where’s my hair (postpartum hair loss)
You’ve recovered from the birth, the baby is sleeping longer stretches, you’re gradually starting to feel like yourself again…..and then BAM. Your hair starts falling out. And not just a bit here and there, but literal handfuls. Every time you shower the drain is clogged with hair. Each time you brush you think….how is there even any hair left on my head!
You would think that the third time around I would be prepared for the massive amount of hair loss that comes 2 - 4 months after having a baby.
But no, it shocks me every time.
Post pregnancy (partum) hair loss is totally normal and while it can cause quite a bit of distress to new mums, rest assured it doesn’t go forever.
Telogen Gravidarum is the traditional name, and describes the abrupt shedding of hair that occurs following a pregnancy.
During your pregnancy the elevated levels of estrogen, that nourish and support your baby, also stimulates hair (and nail) growth. Women will often notice, thicker, shinier hair, with less shedding during pregnancy. The hormonal changes your body undergoes also allow hair to grow faster and to stay in a growth phase (also known as Anagen) for longer - which prevents hair loss. However, like so many good things that must eventually end….when baby is born and the placenta is delivered, there is a relatively quick decrease in systemic estrogen. This causes a large amount of hairs to move quickly into the shedding phase (Telogen) giving a resultant all over hair shed.
For reference - at any given time 5 - 10% of the hairs on our head are in Telogen phase. This means that it is normal to lose 100 - 200 hairs per day. In Telogen Gravidarum up to 25% of the hairs shift quickly in to Telogen phase, hence the extreme appearing hair shed.
The hair loss can continue for up to 6 months, but it does tend to slow down during this period.
While you can’t stop this post-partum oestrogen depletion, there are some other ways to support your body at this time and prevent additional hair loss and lay the foundations for healthy hair regrowth
Once the initial stress and shock of losing hair has passed and you know what it is, don’t keep stressing about it - this will make things worse. Empower yourself by identifying the condition and knowing that your hair will grow back
As best you can, try to take care of yourself
drink enough fluid when breast feeding to prevent dehydration
eat nutritious food regularly through the day
I’m not going to say - sleep when the baby sleeps - because that does not seem achievable to me - just do your best when it comes to sleep!
Take a multivitamin supplement to replace some of the nutrients that may have been depleted during the pregnancy
Many women are iron deficient after pregnancy - this can cause hair loss by itself so it’s important to replace this vital mineral
Omega 3 and 6 are good essential fatty acids that assist in hair growth
Biotin, Zinc and Folic Acid will also benefit hair growth
Don’t be afraid to get a hair cut! Chop off those stringy ends and embrace a new mum ‘do’. Taking a bit of weight out will give your hair the appearance of being a bit fuller and thicker and will generally look cleaner and healthier
Use a detangling brush to brush your hair. This will place less tension on your non shedding hair and prevent breakage
Post partum hair loss will stop with time, however, sometimes, hair loss can be multifactorial, so if yours doesn’t seem to be slowing or continues for longer than 6 months, it might be time to check in for an appointment.