Hair loss after pregnancy

After giving birth
After giving birth, there is a lot you can expect: the postpartum tears, the fatigue, and of course, the wonders of motherhood. But there is something that many women do not prepare for: hair loss. You may recognize it: in the weeks and months after giving birth, you suddenly notice that your hair is falling out. You find strands on your pillow, in your brush, and sometimes even in your hands after washing.

Before you start worrying, I can reassure you: this is completely normal. It is something that almost every woman experiences, and although it can be concerning at first, it is usually temporary.

Fuller than ever
During pregnancy, your hair is often fuller than ever. The hormonal changes cause your hair to stay in the growth phase longer, resulting in thicker hair. After giving birth, the hormones change again, which means that the hairs that remained during pregnancy are now falling out. This process is called 'postpartum hair loss', and although it can be annoying, it is just a part of your body's recovery.

When?
Usually, hair loss begins somewhere between three and six months after giving birth. This can vary from woman to woman, but it is completely normal to notice that your hair seems to be thinning. The good news? It is temporary! Within a few months, your hair will regain its original thickness and volume.

What can you do?
Although there is no magical solution to stop the process, there are several things you can do to keep your hair healthy:

1. Vitamins and nutrition: Ensure a varied diet with sufficient vitamins and minerals. Vitamin B and biotin are particularly important for healthy hair growth.
2. Healthy lifestyle: In addition to good nutrition, a healthy lifestyle with enough sleep, exercise, and stress reduction can contribute to the recovery of your hair growth. Your body is busy recovering after childbirth, so everything you do to take care of yourself benefits your hair growth.
3. Hair care: Be gentle when combing your hair and try to limit hair damage by not tying your hair too tightly or styling it too often with heat. Choose a soft brush and avoid aggressive treatments.

Baby's gender?
There are many old superstitions that say hair loss varies depending on the gender of your baby. However, there is no scientific evidence that the gender of your child affects the amount of hair loss. The cause mainly lies in the hormonal changes your body undergoes after giving birth, regardless of whether you have a boy or a girl.

It is very normal to worry about hair loss. Know that it is a temporary phenomenon resulting from the enormous changes your body is going through. Give your body time to recover, and be patient. You are experiencing the greatest miracle of your life: motherhood. And remember: Hormonal hair loss will stop on its own!

How long does this last?!
In most cases, your hair will return to its normal thickness and growth within six to twelve months. For some women, hair loss may last longer, but it is usually temporary and resolves itself. Take good care of yourself, give your body time to recover, and be patient.

Recognizable?
In The New Mom Club, I help you step by step to prepare well for childbirth and the period afterwards.
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