Is it okay to take melatonin while breastfeeding?

Understanding Melatonin Use While Breastfeeding
As new parents navigate the challenges of sleepless nights, many may consider melatonin as a potential aid for sleep. However, the question of whether it is safe to take melatonin while breastfeeding remains a topic of concern and debate among healthcare professionals.
Safety Profile of Melatonin
Melatonin is a hormone produced naturally by the pineal gland, playing a crucial role in regulating sleep-wake cycles. Interestingly, it is also a component of breast milk, with concentrations peaking during nighttime hours. This natural presence raises questions about the implications of supplementing with melatonin while breastfeeding.
Current guidance suggests that short-term use of melatonin is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. However, there is a notable lack of extensive research on the long-term effects of melatonin supplementation during lactation. Experts emphasize the importance of discussing any supplement use with a healthcare provider, as individual circumstances can vary significantly.
Expert Opinions and Research Gaps
Dr. Jessica Madden, a board-certified pediatrician and lactation consultant, points out that there is insufficient research to confidently recommend melatonin for breastfeeding parents. While some studies suggest that melatonin may be safe, the absence of comprehensive clinical trials means that potential risks cannot be entirely ruled out. For instance, there has been at least one reported case of an infant experiencing a bleeding problem linked to a breastfeeding mother taking melatonin supplements.
Moreover, while animal studies have indicated potential safety, human studies have not yet provided conclusive evidence. A scoping review highlighted that, despite the common use of melatonin among pregnant and breastfeeding populations, more clinical studies are needed to fully understand its effects.
Conclusion: Proceed with Caution
In summary, while melatonin may offer short-term relief for sleep issues, breastfeeding mothers should approach its use with caution. The best course of action is to consult with a healthcare provider to weigh the benefits against any potential risks. Each mother and baby pair is unique, and personalized medical advice is crucial in making informed decisions about supplement use during breastfeeding.

Will I still wake up to my baby if I take melatonin?

A: Melatonin is not a sleeping pill. It helps you relax so you can fall asleep more easily. If you can hear your baby crying after you fall asleep without any pills, then you will still hear him/her if you take Melatonin. And you will hear any other loud noises, as usual.

Do mothers produce melatonin in breast milk?

The breast milk constitutes the ideal source of melatonin in early life, because it is provided at an optimal time and in an adequate quantity.

How much melatonin can I take 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.

Do breastfed babies get melatonin?

Breastfeeding is an important source of melatonin in the immediate postnatal period and during the first few months of life.

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.

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.

How long does melatonin stay in breastmilk?

They studied melatonin concentrations in the expressed breastmilk from 13 women after the milk was frozen and defrosted. Measurements were taken at 1,2,3,4, and 24 hours after defrosting. They found that melatonin levels are stable for at least 4 hours and up to 24 hours after defrosting.

Is melatonin in breast milk a myth?

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.

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.

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).