Can I take melatonin when breastfeeding?

Understanding Melatonin Use During Breastfeeding
As new parents navigate the challenges of sleepless nights, the question of whether to use melatonin supplements while breastfeeding often arises. Melatonin, a hormone produced by the pineal gland, plays a crucial role in regulating sleep and circadian rhythms. It is naturally present in breast milk, with concentrations peaking during nighttime, which suggests that it is a normal component of a breastfeeding mother’s biology.
Safety Considerations
The consensus among healthcare professionals is that while short-term use of melatonin is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers, caution is advised. The primary concern stems from the limited research available on the long-term effects of melatonin supplementation during lactation. Experts emphasize the importance of discussing any supplement use with a healthcare provider to weigh the potential benefits against the risks.
Dr. Jessica Madden, a board-certified pediatrician, notes that there is insufficient research to confidently recommend melatonin for breastfeeding parents. This caution is particularly relevant given that the effects of melatonin can vary based on the age and health of the infant. For instance, premature babies may be more vulnerable due to melatonin’s longer half-life in their systems .
Potential Risks and Benefits
While melatonin is naturally occurring in breast milk, the implications of supplementing with it are not fully understood. One case has been reported of an infant experiencing a bleeding problem while being breastfed by a mother taking melatonin supplements, highlighting the need for further investigation into the safety of such practices.
On the other hand, some studies suggest that melatonin use during breastfeeding may not pose significant risks to healthy infants. A review of human studies indicates that melatonin is likely safe for use during lactation, although more clinical research is needed to establish definitive guidelines.
Conclusion
In summary, while melatonin can be a helpful aid for sleep, breastfeeding mothers should approach its use with caution. Consulting with a healthcare provider is essential to ensure that both mother and baby remain healthy and safe. The decision to use melatonin should be made on an individual basis, considering the specific circumstances and health profiles involved.

How can I maximize my sleep while breastfeeding?

Lie down and close your eyes for a while. Be physically active during the day. Go for a pram walk or try a DVD or online class in your lounge room. Many people find that exercise during the day helps them to sleep better at night.

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.

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.

How can breastfeeding moms get more sleep?

How can I get enough sleep while breastfeeding?

1. Sleep when your baby sleeps!
2. Be physically active during the day.
3. Keep lights low at night and get sunlight during the day.
4. Having your baby sleep close-by, in a cot in your bedroom, can make it easier to pick them up and feed at night.

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.

How much melatonin is safe while breastfeeding?

“We unfortunately do not have any research to guide safe dosing of melatonin supplements for breastfeeding mothers,” Madden says. “Because of this, I only recommend using small doses (less than 5 mg once daily at bedtime) and for short periods of time (less than two weeks).” Like what you’re reading?

Is too much melatonin bad for a baby?

How much melatonin is “too much?” The answer isn’t always that simple. While between one and three milligrams is generally safe for young children, please ask your pediatrician first. And for adults, try to avoid taking more than five milligrams daily.

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 can I take for sleep 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.

Does melatonin in breastmilk help baby sleep?

The circadian hormonal variations in glucocorticoids (peak levels during the morning) and melatonin (peak levels during the night) in the breast milk and the balanced interplay between these may be a trigger for coordinated sleep and alertness phases in the neonate.