Is melatonin ok while breastfeeding?

Understanding Melatonin Use While Breastfeeding
As new parents navigate the challenges of sleepless nights, the question of whether melatonin is a safe option during breastfeeding often arises. Melatonin, a hormone produced by the pineal gland, plays a crucial role in regulating sleep and circadian rhythms. While it is naturally present in breast milk, the implications of supplementing with melatonin while nursing require careful consideration.
Safety Profile of Melatonin
Current research indicates that short-term use of melatonin is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. However, experts caution that more extensive studies are needed to fully understand the long-term effects of melatonin supplementation on both mothers and their infants. Dr. Jessica Madden, a board-certified pediatrician, emphasizes that there is insufficient research to confidently recommend melatonin for breastfeeding parents at this time.
Interestingly, melatonin is a natural component of breast milk, with concentrations peaking during nighttime hours. This suggests that infants are already exposed to melatonin through breastfeeding, which raises questions about the necessity and safety of additional supplementation.
Potential Risks and Considerations
While melatonin is often viewed as a benign sleep aid, its use during breastfeeding should not be taken lightly. The lack of comprehensive clinical studies means that potential risks remain largely unknown. Some healthcare providers recommend discussing any use of melatonin with a healthcare professional to weigh the benefits against possible risks.
Moreover, while melatonin is commonly used among breastfeeding mothers, it is essential to approach its use with caution. The American Academy of Pediatrics has not established a definitive stance on melatonin, reflecting the ongoing debate within the medical community regarding its safety during lactation.
Conclusion
In summary, while melatonin may offer a temporary solution for sleep disturbances in breastfeeding mothers, its use should be approached with caution. The hormone is naturally present in breast milk, but the implications of additional supplementation are not fully understood. Consulting with a healthcare provider is crucial for any breastfeeding mother considering melatonin, ensuring that both her health and that of her infant are prioritized. As research continues to evolve, staying informed will be key to making safe choices during this critical period.

Does your body produce melatonin in breast milk?

Breastfeeding is an important source of melatonin in the immediate postnatal period and during the first few months of life. Circadian fluctuations in melatonin concentration in breast milk with low levels during the day and high levels at night help maintain the newborn’s entrainment in circadian rhythmicity.

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.

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.

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 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.

Can a breastfeeding mom take melatonin?

Breast milk naturally contains melatonin, but when you take manufactured melatonin, it is not known how much of it passes into breast milk. 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.

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.

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.

What medications dry up milk supply?

What medications do you think have been found to decrease milk supply? Choose 1 or more:

• Epinephrine.
• Labetolol.
• High dose steroids (such as Solumedrol)
• Strong antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
• Testosterone.
• Estrogen.
• Methylergonovine (Methergine)
• Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)

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.