What happens if I take melatonin while breastfeeding?

Understanding Melatonin and Breastfeeding
Melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles, is often used as a supplement to help with sleep disorders. However, for breastfeeding mothers, the question of safety regarding melatonin supplementation is a significant concern. As many new mothers struggle with sleep issues, understanding the implications of taking melatonin while nursing is crucial.
What Happens When You Take Melatonin While Breastfeeding?
When a breastfeeding mother takes melatonin supplements, a portion of that melatonin can pass into her breast milk. This transfer means that the infant may be exposed to melatonin, albeit in small amounts. Research indicates that the doses of melatonin that might be present in breast milk are generally low, and short-term use of melatonin by nursing mothers is unlikely to adversely affect their infants .
However, the current body of research does not provide a definitive endorsement for the use of melatonin during breastfeeding. Experts, including pediatricians and lactation consultants, caution that there is insufficient evidence to recommend melatonin supplements for breastfeeding parents. While some studies suggest that melatonin is probably safe for short-term use, the long-term effects on infants remain largely unknown.
The Safety Profile of Melatonin
The safety of melatonin during breastfeeding has been a topic of discussion among healthcare professionals. Some studies have shown that doses higher than what would typically be found in breast milk have been used safely in infants. This suggests that occasional use of melatonin by breastfeeding mothers may not pose significant risks. However, the variability in individual responses to melatonin means that what works for one person may not be suitable for another.
Moreover, the very low bioavailability of melatonin—meaning that only a small fraction of the hormone is absorbed into the bloodstream—further minimizes the amount that an infant would ingest through breast milk. This factor contributes to the argument that short-term use may be acceptable, but caution is still advised.
Alternatives and Recommendations
For mothers experiencing sleep difficulties, healthcare providers often recommend exploring non-pharmacological approaches first. Techniques such as establishing a consistent sleep routine, practicing relaxation methods, and ensuring a conducive sleep environment can be effective alternatives. If these methods do not yield results, consulting a healthcare provider for personalized advice is essential.
In summary, while taking melatonin while breastfeeding may not pose significant risks in the short term, the lack of comprehensive research on long-term effects necessitates a cautious approach. Mothers should weigh the potential benefits against the uncertainties and consult with healthcare professionals to determine the best course of action for their sleep issues.

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.

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 long does breastmilk have melatonin?

Concerning the storage/processing conditions, melatonin levels in human milk, at least when immediately frozen following pumping, proved stable after freeze-thawing for up to 24 h: milk samples were collected during the first 6 months of breastfeeding, immediately frozen, and then defrosted after 4 months.

Will melatonin affect my breast milk if I take it?

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.

How long does melatonin stay in your system?

The half-life of melatonin is between 20 and 40 minutes, meaning half of the initial dosage in the body is eliminated after that amount of time. In total, melatonin stays in your system for about four to five hours.

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 makes babies sleepy in breastmilk?

However, since breast milk is more easily digestible than formula, babies who breastfeed are likely to wake up more frequently than formula-fed babies, as they will get hungrier faster. However, the melatonin in breast milk will facilitate their sleep, so right after the feeding, they’ll go back to sleep easily.

Can you take anything 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.

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.

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?