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The Role of Melatonin in Breast Milk
Melatonin, often referred to as the “sleep hormone,” is produced by the pineal gland and plays a crucial role in regulating sleep and circadian rhythms. Interestingly, this hormone is not only vital for adults but also finds its way into breast milk, providing significant benefits for infants.
Melatonin Production and Breast Milk
Research indicates that melatonin is a natural component of breast milk, with its concentration varying throughout the day. Notably, levels of melatonin are higher during nighttime, peaking around 3 AM, which aligns with the body’s natural circadian rhythms. This diurnal variation suggests that breast milk can be categorized into “day milk” and “night milk,” with the latter being richer in melatonin. This distinction is important because feeding infants with “night milk” may help promote better sleep patterns.
Benefits for Infants
For newborns, melatonin serves as a critical source of this hormone, especially since they do not produce it independently in the early stages of life. Before birth, infants receive melatonin through the placenta, and after birth, they continue to benefit from it via breast milk. The presence of melatonin in breast milk is believed to assist in the development of the infant’s circadian rhythm, potentially aiding in sleep regulation and overall well-being.
Variations in Melatonin Levels
Studies have shown that melatonin levels in breast milk can fluctuate based on various factors, including the time of day and the stage of lactation. For instance, research has documented dynamic changes in melatonin concentrations throughout the first month after delivery, indicating that both preterm and term breast milk exhibit these variations. This suggests that the timing of breastfeeding could be strategically important for optimizing the benefits of melatonin for infants.
Conclusion
In summary, the body does produce melatonin, and a portion of this hormone is transferred into breast milk. This natural occurrence not only supports the infant’s sleep-wake cycle but also plays a role in their overall development. As such, understanding the timing and composition of breast milk can be crucial for new parents aiming to foster healthy sleep habits in their babies.
Will my milk dry up if I only nurse at night?
You’re right, it is supply and demand so yes, eventually you’ll stop producing as much milk at night but if you’re still consistently nursing during the day then your body will continue to produce milk at those times.
Can breast milk affect baby sleep?
Conclusions: Despite more night awakenings, fully breastfed infants have overall longer night- and total-sleep durations (sleep trajectories) than formula-fed infants.
When do babies produce their own melatonin?
In general, 4 months and 14 pounds is a good time to start. Babies do not actually develop their own melatonin or regulation of their sleep cycles until around 3+ months.
Is there really melatonin in breast milk?
Melatonin is an active molecule that is present in the breast milk produced at night beginning in the first stages of lactation. This indoleamine appears to be a relevant contributor to the benefits of breast milk because it can affect infant health in several ways.
Can I go 8 hours without pumping at night?
Avoid going longer than 5-6 hours without pumping during the first few months. naturally wake (to go to the bathroom or because your breasts are uncomfortably full) than if you set an alarm to wake for pumping. pumping session (increasing frequency even if milk is not removed thoroughly) is helpful.
Do soft breasts mean low milk supply?
Your breasts feel softer
This happens as your milk supply adjusts to your baby’s needs. The initial breast fullness reduces in the first few weeks. At around 6 weeks, breast fullness is completely gone and your breasts may feel soft. This is completely normal and has no effect on your milk supply.
When do babies no longer need night feeds?
between 2 – 4 months
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics [2], most formula-fed babies no longer need night feedings between 2 – 4 months of age.
Is there something in breast milk that helps babies sleep?
Breast milk naturally contains melatonin, a hormone associated with sleep. Infants cannot produce this hormone on their own and rely on the secretion in breast milk to help regulate their circadian rhythms.
Why is it important to breastfeed at night?
Benefits of Night time Feeding:
It helps establish the baby’s circadian rhythm, potentially leading to longer sleep stretches as they grow older. Feeding at night helps regulate the mother’s prolactin and oxytocin levels, which are essential for milk production and maternal well-being.
What makes babies sleepy in breastmilk?
However, since breast milk is more easily digestible than formula, babies who breastfeed are likely to wake up more frequently than formula-fed babies, as they will get hungrier faster. However, the melatonin in breast milk will facilitate their sleep, so right after the feeding, they’ll go back to sleep easily.
