Is it normal to lose hair after breastfeeding?

Understanding Postpartum Hair Loss
For many new mothers, the experience of hair loss after giving birth can be both surprising and distressing. It’s a common concern that often leads to questions about the role of breastfeeding in this phenomenon. The good news is that losing hair after childbirth is a normal part of the postpartum experience, and it is not directly caused by breastfeeding.
The Science Behind Hair Loss
After giving birth, many women notice a significant increase in hair shedding, typically around three months postpartum. This condition, known as postpartum hair loss, is primarily linked to hormonal changes rather than breastfeeding itself. During pregnancy, elevated hormone levels, particularly estrogen, prolong the growth phase of hair, resulting in thicker hair. However, after delivery, hormone levels drop, leading to a rapid shedding of hair that was retained during pregnancy.
Experts agree that this shedding is temporary. Most women will experience hair loss for less than six months, and the hair usually begins to regrow shortly thereafter. It’s important to note that this is a natural process and not a reflection of health or well-being.
The Role of Breastfeeding
While breastfeeding is often a source of concern for new mothers regarding hair loss, research indicates that breastfeeding does not contribute to hair shedding. Instead, the increased hair loss is attributed to the hormonal fluctuations that occur postpartum. Therefore, whether a mother chooses to breastfeed or not, she may still experience hair loss after childbirth.
Coping with Hair Loss
For those experiencing postpartum hair loss, it can be helpful to understand that this is a shared experience among many new mothers. While it may be distressing, there are ways to manage the situation. Maintaining a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals can support hair health. Additionally, gentle hair care practices, such as avoiding tight hairstyles and minimizing heat styling, can help reduce further stress on the hair.
In conclusion, while losing hair after breastfeeding is a common concern, it is essential to recognize that this is a normal and temporary phase of postpartum recovery. Understanding the underlying hormonal changes can help alleviate worries and empower new mothers to embrace this natural process.

Why am I losing my hair postpartum?

All the overly active hair follicles enter the catagen phase simultaneously postpartum. This transition to the catagen phase is believed to result in excessive postpartum hair loss, and this type of alopecia is generally referred to as telogen effluvium.

Does breastfeeding cause weight loss?

Breastfeeding typically burns 500 to 700 calories per day. To lose weight safely while breastfeeding, it’s important to follow your doctor’s recommendations for how many calories you need to consume daily. You also will need to get clearance from your doctor before resuming exercise after childbirth.

Is it common for babies to lose hair after birth?

Newborn hair loss is perfectly normal and usually nothing to worry about. Almost all newborns lose some or all of their hair. Many new babies are bald, although upon close examination of your baby’s scalp, you will probably see pale, downy, extra-fine hair.

How much hair loss is normal for a child?

No more than 50% of the hair will be lost. Once it starts to regrow, all the hair will grow back in about 6 months. The new hair will look normal.

Do prenatals help with postpartum hair loss?

While no specific vitamins have been shown to affect hair loss, they are important for overall health. It is often recommended to continue your prenatal vitamins after your baby is born, especially if you are breast-feeding.

Does cutting hair help with postpartum hair loss?

You may have heard of the cliché “mom haircut”—a shorter hairstyle that many new moms go for after their baby is born. While many women turn to the mom ‘do for practical reasons, the shorter style may also help reduce the appearance of postpartum hair loss.

How long does hair loss last after breastfeeding?

Though it may be distressing to lose hair, postpartum hair loss is only temporary. The shedding should last less than six months. Your hair should regain its fullness by the time your child turns one.

Do breastfed babies lose their hair?

Few people ask, does breastfeeding cause hair loss? No, breastfeeding doesn’t cause hair loss. Mostly around three months after giving birth, due to a totally normal hormonal shift hair loss shows up. To control hair fall, biotin plays an important role by fulfilling the need of this nutrient to keep hair healthy.

Why do breastfeeding mothers lose hair?

The excessive shedding is caused by falling estrogen levels. The good news is that this excessive shedding is temporary, and you do not have to do anything to remedy it. Most women see their hair return to its normal fullness by their child’s first birthday.