Is melatonin safe to take while breastfeeding?

Understanding Melatonin Use While Breastfeeding
As new parents navigate the challenges of sleep deprivation, many consider melatonin supplements as a potential solution. However, the question of safety during breastfeeding remains a significant concern. Melatonin, a hormone produced naturally by the body, plays a crucial role in regulating sleep-wake cycles. While it is present in breast milk, the implications of supplementing with melatonin while nursing are not fully understood.
Safety Profile of Melatonin
Current research suggests that short-term use of melatonin is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. However, experts caution that there is a lack of comprehensive studies on the long-term effects of melatonin supplementation during lactation. The consensus among healthcare professionals is to approach the use of melatonin with caution. Dr. Jessica Madden, a board-certified pediatrician, emphasizes that there is insufficient research to confidently recommend melatonin for breastfeeding parents.
Moreover, while melatonin is a natural component of breast milk, with concentrations peaking at night, the effects of additional supplementation on infants are not well-documented. This raises questions about potential risks, particularly since one case has been reported linking maternal melatonin use to an infant’s bleeding problem.
Recommendations for Breastfeeding Mothers
Given the uncertainties surrounding melatonin supplementation, consulting a healthcare provider is crucial. They can help weigh the potential benefits against the risks based on individual circumstances. The absence of specific guidelines for melatonin use during breastfeeding underscores the importance of personalized medical advice.
While some studies suggest that melatonin use during breastfeeding may be safe, the overall lack of data means that mothers should proceed with caution. The National Health Service (NHS) advises against melatonin use during pregnancy due to limited knowledge about its effects on babies, which extends to breastfeeding as well.
Conclusion
In summary, while melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone in breast milk and short-term use may be deemed safe, the long-term effects and safety of supplementation during breastfeeding remain unclear. Mothers considering melatonin should engage in thorough discussions with their healthcare providers to make informed decisions tailored to their health and that of their infants. As research continues to evolve, staying informed will be key for breastfeeding parents navigating sleep challenges.

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.

Is melatonin excreted in breast milk?

2.1.
Having a circadian rhythm implies a nocturnal secretion of melatonin that circulates through body fluids, including the milk of breastfeeding mothers [17].

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 happens if I 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. 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.

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.

What time of day is melatonin highest in breastmilk?

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. Infants are not born with an established circadian rhythm; it develops after three to four months.

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.

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.

What time does melatonin drop in breast milk?

Melatonin secretion in breastmilk is lowest at 10am-noon, and at that point is nearly undetectable, until it gradually rises before night time sleep, peaking in the early morning hours.