Will taking melatonin affect my breast milk?

Understanding Melatonin and Breast Milk
Melatonin, a hormone primarily produced by the pineal gland, plays a crucial role in regulating sleep and circadian rhythms. Interestingly, it is also a natural component of breast milk, with concentrations peaking during nighttime. This phenomenon suggests that melatonin not only aids in sleep regulation for adults but may also contribute to the sleep patterns of infants through breastfeeding.
Melatonin Levels in Breast Milk
Research indicates that breast milk contains varying levels of melatonin, which are significantly higher during the night compared to daytime. This “night milk” is thought to help infants establish their own circadian rhythms, potentially promoting better sleep. The presence of melatonin in breast milk is a natural occurrence, as the hormone is produced by the mother’s body and subsequently transferred to the milk.
Effects of Supplementing with Melatonin
While melatonin is naturally present in breast milk, the implications of taking melatonin supplements while breastfeeding are less clear. Current studies suggest that only a small amount of supplemental melatonin is likely to pass into breast milk, and it is generally considered to be a negligible quantity that is unlikely to cause adverse effects in infants. However, the specific effects of these supplements on breast milk composition and infant health have not been extensively studied.
One case report raised concerns about a breastfeeding mother taking melatonin supplements, which was associated with an infant experiencing a bleeding problem. This isolated incident highlights the need for caution and further research into the safety of melatonin supplementation during breastfeeding.
Conclusion
In summary, melatonin is a natural component of breast milk, particularly abundant at night, which may aid in regulating infant sleep patterns. While taking melatonin supplements is thought to result in minimal transfer to breast milk, the lack of comprehensive studies on the subject means that breastfeeding mothers should consult healthcare professionals before starting any supplementation. As always, prioritizing the health and safety of both mother and child is paramount.

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.

How long is melatonin in breastmilk?

They studied melatonin concentrations in the expressed breastmilk from 13 women after the milk was frozen and defrosted. Measurements were taken at 1,2,3,4, and 24 hours after defrosting. They found that melatonin levels are stable for at least 4 hours and up to 24 hours after defrosting.

What time of day is breast milk the fattiest?

Breastmilk at night
For most mothers, breastmilk will gradually increase in fat content throughout the day. During the evening, young babies often cluster feed, taking in frequent feeds of this fattier milk, which tends to satisfy them enough to have their longest stretch of sleep.

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.

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.

Does melatonin interact with milk?

The biochemistry of endogenous melatonin production is such that dairy products could affect sleep through their nutrient profiles, which would promote melatonin synthesis by increasing circulating Trp (Figure 1).

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 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.

Is it okay to take melatonin while 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.

What can breastfeeding moms take for sleep aid?

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.