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Postpartum Hair Loss
The bundle of joy is here but so are a lot of hair whenever you run through it. This may lead you mamas to worry. Postpartum hair loss is what happens when you lose hair after you give birth. Most mothers deal with postpartum hair loss. This usually happens for 3 – 6 months after you give birth. Read on to learn more about postpartum hair loss.
What Causes Postpartum Hair Loss
When you are pregnant, you may get luscious hair due to the high level of hormones produced. Hormones like oxytocin, estrogen, progesterone and prolactin promote hair growth as they prevent your hair from shedding. Once you give birth, these same levels of hormones drop instantly causing your hair to shed more. But remember, while you are pregnant, you stopped shedding. Once you give birth, this extra hair has to go.
How To Combat Postpartum Hair Loss
You may probably not be able to fight it completely. However, there are ways you can control postpartum hair loss and keep it in check.
1. Continue Your Prenatal Vitamins
A lot of mothers stop eating their prenatal vitamins after they give birth. However, it is actually advisable to continue taking the prenatal vitamins even after giving birth. With a newborn and breastfeeding (if you choose to do so), it may be tricky to keep up with your daily nutrients. It is important that you get optimal nutrients in order to promote growth of new cells. Hence, taking your prenatal vitamins will help you to do so and promote hair growth to counter your postpartum hair loss.
- Get The Right Nutrients
As is with any other health issue, getting the right nutrients by eating a well-balanced meal is important. Even more so when you are generating nutrients that will be passed on to your baby should you be breastfeeding. After labour as your hormone levels drop and your body physically recovers, it needs all the right vitamins and minerals to help it do so. Combine that with regular exercise, your body will take the cues and speed up its recovery.
Your balanced meals should include fruit and vegetables, grains and protein. Remember to drink ample amounts of water. It is best to consult your doctor and nutritionist to get the ideal diet for your recovery. Moreover, be sure to consult your doctor to get the all-clear to start exercising and to pick the right regimen in accordance with your recovery progress.
- Be Mindful of Your Hair Styling Routine
The way you style your hair can help to change the way it looks. If you feel like your hair is thinning at a rapid speed making it look sparse, maybe try a style that increases its volume. Avoid hairstyles that cause tension to the scalp that may aggravate the situation such as high and tight ponytails. Do avoid conditioner that weighs down your hair in order to avoid your hair looking limp.
Avoid over-brushing your hair and brushing it when it’s wet as it is more fragile when it’s wet and breaks easily. But, brushing it mindfully is good to ensure good blood flow and hair growth. You can even consider getting a hair makeover and getting a stylish bob that is neat and easier to maintain which is great for new moms.
- Reduce Stress and Be Patient
It is no surprise that stress affects your body negatively. Hair loss may be aggravated due to stress. Caring for a newborn, while exhilarating and exciting, can be stressful too – as we all know. Therefore, find a way to manage your stress and reduce it. You can try yoga which is good for both your mind and body or try a breathing exercise – which will also definitely come in handy as your toddler finds new and “creative” ideas by the second!
Although it can be scary and also stressful to keep cleaning lumps of hair from your bathroom drain and floor, try to be patient. Worrying will not escalate your recovery but only take away your happiness for the day. Do what you can do and wait for this phase to pass. Patience is a virtue.
