You're breastfeeding your three-month-old bundle of joy when she suddenly unlatches, wailing over the fallen hair that has found its way from your scalp into her mouth. Over the next few days, you notice a thickening trail of lost hairs that follows you wherever you go. Alarmed, you wonder why you are you suddenly shedding like a dog in summertime. And will it ever end?
Pregnancy Hair
Hair regularly goes through growth, resting and shedding stages. During pregnancy, you may not have noticed that your normal daily hair loss decreased dramatically. The shiny, lustrous locks of pregnancy are not a myth---most women do have a fuller head of hair while they're expecting.
Postnatal Period
Once your baby is born, your hormone levels fluctuate wildly. After a few months, they begin to normalize. As your estrogen levels decrease, your body makes up for lost time, and at about three months postpartum your scalp sheds the excess hair it hung on to during pregnancy.
It is normal to lose several hundred hairs per day during this period. You should notice a return to pre-pregnancy hair health by six to 12 months postpartum.
Nutrients
Breastfeeding depletes the body of vitamins and minerals, as well burning several hundred calories per day. It is important to take a multivitamin while nursing and eat sufficient nutrients in order to maintain your health and milk supply. Dietary deficiencies can contribute to excessive hair loss. However, notable hair thinning during the postpartum period is to be expected among bottle-feeding and breastfeeding mothers alike and is much more likely a result of hormonal changes than any issues related to nursing.
Evaluation
If you are concerned about your postpartum hair loss, see your doctor to rule out an underlying condition such as thyroid disease, which is common in the postnatal period and which can also cause significant hair loss.
Tips
If your shedding hair is driving you crazy, there are a few measures you can take to stem the tide. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends avoiding over-styling or using hot rollers or other products that might accelerate hair loss. Also beware of tight ponytail holders or barrettes, which can cause hair breakage. Finally, consider a new hairdo or cut to give yourself a style and mood boost.
Member Comments