Hair loss can occur at any stage of life, can be temporary or permanent, and can be caused by a number of factors. If you are experiencing hair loss during breastfeeding or a few months after giving birth, it is unlikely to be permanent and is very common.
Normal hair growth
Hair is in a constant cycle of growth, rest and renewal and the course of each cycle can vary. Typically, however, the growth phase of scalp hair lasts two to three years where during this time your hair will grow about 1 centimeter a month. The resting phase generally lasts for three to four months and it is at the end of the resting phase that the hair strand falls out with a new one beginning to grow in its place. Normally, about 1 in 10 hairs will be in the resting phase at any one time.
It is normal to shed between 50 to 100 hairs each day. With about 100,000 hairs on the head this hair loss should not cause noticeable thinning of the hair. It will only be when the rate of shedding exceeds the amount of regrowth that thinning and eventual baldness will be noticable.
What happens in pregnancy, labour and breastfeeding?
Many women in pregnancy report having thicker, more luxurious hair than when they are not pregnant . This may be due to the hormonal changes that occur in the woman’s body causing hair to stay in the resting phase for longer so less hairs are falling out. After you’ve had your baby and your hormones have settled down, more hairs enter a shedding phase and fall out. This often causes noticeable thinning of hair about 12 weeks after delivery.
Labour may be seen as a major physical and emotional event and despite it being a completely natural process, can be an enormous shock to your body. If a Caesarean was needed to deliver your baby, then this surgery will also be a shock to your system. When this type of event happens, hair roots may be pushed prematurely into the resting phase. This type of hair loss, known as telogen effluvium, is only temporary, as once the stressful event or shock has passed, hair growth will resume. Three to four months later, this hair falls out, usually when your baby is about 3-4 months old.
What can you do about it?
As mentioned, hair growth will generally start up again and hair loss will only be temporary. However, it is crucial to ensure you are not depleted in nutrients such as B vitamins, protein, certain minerals, and essential fatty acids, which can worsen and prolong hair loss. You might also like to consider having your iron levels tested as iron deficiency can also cause hair loss .
Despite your desperation to try any topical treatments, this is purely an internal issue. Harsh chemical hair treatments can damage the hair shaft and cause it to break making the situation worse. Stick to natural, chemical free hair products and handle your hair gently.
Some diet tips to ensure you are getting the right nutrients for healthy hair growth include:
- Ensure you are eating adequate protein every day
- Eat an abundance of fresh vegetables
- Enjoy oily fish and good fats from avocado, nuts and seeds
- Avoid any foods that deplete you of nutrients and vital minerals such as refined sugars, coffee, smoking and alcohol
- Consider taking a multivitamin specific for during breastfeeding to cover you for all the nutrients needed for healthy breast milk, but also to keep your nutrient levels optimal.
References available upon request