Ashwin Lewis
Sleep is an essential part of our lives, and for new mothers, it can be a precious commodity. Sleeping pills are medications that can help you get some sleep, but they can also have side effects, so they shouldn't be used long-term. Most doctors advise against taking sleeping pills while breastfeeding as they can pass into the breast milk and potentially cause adverse effects on the baby. However, some alternatives, such as zolpidem, zopiclone, and melatonin, can be used with caution during breastfeeding, and natural remedies like chamomile and lavender oil are generally considered safe. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional to weigh the risks and benefits and explore all options for treating sleep disorders during this delicate time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Drugs that are safe to take while breastfeeding | Zolpidem, Zopiclone, Melatonin, Chamomile, Lavender oil |
| Drugs that doctors will caution you about | Sleeping pills, Benzodiazepines, Antihistamines (e.g. promethazine), Zolpidem (for preterm babies) |
| Risks | May pass into breast milk and cause adverse effects on the baby, such as drowsiness, sedation, altered sleep patterns, feeding habits, and interaction with other medications |
| Alternative solutions | Sprinkle lavender oil on the pillow, Drink chamomile tea, Practice good sleep hygiene |
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What You'll Learn
Zolpidem
While Zolpidem can be used during breastfeeding, infant monitoring is required. As a precaution, monitor the infant for possible drowsiness, which may present as not waking up to feed or falling asleep while feeding, which may affect weight gain. Also, monitor for a slowed breathing rate and dry mouth. Monitoring the infant will quickly pick up any potential issues, but usually, further investigation is required before the cause can be attributed to the medicine.
There is very limited published evidence of using Zolpidem while breastfeeding, but information shows that it passes into breast milk in very small amounts. There is a very small risk that it might make your baby sleepy, too. Do not share a bed with your baby if you're taking Zolpidem. If you notice that your baby is not feeding as well as usual, or seems unusually sleepy, or if you have any other concerns about your baby, talk to a health visitor, midwife, pharmacist, or doctor as soon as possible.
It is important to complete an individual risk assessment and to apply the principles of prescribing in breastfeeding when looking at the available information and making treatment decisions. The cause of the insomnia should be identified before a medicine is prescribed, and, where possible, underlying factors should be treated. Good sleep hygiene should be established to raise awareness of behavioural, environmental, and temporal factors that may be detrimental or beneficial.
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Zopiclone
Most doctors advise against taking sleeping pills while breastfeeding, as they can pass into the breast milk and cause adverse effects on the baby. However, some sources indicate that zopiclone can be used while breastfeeding, provided that the infant is monitored for potential side effects.
While zopiclone is considered relatively safe for the short-term management of insomnia during breastfeeding, it is important to monitor the infant for possible drowsiness, sedation, or poor feeding and weight gain. In some cases, an alternate hypnotic drug may be preferred, especially when nursing a newborn or preterm infant.
It is important to consult a healthcare provider before taking any medication while breastfeeding, as they can provide guidance and assess the benefits and risks for each individual case. Additionally, good sleep hygiene and natural remedies, such as chamomile tea and lavender oil, can be effective alternatives to enhance sleep and relaxation.
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Melatonin
While melatonin is generally considered safe and effective, there has not been enough research to prove whether taking melatonin while breastfeeding is safe. Melatonin can cause side effects such as agitation, sleepiness, and bed-wetting in young children, and it is not recommended for any child under the age of three years old. Experts generally recommend that you do not take melatonin until your baby is weaned. However, occasional use can be considered safe, and it is unlikely that short-term use would adversely affect a breastfed infant.
According to Lactmed, limited studies found no safety issues in babies when breastfeeding mothers took melatonin supplements. While the short-term use of melatonin during breastfeeding isn't likely to be harmful to babies, there is not enough data to prove this definitively. There is also no data on the safety of long-term maternal melatonin use during breastfeeding.
If you are experiencing sleep issues, it is important to focus on yourself and get to the bottom of the issue. You can try improving your sleep habits, exercising routinely, and creating a bedroom environment that fosters sleep. You should also speak with your healthcare provider, who may refer you to a sleep specialist for further investigation.
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Chamomile
Most doctors advise against taking sleeping pills during breastfeeding because they may pass into the breast milk and cause adverse effects on the baby. In rare cases, sedatives such as zolpidem and zopiclone may be prescribed, but they are not without risks.
If you are having trouble sleeping, it is recommended to seek guidance from a healthcare provider, who may prescribe drugs with a low ability to pass into the milk. You may also try some effective home remedies, such as drinking chamomile tea.
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Lavender oil
While taking sleeping pills while breastfeeding is generally not recommended, there are natural alternatives that can help you sleep, such as lavender oil.
It is important to note that while lavender oil is generally recognized as safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, there is limited data on its safety and efficacy for nursing mothers and infants. In addition, lavender oil has estrogenic and antiandrogenic properties, so topical application around the breast area should be avoided.
Consulting a healthcare professional before using lavender oil while breastfeeding is always recommended, as they can provide personalized advice and guidance based on your specific situation.
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Frequently asked questions
Zolpidem and zopiclone are considered safe sleeping pills to take while breastfeeding. However, infant monitoring is required as there is a risk of drowsiness, slowed breathing rate and poor weight gain. Melatonin can also be used with caution, although there is limited research on its effects.
Some natural sleep aids that are believed to be safe for breastfeeding mothers include chamomile tea, lemon balm tea, lavender oil, and warm milk.
Sedating antihistamines may be safe for breastfeeding mothers in small doses, but they are known to reduce breast milk production. It is recommended to consult a doctor before taking any medication containing an antihistamine while breastfeeding.
Yes, there are risks associated with taking sleeping pills while breastfeeding. In addition to the risk of infant drowsiness and poor weight gain, sleeping pills can also cause side effects in the mother such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, and drowsiness. It is important to consult a healthcare provider before taking any sleep aids while breastfeeding.
