Should You Worry About Postpartum Hair Loss?

Postpartum hair loss should not give you sleepless nights, because almost every new mother goes through it to some extent. It is a temporary hair loss phase that will stop within a year after giving birth. The problem starts showing around three months after delivery and hair loss at this time can be dramatic.

Why does postpartum hair loss occur?

There is a connection between hormones and hair loss that can explain why postpartum hair loss happens in women. It is however not related to breastfeeding. Hormonal changes when you are pregnant are seen to be beneficial for hair and stimulate hair growth. This is why during pregnancy; women usually have a thicker mane. But when the baby comes, there are further hormonal changes accompanying the birth process. So, many more hairs enter the resting phase now and since this phase is typically followed by a phase of hair shedding, the new mother will experience sudden hair loss.

Steps to take to stop postpartum hair loss:

It may not be possible to stop hair loss immediately because the hair loss happens due to change in hormones. At the same time, there are some easy-fixes for you:

• As mentioned, a healthy diet is the easiest way to speed up recovery and prevent further hair loss.
• Nutritional supplements can promote hair re-growth. Vitamins C and E, iron and zinc are recommended as supplements.
• You should reduce stress because this will help you regulate hormonal imbalances.
• Practice relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises.
• A change in hairstyle, preferably cutting the hair short, may be not only convenient for you to maintain at this time when you have a baby to take care of, but it is also perfect for reducing appearance of hair loss. 
• You can consider modifying your hair care regimen by choosing special hair shampoos fortified with silica and biotin, and a deep-moisturizing conditioner. Your tresses can also benefit from specialty products like hair masks and scalp sprays suggested by dermatologists.