Sleep Meds?

krissyberb

Does anyone have experience with a sleep aid that doesn't affect supply?  I broke my arm 3 weeks ago and had surgery to fix it a week ago. I'm not sleeping well at all. My pain is well-controlled; I just can't get comfortable enough to sleep for good stretches. My baby is 9 1/2 months old. Since my injury, nursing and pumping have been extremely difficult and my supply has suffered. I've heard that antihistamines lower supply, and I don't want mine lowered any more. Thanks!

crsanchez87

Have you tried Melatonin? It's a natural remedy, you can find it in the vitamin section. It's safe for nursing mothers. It's effectiveness is different for different people though. 

Beverly0628

Ambien does not affect supply. I am nursing my 4 month old and take it a couple nights a week when my husband can get up with her and I need to catch up on sleep. I do not feel comfortable in my ability to hear her on my own or get up with her if she needs to nurse while on it though. For that reason, I don't know if it would be a good choice unless you have someone that can help you at night sometimes. It definitely helps me sleep and actually doesn't make me feel groggy in the morning (half life is about 6 hours) like some of the antihistamines that I have tried. I would talk to your doctor about it if you are really struggling.

stacylynnn

My OB said that it is safe for me to take Doxylamine.  It is the main ingredient in Unisom.  There are two types of Unisom.   One has the same main ingredient that is in benadryl, which is diphenhidramine and the other type contains doxylamine.  That has worked well for me in the past.  Currently, I take milky oat glyceride and california poppy glyceride for help with sleep.  They were recommended to me by a dula/herbalist/lactation consultant.   I have developed a tolerance to both doxylamine and diphenhidramine.