Is melatonin safe while breastfeeding?

Understanding Melatonin Use During Breastfeeding
As new parents navigate the challenges of sleep deprivation, many may consider melatonin supplements to help regulate their sleep patterns. However, the question of safety during breastfeeding is 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 breastfeeding are still not fully understood.
Current Research and Recommendations
The consensus among healthcare professionals is that short-term use of melatonin is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers, but caution is advised. According to experts, there is a lack of comprehensive research on the long-term effects of melatonin supplementation during lactation. Therefore, it is essential for breastfeeding mothers to consult with their healthcare providers before starting any melatonin regimen.
One of the key points to consider is that melatonin is naturally found in breast milk, with concentrations peaking at night. This suggests that the hormone is a normal part of the breastfeeding process, potentially aiding in the infant’s sleep regulation. However, the safety of exogenous (externally administered) melatonin has not been thoroughly studied in breastfeeding populations, leading to a cautious approach from medical professionals.
Potential Risks and Benefits
While some studies indicate that melatonin use during breastfeeding might be safe, there are still potential risks that need to be weighed. For instance, there have been isolated reports of adverse effects, such as an infant developing a bleeding problem linked to maternal melatonin supplementation. This highlights the importance of individualized medical advice, as each case may present unique risks based on the mother’s health and the infant’s condition.
Moreover, experts emphasize that the benefits of melatonin—such as improved sleep quality—should be carefully considered against the backdrop of insufficient data on its long-term effects on both mother and child. Dr. Jessica Madden, a board-certified pediatrician, notes that the current research does not provide enough evidence to recommend melatonin use for breastfeeding parents without further studies.
Conclusion
In summary, while melatonin is a natural hormone present in breast milk and short-term use may be deemed safe, the lack of extensive research on its effects during breastfeeding necessitates a cautious approach. Mothers considering melatonin should engage in open discussions with their healthcare providers to evaluate their specific circumstances and make informed decisions. As always, prioritizing the health and safety of both mother and child is paramount in any treatment decision.

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.

Which drug is usually avoided with breastfeeding?

Table. Examples of drugs contraindicated in breastfeeding.

Drug	Comment
Iodine	High doses (>150 micrograms daily) lead to risk of infant hypothyroidism
Lithium	Breastfeeding only feasible with rigorous monitoring
Radiopharmaceuticals	Contact obstetric information service
Retinoids (oral)	Potential for serious adverse effects

Will my milk dry up if I only nurse at night?

breastfeeding at night can be important for keeping a mom’s long-term milk production steady and strong and may actually mean less pumping during the day for working moms?

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 you not 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 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 sleep aid can I take 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.

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.

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.

Can I take melatonin if 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.