Is it okay to 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 often arises, particularly among breastfeeding mothers. Melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles, is naturally produced by the body and is also present in breast milk. However, the safety of supplementing with melatonin while breastfeeding remains a topic of debate among healthcare professionals.
Safety Profile of Melatonin
Current evidence suggests that short-term use of melatonin is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. The hormone is a natural component of breast milk, with concentrations peaking during nighttime, which aligns with its role in promoting sleep. However, the long-term effects of melatonin supplementation on both mothers and infants are not well understood, leading experts to advise caution.
Dr. Jessica Madden, a board-certified pediatrician, emphasizes that there is insufficient research to confidently recommend melatonin for breastfeeding parents. While some studies indicate that melatonin use during breastfeeding is likely safe, the lack of extensive clinical trials means that potential risks cannot be entirely ruled out.
Consultation with Healthcare Providers
Given the uncertainties surrounding melatonin supplementation, it is crucial for breastfeeding mothers to consult with their healthcare providers before starting any new supplement. This discussion should include an evaluation of the mother’s specific health needs, the potential benefits of melatonin, and any risks that may arise from its use.
Potential Risks and Considerations
While melatonin is generally safe in the short term, there are some considerations to keep in mind. For instance, there have been isolated reports of adverse effects in infants, such as a bleeding problem linked to a breastfeeding mother taking melatonin supplements. This highlights the importance of monitoring any changes in the infant’s behavior or health when a mother begins taking melatonin.
Moreover, the lack of comprehensive studies means that the long-term implications of melatonin use during breastfeeding remain largely unknown. As such, mothers are encouraged to weigh the potential benefits against the risks and to explore alternative methods for improving sleep, such as establishing a consistent bedtime routine or practicing relaxation techniques.
Conclusion
In summary, while melatonin may offer a solution for sleep issues in breastfeeding mothers, its use should be approached with caution. The short-term use is generally deemed safe, but the long-term effects are still unclear. Engaging in a thorough discussion with a healthcare provider is essential to ensure the well-being of both mother and child. As research continues to evolve, staying informed will help mothers make the best choices for their health and their baby’s health.

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.

Does melatonin affect 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.

Does melatonin interact with milk?

The biochemistry of endogenous melatonin production is such that dairy products could affect sleep through their nutrient profiles, which would promote melatonin synthesis by increasing circulating Trp (Figure 1).

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.

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.

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.

Which breast milk has the most melatonin?

Conclusion. This study has shown that melatonin has a clear circadian rhythm in both preterm and term breast milk across varying lactation stages. The peak HMM level was highest in colostrum, and then in transitional milk, and in mature milk, decreasing considerably during the first month after birth.

What can breastfeeding moms take for sleep aid?

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.

Will taking melatonin affect my breast milk?

Melatonin and breastfeeding
If your doctor or health visitor says your baby is healthy, you can take melatonin while breastfeeding. Breast milk naturally contains melatonin, but when you take manufactured melatonin, it is not known how much of it passes into breast milk.