Question 1

is it safe to take sleeping pills while breastfeeding?

Accepted Answer

Probably not: It depends on the particular med but most sleep aides are contraindicated while breastfeeding.

Question 2

which sleeping pills are safe while breastfeeding?

Accepted Answer

Not many: I don't think any of the prescription sleeping pills are safe. Otcs contain antihistamines that can decrease milk supply, so that's not ideal either. Perhaps the best "sleeping pill" would be warm milk, a relaxing massage, or snuggle time with your partner.

Question 3

might there be any sleeping pills that are safe while breastfeeding?

Accepted Answer

INSOMNIA: Problem sleeping and breastfeeding do not require any rx because of the many task involved. You will eventually get tired and fall sleep. Do not risk taking rx while breastfeeding to endanger your baby.

Question 4

are sleep aids safe to take while breastfeeding? two weeks postpartum?

Accepted Answer

: You would need to discuss which sleep aids you are talking about. Most of them will cross into your breast milk, therefore I would recommend against.

Question 5

ive been taking vitamin b6 - 6 pills a day - to stop breastfeeding, but the process hasnt gone well. my toddler is not sleeping at night. hes getting 3 hours a night, max!! is it safe to breastfeed again even though ive been taking the b6 pills?

Accepted Answer

Yes but.......: You need no meds to stop breastfeeding but you do need to stop. Transitions are hard &amp; the kid will deal with it eventually. Feeding the kid now would not hurt him but it would prolong the transition process. My preference is to only allow 2-3 min/side every 6 hrs until you body just stops making milk. The kids will fuss either way.

Question 6

is melatonin (3mg) safe to take while breastfeeding my 7mth old? i have come down with insomnia, and want to know what is safe to aid sleep

Accepted Answer

Try something else: The risk to junior would be limited to scrambling the developing sleep cycle.  However, there's talk of melatonin suppressing prolactin production by the pitutiary gland which would interfere with lactation.  There's little real science here.  If poor sleep is interfering with your waking life, it's for you and your physician to weigh benefits and risks.

Question 7

i'm currently breastfeeding my 9 month old. having trouble sleeping and anxiety.  is valerian root safe to take at night? baby doesn't nurse at night.

Accepted Answer

Not recommended: Herbal products are not regulated and often contain other substances in addition to the herb listed.  It is not recommended to be used while breast feeding, but it is not an absolute contraindication.  Have you spoke with your doctor about your symptoms?  An Rx like hydroxyzine may work well for you and is safe for children.

Question 8

i am suffering from depression and anxiety. can you suggest some anti depressant or sleeping aid which is safe to take while breastfeeding?

Accepted Answer

Talk to your doctor : In general it is not a good idea to take psychotropic medications while breastfeeding.  You will have to see your doctor for an assessment. You and your doctor will have to discuss your options based on the severity of your symptoms and the overall risk-benefit ratio.  I have recommended non-pharmacologic interventions while breastfeeding such as psychotherapy and relaxation tapes.

Question 9

is it safe to take 1/4 (or even less) of a doxylamine tablet to help me fall asleep if i'm breastfeeding my 8 month old son? (this is a last resort)

Accepted Answer

Breast feeding: Doxylamine does get into breast milk and there aren't any real studies showing safety in breastfeeding.  In addition at least one of the manufacturers says its contraindicated in breastfeeding.  Have you tried sleepy time tea yet?

Question 10

what can i take to help me sleep while breastfeeding. my baby sleeps well but i often wake and struggle to return to sleep because i feel anxious.

Accepted Answer

Talk to O B: No reason to feel anxious you and your baby are doing fine. Talk to your OB for help. And do not sleep with your baby in the same bed.

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Doctor answers about:

Is it safe to take sleeping pills while breastfeeding

A member asked:

Is it safe to take sleeping pills while breastfeeding?

A member asked:

Which sleeping pills are safe while breastfeeding?

A member asked:

Might there be any sleeping pills that are safe while breastfeeding?

A member asked:

Are sleep aids safe to take while breastfeeding? two weeks postpartum?

A member asked:

Ive been taking vitamin b6 - 6 pills a day - to stop breastfeeding, but the process hasnt gone well. my toddler is not sleeping at night. hes getting 3 hours a night, max!! is it safe to breastfeed again even though ive been taking the b6 pills?

A member asked:

Is melatonin (3mg) safe to take while breastfeeding my 7mth old? i have come down with insomnia, and want to know what is safe to aid sleep

A member asked:

I'm currently breastfeeding my 9 month old. having trouble sleeping and anxiety. is valerian root safe to take at night? baby doesn't nurse at night.

A member asked:

I am suffering from depression and anxiety. can you suggest some anti depressant or sleeping aid which is safe to take while breastfeeding?

A member asked:

Is it safe to take 1/4 (or even less) of a doxylamine tablet to help me fall asleep if i'm breastfeeding my 8 month old son? (this is a last resort)

A member asked:

What can i take to help me sleep while breastfeeding. my baby sleeps well but i often wake and struggle to return to sleep because i feel anxious.

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