they look remarkably alike. So no wonder many parents fear they’ll somehow get the two mixed up and do everything in their power to prevent it, from assigning specific colors or accessories to each twin to… giving them a medical tattoo to tell them apart.

“Hear me out,” a mom of two twin boys wrote in a post on the AITA subreddit, knowing this all can sound a bit jarring at first. The 31-year-old woman caused quite a stir on the platform after detailing how she and her husband made an untraditional decision to tell their sons, which she referred to as Jack and Adam, apart — by medically tattooing one of them for health reasons.

Turns out, Jack had a condition that meant he would need an injection once a week. And even though the couple went to such measures following a recommendation from a doctor, it caused some waves in the family. Now, she’s in doubt about whether they made the right decision, so she reached out to the internet to gain some perspective. Read on below to find out what happened, and then be sure to weigh in on the discussion in the comments.

A mother of twin boys took to the internet to get some advice after “medically tattooing” one of her babies to tell them apart

Twin toddlers lying on a mat, wearing different colored pants, focusing on their legs and feet, related to 'medical tattoo'.

Image credits: Lingchor (not the actual photo)

Despite making the decision following a recommendation from a doctor, it caused some waves in the family

Mom discusses medically tattooing her son.

Screenshot of a text story about a mom's decision for a medical tattoo for her twin.

Text discusses medical concerns after a mother's decision about her son's temporary tattoo, following medical advice.

Tattoo artist holding tattoo machine, highlighting "medical tattoo" procedure for boy as recommended by a doctor.

Image credits: ANTONI SHKRABA (not the actual photo)

Text explains a doctor's recommendation for a medical tattoo on a child for identification in daycare.

Text about a mom getting a medical tattoo for her son on a doctor’s advice to help distinguish twins.

Text describing a brown freckle on a child's earlobe, highlighting a 30-minute office visit.

Text shows a humorous incident involving a medical tattoo to differentiate twins, confusing the mother-in-law.

Medical tattoo controversy text about fading child tattoo instructions.

Image credits: Reddit

Although such a small thing — literally, a two-millimeter freckle tattooed on Jack’s earlobe — sparked drama between the MIL and the couple, many Redditors firmly sided with the mother. And even those who “disagreed” with the decision only had issues with the choice of it, saying “you should have given the kid a cool tattoo like a flaming skull or something.”

But it turns out that medical tattoos are actually a more common practice than many realize. According to Florida Tattoo Academy, they mainly serve a dual purpose — one for medical and one for cosmetic reasons. For example, they can be used in place of alert bracelets for patients with more serious conditions, as having the information you need already inked into your skin is an easier and more efficient way to ensure your needs are looked after.

Moreover, these tattoos are sometimes used as guides in some breast cancer treatments involving radiation to highlight the places where the radiation needs to be administered. “This is essential to prevent the markings from coming off between treatments.”

Medical tattoos are also used to cover up scars, restore skin pigment issues after surgeries, and solve many other problems that would help people live happier and more fulfilled lives. “In today’s world, there are a lot of uses for tattoos,” the blog post stated. “Over the last decade, we continue to see more ways that tattoos are used to make people feel better.”

The NHS explain in their guide to medical tattooing that micropigmentation is carried out using a small electrical machine that holds needles that make tiny holes in the surface of the skin to allow implantation of special pigments to create shading. The area is cleaned and an anesthetic is applied before the treatment to ensure a painless procedure.

When it comes to children, parents also opt for temporary tattoos. A common reason they do this is to list their child’s allergies — or other conditions, such as diabetes or asthma — above an emergency contact number.

Bored Panda would love to hear your thoughts on this mom’s decision down below. Do you think the parents did the right thing by listening to the doctor’s advice? Or did they go a little too far? Feel free to share your opinions, as well as personal experiences, in the comments below!

The vast majority of readers were firmly on the side of the mother, here’s what they had to say

Comment supporting a mom's decision for a son's medical tattoo for safety reasons.

Reddit comment discussing medical tattoo recommendation for twins by a professional.

Reddit comment discussing a medical tattoo for child safety, emphasizing its protective purpose like in radiation treatments.

Reddit comment with username, expressing strong agreement and confusion about the question.

Comment on "mom gives son medical tattoo," highlighting Adam's future story.

Comment criticizing a medical tattoo decision for a mom's son.

Comment discussing a doctor's recommendation about a medical tattoo for a child, comparing it to circumcision and ear piercing.

Comment supports mom on medical tattoo for son, highlights pediatrician and husband’s approval despite MIL’s objection.

Reddit comment discussing reaction to medical tattoo for twin.

A comment discussing a tattoo option for a mom's son, referencing a flaming skull.

Screenshot of a comment discussing tattoos, humorously suggesting a "Grandma" heart tattoo instead.

Text discussing confusion of identical twins' medications and mother's guilt.

Comment discussing medical tattoo for a child as a safety measure, highlighting doctor's advice and its benefits.

Comment discussing identical and fraternal twins, referencing testing and misidentification.

Comment discussing views on medical tattoo and male circumcision.

Reddit comment about mom's decision on son's medical tattoo, addressing MIL's reaction.

Reddit comment discussing a mom's decision about a medical tattoo for her son.

Comment about MIL's reaction to son's medical tattoo suggestion.

Comment discussing the mom of twins giving son a medical tattoo for health reasons, with differing opinions.

Comment discussing the safety concerns of a medical tattoo for a child, recommended by professionals.

A Reddit comment discussing the consequences of giving the wrong child medication.

Reddit comment criticizing MIL's reaction to son's medical tattoo decision.

Comment about fraternal twins looking identical, with a personal anecdote of a distinguishing freckle.

Comment discussing the use of a medical tattoo on twins to differentiate them, with concerns about public reaction.

Reddit comment supporting mom’s decision for son's medical tattoo, praising her for avoiding a medical disaster.

Anyone can write on Bored Panda. Start writing!

Follow Bored Panda on Google News!

Follow us on Flipboard.com/@boredpanda!