Can I take melatonin if Im breastfeeding?

Can I Take Melatonin While Breastfeeding?
The question of whether melatonin is safe to take while breastfeeding is one that many new parents grapple with, especially when sleep becomes elusive during those early months. Melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles, is naturally produced by the body and is also found in breast milk. However, the implications of supplementing with melatonin during breastfeeding require careful consideration.
Safety Profile of Melatonin During Breastfeeding
Current evidence suggests that short-term use of melatonin is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. Melatonin is a natural component of breast milk, with concentrations peaking at night, which indicates that it plays a role in the infant’s circadian rhythms as well. However, the long-term effects of melatonin supplementation on breastfeeding infants have not been extensively studied, leading to some caution among healthcare professionals.
Dr. Jessica Madden, a board-certified pediatrician, emphasizes that while there is not enough research to outright recommend melatonin for breastfeeding parents, the existing clinical studies indicate that melatonin use during this period is likely safe for humans. This aligns with findings from a scoping review that suggests melatonin is probably safe during lactation, although more research is needed to fully understand its effects.
Consulting Healthcare Providers
Given the potential risks and benefits, it is crucial for breastfeeding mothers to consult with their healthcare provider before starting melatonin. This conversation should cover individual health circumstances, the specific reasons for considering melatonin, and any potential impacts on both the mother and the infant.
Potential Risks and Considerations
While melatonin is generally safe, there have been isolated reports of adverse effects. For instance, one case noted an infant developing a bleeding problem while breastfeeding from a mother taking melatonin supplements. Such incidents highlight the importance of monitoring any unusual symptoms in infants when mothers take supplements.
Moreover, while melatonin can help with sleep, it is essential to consider other non-pharmacological approaches to managing sleep disturbances, such as establishing a bedtime routine or practicing relaxation techniques.
Conclusion
In summary, while melatonin can be a helpful aid for sleep, its use during breastfeeding should be approached with caution. The hormone is naturally present in breast milk, and short-term supplementation is generally deemed safe. However, due to the lack of extensive research on long-term effects, consulting a healthcare provider is essential to ensure the well-being of both mother and child.

Will my milk dry up if I only nurse at night?

breastfeeding at night can be important for keeping a mom’s long-term milk production steady and strong and may actually mean less pumping during the day for working moms?

When does melatonin kick in breast milk?

Breast milk clearly exhibits a 24-hour pattern, with melatonin concentrations high during the evening and night (starting about 9pm and peaking between 2 and 3am) but are barely detectable in daytime milk.

How much melatonin can I take while pregnant?

Melatonin hasn’t been proven safe in pregnancy, and there is no standard dosage, which makes it tricky to buy off the shelf and take on your own. Melatonin is considered safe for short-term use, but its long-term effects have not been studied.

What can you not take while breastfeeding?

Common medicines that are not recommended when you’re breastfeeding include:

• codeine phosphate.
• decongestants that come as tablets, liquids or powders that you swallow.
• some nasal decongestants that come as nose sprays or drops – check with a GP or pharmacist before using them.
• aspirin for pain relief.

Which drug is usually avoided with breastfeeding?

Table. Examples of drugs contraindicated in breastfeeding.

Drug	Comment
Iodine	High doses (>150 micrograms daily) lead to risk of infant hypothyroidism
Lithium	Breastfeeding only feasible with rigorous monitoring
Radiopharmaceuticals	Contact obstetric information service
Retinoids (oral)	Potential for serious adverse effects

Can a breastfeeding mom take melatonin?

Breast milk naturally contains melatonin, but when you take manufactured melatonin, it is not known how much of it passes into breast milk. It’s thought to be a small amount that is unlikely to cause any side effects in your baby. However, if taken for longer periods of time, it might make your baby sleepy.

Is melatonin safe in the first trimester?

Contrary to what animal studies have suggested, evidence from clinical studies to date suggests that melatonin use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is probably safe in humans.

Does melatonin mess with female hormones?

Because melatonin is a hormone, it’s possible that melatonin supplements could affect hormonal development, including puberty, menstrual cycles, and overproduction of the hormone prolactin, but we don’t know for sure.

Does melatonin affect the breast?

Melatonin exhibits several oncostatic actions, including effects on estrogen and fat metabolism, which may impact the risk of breast and endometrial cancer in women.

What sleep aid is safe while breastfeeding?

However, the ‘z- drugs’ (zolpidem and zopiclone) are preferred for the short-term management of insomnia during breastfeeding, as they have shorter half-lives than the benzodiazepines and appear to pass into breast milk in small amounts. Melatonin can also be used in breastfeeding with caution.