Maternal Melatonin and Newborns
How It Affects Them and Tips for the Transition
Ever noticed how your newborn is extra sleepy in those first few days? You’re not imagining things! It’s all thanks to maternal melatonin. This magical hormone plays a big role in helping newborns adjust to the outside world. Let’s dive into what maternal melatonin is, how it affects your baby, when it wears off, when your baby starts producing their own, how feeding comes into play, and what you can do to ease their transition.
What is Maternal Melatonin?
Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain, and it helps regulate sleep and wake cycles. During pregnancy, melatonin levels rise, especially at night, helping to establish a rhythm for both mum and baby. This maternal melatonin crosses the placenta, providing a calming, sleep-inducing effect on your little one.
How Does Maternal Melatonin Affect Newborns?
When babies are born, they’re still under the influence of the melatonin they received from mum. This is why newborns often seem extra sleepy and content to nap away the first few days of their lives. Typically, this maternal melatonin starts to wear off within the first week. As this happens, your baby becomes more wakeful and alert, signalling the start of their adaptation to the outside world.
When Do Babies Start Producing Their Own Melatonin?
Around three months of age, babies begin to produce their own melatonin. This is when you might start to notice more predictable sleep patterns emerging. Until then, they rely on external cues and routines to help regulate their sleep. So, you’re probably wondering if you read that right and yep, you did...Maternal melatonin wears off well before your baby starts producing their own melatonin. So, how do you help your baby to sleep during that time?
Helping Your Baby Transition
The transition from being under the influence of maternal melatonin to developing their own sleep-wake patterns can be challenging. Here are some tips to help your baby (and you) navigate this period smoothly:
- Establish a Routine: Even from a young age, babies benefit from routines. Try to establish a consistent bedtime routine that includes calming activities like a warm bath, gentle rocking, or a lullaby.
- Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment: Make sure your baby’s sleep space is conducive to sleep. This means keeping the room dark, cool, and quiet. Consider using blackout curtains and a white noise machine to mimic the womb’s environment.
- Daytime Exposure to Light: During the day, expose your baby to natural light. This helps set their internal clock and encourages the development of a healthy circadian rhythm. And yes, this does include during sleep- for the first few weeks of life napping in light can help babies avoid day/night confusion i.e sleep all day, party all night!
- Swaddle for Comfort: Swaddling can help your baby feel secure and mimic the snugness they felt in the womb. Just make sure to swaddle safely to avoid any risks.
- Responsive Feeding: Whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, try to respond to your baby’s hunger cues rather than sticking to a strict schedule. This can help them feel more secure and settled.
- Patience and Flexibility: Remember that every baby is different. Some may adjust quickly, while others may take a bit longer. Be patient and flexible, and don’t hesitate to seek support if you need it.
Understanding the role of maternal melatonin can help you better navigate those early days and weeks with your newborn. By creating a supportive environment, establishing gentle routines, and optimising feeding times, you can help ease your baby’s transition to their own sleep patterns. And remember, this too shall pass – both you and your baby are learning and adapting together.
If you have any questions or need more personalised advice, feel free to reach out!
Happy sleeping,
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