Sleep aid & breastfeeding?

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Specializes in PACU, pre/postoperative, ortho.

Looking for a little input....

I'm starting my first job on Monday which will be nights, 11-7, after the first few weeks of orientation on days. I'm not really worried about being able to sleep during the days since I'll have the house all to myself, earplugs on standby, & I've never had difficulty sleeping at the drop of a hat. BUT I've never worked a night shift, so you never know; maybe I will have some trouble. :zzzzz

My concern is that I am still breastfeeding my 7 1/2 month old.... Is there anything I can take as a bf mom? Melatonin seems like it would be ok I think since your body naturally makes small amounts of it anyway, right? I've wondered about valerian as well, but really don't know if your typical OTC sleep aids would be ok. Any suggestions? Thanks! :o

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Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.

We can't offer medical advice here. Please speak to your child's pediatrician or pharmacist.

Best of luck to you.

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Specializes in PACU, pre/postoperative, ortho.

HaHa, just occurred to me that this might be considered looking for med advice. I do plan to contact my OB if necessary, but was just thinking someone on here might have had the same experience.:redpinkhe

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

I would check with your pediatrician or lactation consultant. Many meds are passed through breast milk. I would also check with the academy of pediactrics. Congrats on your baby and breast feeding this long...many don't stick it out.....and congrats on your new job!!!! good luck

I hope these links may help

http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/melatonin-000315.htm

http://www.google.com/#hl=en&cp=28&gs_id=2f&xhr=t&q=is+melatonin+safe+for+breastfeeding&pf=p&sclient=psy-ab&rlz=1R2GGLL_enUS413&source=hp&pbx=1&oq=is+melatonin+safe+for+breast&aq=0&aqi=g1&aql=&gs_sm=&gs_upl=&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&fp=d6b4e92255e236a9&biw=1236&bih=600

http://www.kellymom.com/health/meds/aap-approved-meds.html

http://www.globalrph.com/pregnancy.htm

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Specializes in Hospice.

you may not need it i can get 7 to 8 hours easily its all about setting up a pattern and sticking to it. GOod luck! (i also have a bf baby)

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Specializes in PACU, pre/postoperative, ortho.

Thanks everybody! Hoping not to need anything at all. Esme, thanks for the links as well, will check it out!

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Neuro, ICU, travel RN, Psych.
http://WWW.Kellymom.com is a great resource for BF information
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Breastfeeding always made me sleepy. I don't know if that helps your situation.

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

You've rec'd some good replies.

Please contact your OB/Midwife/Lactation Consultant and get some advice.

Good luck with your new job. And, continued good luck with breast-feeding.

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