Is melatonin ok to take 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.
Current Recommendations and Safety Concerns
Melatonin, a hormone produced naturally by the body, plays a crucial role in regulating sleep-wake cycles. While it is generally regarded as safe for short-term use, the consensus among experts is that more research is needed to fully understand its long-term effects on breastfeeding mothers and their infants. According to Dr. Jessica Madden, a board-certified pediatrician, there is insufficient evidence to readily recommend melatonin for breastfeeding parents.
The NHS advises caution, noting that melatonin is not typically recommended during pregnancy due to the lack of knowledge about its effects on babies. This caution extends to breastfeeding, where the safety profile of melatonin remains unclear. Although melatonin is a natural component of breast milk, with concentrations peaking at night, the implications of supplemental melatonin on infants are not well-studied.
Potential Benefits and Risks
For mothers experiencing sleep disturbances, melatonin may seem like an appealing option. Some studies suggest that melatonin could help improve sleep quality, which is often compromised during the postpartum period. However, the potential risks cannot be overlooked. The lack of comprehensive data on the effects of exogenous melatonin on breastfed infants raises concerns about possible side effects, including drowsiness or altered sleep patterns in babies.
Healthcare providers emphasize the importance of discussing any supplement use with a medical professional. This is particularly crucial for breastfeeding mothers, as individual health circumstances can vary widely.
Conclusion: A Cautious Approach
In summary, while short-term use of melatonin may be considered safe for some breastfeeding mothers, the uncertainty surrounding its long-term effects necessitates a cautious approach. Consulting with a healthcare provider is essential to weigh the potential benefits against the risks, ensuring that both mother and baby remain healthy and safe during this critical period. As research continues to evolve, staying informed will be key for parents navigating sleep challenges while breastfeeding.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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 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).

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.