Since limited research exists on the specific effects of melatonin during breastfeeding, it's best to talk with your doctor before taking melatonin supplements while breastfeeding.
Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate sleep-wake cycles, and some breastfeeding parents may consider it to help with sleep disruptions. Melatonin is naturally produced in the body, and small amounts are passed to the baby through breast milk. However, it's unclear how supplemental melatonin might affect breastfed infants, especially in terms of sleep patterns and development. Your healthcare provider can recommend alternative strategies to improve sleep or suggest other options that are considered safer for breastfeeding parents.
Additionally, it's important to prioritize healthy sleep habits, such as creating a calming bedtime routine, maintaining a comfortable sleep environment and practicing good sleep hygiene1 . This can help optimize your sleep quality and may naturally improve your sleep patterns while breastfeeding.
