So post partum is not all about the amazing cuddles and sweet baby smells. It also comes with its fair share of troubles. Hairloss being one of the most common. Remember that thick gorgeous hair you had during pregnancy? Get ready to say goodbye to it.
Post partum hair loss is for real! I know some mamma’s that don’t really ever experience it but I know I definitely have. It is crazy how much hair falls out. My hair loss started typically 3 to 6 months post partum and it is still on going 2+ years where my scalp will get baby hair back and then lose it again in phases.
For first time mamma’s be prepared. Be prepared to be washing your hair and clumps of hair wash out with your shampoo. I remember the first time it happened it was as if I just pulled out half my hair in my fist. Literally half my hair – I couldn’t believe it! Be prepared to be brushing your hair and clumps come out in your brush. Be prepared for whatever hair you may have left on your head, your baby will find a way to pull on it if it isn’t already coming out on its own.
Why does this happen? It’s an imbalance between your estrogen and progesterone hormones. During your pregnancy your body is experiencing high levels of estrogen and progesterone. Then comes post pregnancy where your hormones decrease significantly in order to normalize. This in fact is quite normal as you really didn’t experience much hairloss during the 9 months earlier and now it’s just time for fate to catch up. BOOM – hair fall.
What can you do to minimize it? Vitamin D, vitamin B, iron, zinc are some supplements that you can take to help your hormones return back to their regular state. Biotin and collagen can also help with stimulating hair growth.
For those that have not heard of collagen powder it’s a supplement that is normally obtained from animals. For those that are against animal products there are marine collagen options. I am not a coffee or tea person so I usually mix it with some hot chocolate or in soups. You could easily put a scoop into your coffee or tea if you use the unflavored kind. I found that this does help with hair growth but remember it won’t just help grow the hair on your head – wink wink.
Ask your partner for a head massage using some coconut and lavender oil. It will help you distress and also stimulate your scalp to assist with hair growth and prevent more hair from falling out.
Let’s be honest about hairloss. Let’s love our bodies for all the changes they go through as women and moms but also understand that we want to look our best and will take all the tips and tricks to do that.
I know that a little hair loss isn’t going to matter in the long run as it will come back once my hormones get back in balance and I’m done my nursing journey but for now it is what it is.
xo, Zarine
