What time of day does breast milk contain melatonin?

The Role of Melatonin in Breast Milk
Breast milk is not just a source of nutrition for infants; it also plays a crucial role in regulating their sleep patterns and circadian rhythms. One of the key components influencing these rhythms is melatonin, a hormone that helps signal to the body when it is time to sleep.
Melatonin Levels Throughout the Day
Research indicates that the concentration of melatonin in breast milk varies significantly depending on the time of day. Studies have shown that melatonin levels are markedly higher in nighttime milk compared to daytime milk. For instance, one study found that the median concentration of melatonin in breast milk collected during the day (from 10 AM to 10 PM) was approximately 1.5 ng/L, while nighttime milk (from 10 PM to 10 AM) had a median concentration of 7.3 ng/L. This suggests that the hormone is present in much greater quantities during the night, aligning with the natural sleep-wake cycle.
Circadian Rhythms and Peak Melatonin Production
The production of melatonin in breast milk follows a circadian rhythm, peaking around 3 AM. This timing is particularly significant as it coincides with the body’s natural production of melatonin, which typically increases in the evening and reaches its highest levels during the night. This pattern not only aids in the infant’s sleep but also helps establish their internal clock, teaching them the difference between day and night.
Implications for Breastfeeding
For new mothers, understanding the timing of melatonin in breast milk can be beneficial. Evening milk, which is rich in melatonin, can help soothe infants and promote better sleep. Conversely, morning milk is higher in cortisol, a hormone that promotes alertness, making it less conducive to sleep . This natural variation in breast milk composition is thought to support the infant’s developing circadian rhythms, especially in the early weeks of life when they are not yet producing their own melatonin.
Conclusion
In summary, breast milk contains higher levels of melatonin during the night, particularly peaking around 3 AM, which plays a vital role in helping infants establish their sleep patterns. This natural hormonal rhythm not only nourishes but also guides babies in understanding their day-night cycles, making breastfeeding a crucial aspect of early development.

Is there a difference between morning breast milk and evening breast milk?

Breast milk changes dramatically over the course of the day. For example, levels of cortisol – a hormone that promotes alertness – are three times higher in morning milk than in evening milk.

Does melatonin pass through breast milk?

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 time 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.

What time of day do babies produce melatonin?

The Magic of Melatonin
At around six months old, your small’s sleep system is up and running meaning they produce melatonin on a 12 hour sleep shift: 3pm: melatonin starts to slowly rise and they begin to slow down in preparation for sleep. 7pm to 7.30pm: their melatonin is at its peak.

What time of day is melatonin highest?

Your pineal gland releases the highest levels of melatonin when there’s darkness and decreases melatonin production when you’re exposed to light. In other words, you have low levels of melatonin in your blood during the daylight hours and peak levels of melatonin during the nighttime.

Do breastfed babies get melatonin?

Breastfeeding is an important source of melatonin in the immediate postnatal period and during the first few months of life.

What time is breastmilk production highest?

This is because the levels of the hormone prolactin, which drives milk production, are higher overnight. Prolactin levels seem to be highest between 2-6am. Using a dummy or pacifier to settle your baby can hide some of their early feeding cues, interfering with responsive breastfeeding.

What time of day is milk supply lowest?

evening
You make more watery or thirst quenching milk in the morning, and less volume but fattier milk in the evening. This is why your baby may want to cluster feed or fuss feed in the evenings.

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?

What time of day is breast milk most nutritious?

Day milk, by contrast, has more activity-promoting amino acids than night milk. Iron in milk peaks at around noon; vitamin E peaks in the evening. Minerals like magnesium, zinc, potassium and sodium are all highest in the morning. Daytime milk may pack a special immune punch.