Is hair loss normal after birth? When I had my first child, my daughter who now is expecting, I lost my hair. It wasn't in the metaphorical way either. It was falling out.
What I learned was that hair loss after pregnancy is no reason to despair. Though I didn't know it at the time and I was freaking out. My horror vision was running around doing errands pushing a baby carriage with a bald head.
It was horrible.
Hair everywhere: In the brush, in the seep in the shower, on the carpet, on the pillow, couch, anywhere hair collects really. And it felt like my hair was getting patchy. Today I can't really say that that was accurate, though it felt like that at that time. Many women complain that they lose hair after birth and – understandably – react with worry and panic. Our society does not accept bald ladies.
One thing I want to make clear right from the start: there is no reason to worry. The so-called postpartum effluvium (increased hair loss after birth) is completely normal and easy to explain.
However, unpleasant it does happen.
Why do mothers suffer from hair loss?
Actually it is pretty unfair: In addition to the pregnancy stretch marks and bags under the eyes due to sleep deprivation, there is also increased hair loss. And this is just another stress inducer for freshly baked moms who are pretty easy to upset anyway. Add to that we simply can't find time for our beauty programs! The reason for the hair loss is relatively simple – and like so many changes during and after pregnancy, the hormones are due:
In pregnancy, the estrogen boost produces more hair than usual in the growth phase.
After birth, the estrogen level suddenly drops – and the body sends the hair from the growth phase to the resting phase, during which it will remain standing for some time. And after about three months, these hairs, which are "delayed" thanks to the pregnancy, then fall out.
By the way: Hair loss after pregnancy has absolutely nothing to do with breastfeeding!
What helps with hair loss after pregnancy?
Sadly nothing really. It isn't a loss, but a return to normal standards. So keep your fingers away from shampoos that advertise increased hair growth. In practice, only one thing helps: patience.
Make sure you eat healthily and take enough vitamins and minerals which is good not only now in your life, good for the breast fed baby, but good to keep you healthy.
Stop looking at everything as stress inducing; Instead enjoy the new happiness with your baby! After nine months to one year, the problem resolve by itself. Women with longer hair you will notice the increase in hair growth at the hairline – it is a sign: Your hair growth is normalizing again.
What to do if hair loss persists?
Can it persist?
If, nine months after birth, you still feel that your hair loss is not improving significantly, you should contact your gynecologist about the problem or consult a dermatologist. At this point the body should have corrected itself and returned to balance. They will investigate whether you suffer from a protein, vitamin, zinc or iron deficiency due to pregnancy and lactation. A nutrient deficit can be easily remedied – and fortunately a serious illness is almost never the case.