How much melatonin can I take while breastfeeding?

Understanding Melatonin Use While Breastfeeding
As new parents navigate the challenges of sleepless nights, the question of whether to use melatonin as a sleep aid often arises, particularly for breastfeeding mothers. Melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles, is naturally produced by the body and is also found in breast milk. However, the safety and appropriate dosage of melatonin supplements during breastfeeding remain subjects of ongoing debate.
Safety Concerns
Current medical guidance suggests that the use of melatonin supplements while breastfeeding is generally not recommended. The primary concern stems from the lack of comprehensive research on the effects of supplemental melatonin on breastfed infants. While melatonin is a natural component of breast milk, with concentrations peaking during nighttime, the implications of additional supplementation are not fully understood.
Dr. Jessica Madden, a board-certified pediatrician and lactation consultant, emphasizes that there is insufficient research to confidently recommend melatonin for breastfeeding mothers. This caution is echoed by various health organizations, which advise against the use of over-the-counter sleep aids, including melatonin, during this sensitive period.
Dosage and Recommendations
If a breastfeeding mother is considering melatonin, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider. While some studies suggest that melatonin may be safe in small doses, the exact amount that could be considered safe is not clearly defined. The variability in individual responses to melatonin and the potential for it to affect the infant through breast milk complicate the issue further.
Alternatives to Melatonin
For mothers seeking alternatives to melatonin, several non-pharmacological strategies can promote better sleep. These include establishing a consistent bedtime routine, creating a calming sleep environment, and practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation. Such methods can be beneficial without the risks associated with supplementation.
Conclusion
In summary, while melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone in breast milk, the use of melatonin supplements during breastfeeding is not widely endorsed due to safety concerns and the lack of definitive research. Mothers are encouraged to discuss their sleep issues with healthcare professionals to explore safe and effective alternatives. Prioritizing both maternal and infant health is essential during this critical time.

How much is too much melatonin for babies?

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.

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?

Is it OK to take melatonin while breastfeeding?

Melatonin and breastfeeding
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. It’s important not to share a bed with your baby while you’re taking melatonin.

What helps with insomnia breastfeeding?

Your health professional may recommend you improve your sleep hygiene. Try these good sleep habits to help you sleep better: Keep regular sleep patterns. Go to bed and wake up at around the same time every day, and avoid napping for more than 20 minutes in the day.

Can I take anything to help me 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 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.

When does melatonin kick in for babies?

Your child’s pediatrician can help you decide when the time is right. 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.

What not to 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.

When is the highest level of melatonin in breast milk?

Melatonin is highest in breast milk at 3 am. Research has pointed out that this timing of spike in this hormone corresponds to the 3 am to 7 am deep sleep in newborns. This happens during the first few weeks of their life.

Does melatonin affect fertility?

We usually hear of it as a way to induce sleep, however, did you know melatonin can be used to treat infertility? Yes, indeed, melatonin is an antioxidant that can assist in reversing oxidative damage to oocytes therefore improving egg quality and improving the chances of conception(1).