Many women suffer hair loss following the birth of their baby, despite having the finest locks of their lives during pregnancy.
Today we will explain what you need to know about postpartum hair loss and some tips about dealing with it.
No, you're not going to go bald!
This is a temporary period, and you won't go from extra-thick to scarcely there, but everybody's hair loss can appear differently.
Although stress can contribute, your hormones are the biggest culprit!
Your elevated levels of estrogen throughout pregnancy inhibited your average rate of hair loss. Usually, hair comes out in small numbers during the day (50-100 strands a day). Hair loss decreases during pregnancy. The impact is exacerbated by your elevated blood flow and circulation, which allows your hair to fall out less often than usual.
After your baby is born and your estrogen levels decrease, your hair makes up for the losses by coming out in even larger clusters than usual (300 strands a day). The actual amount of your hair loss is actually not more significant than what you will have missed over the previous nine months; it only seems that way when it occurs all at once. Your body is just resetting to a normal nonpregnant state.
Go on breastfeeding because this has not been shown by researchers to impact postpartum hair loss!
The true prevalence of postpartum hair loss is uncertain, although it is widely assumed to be expected to some degree in all women. The American pregnancy association reports that 40–50% of women report significant hair loss after giving birth. Again, everyone’s hair loss experience can be different.
Basically, hair loss can be brought on by anything that involves a change in the estrogen hormone balance in your system.
Aside from postpartum time, women may experience hair loss from any one or more of the following:
Stopping birth control pills or some other form of hormonal birth control process
Stillbirth or miscarriage
Abortion
Other factors that contribute to hormonal imbalance
Postpartum hair decline can occur any time after your baby is born and can last for up to one year. It typically peaks around the 3-4 month mark but if your infant is a few months old and you're already shedding strands of hair, that doesn't mean it's time to panic! Some women may experience this earlier and some later.
It varies from person to person; however, postpartum hair loss typically lasts no longer than three months and begins to grow back around six months after your baby is born. Your hair ought to be back to its pre-pregnancy state approximately 12 months after giving birth.
What Can You Do to Prevent Postpartum Hair Loss?
There are no scientifically proven methods to stop this hair loss.
This is a normal part of your body “resetting” after delivery.
What you can do is support the new hair growth!
You can:
Consume plenty of fruits and vegetables to get adequate vitamins and nutrients.
Find ways to manage your stress ( Cause being a mom can be stressful)
Try a head massage (But this will cause hair shedding- so don’t do that if it freaks you out!)
Be gentle to your hair while washing and brushing
Don’t over shampoo ( In all seriousness you are lucky to wash your hair once a week after your baby!)
Avoid wearing close hairstyles that will tug on your hair.
If constant shedding scares you, the American Academy of Dermatology has some advice to minimize what you see! ( remember you will eventually lose the hair you were intended to lose) :
Excessive brushing or styling should be avoided, particularly for styles that need a lot of heat.
Make use of volumizing shampoos.
Use light conditioning and only on tips.
You can change your hairstyle to make your hair seem fuller.
Remember to be gentle with yourself (and your hair!)
You have a lot on your mind right now, and there might not be anything else you can do except wait.
When to Visit Your Healthcare Provider
In most cases, postpartum hair loss is entirely natural and not a cause of concern.
If you have excessive hair loss and other symptoms or continue to have clumps in your hairbrush following your baby's first birthday, you should consult a healthcare provider to ensure there isn't another factor behind your hair loss.
Yes, it can be alarming to see clumps of hair falling out, especially more dramatic since having the glam lush locks of pregnancy!
But postpartum hair loss , although distressing, is a natural part of your body “resetting” itself after pregnancy. Your hair loss cycle will go back to normal!
While you wait it out, continue to support your physical and mental wellness!
As always, reach out to MaternalWell text support for any general questions.
