I had a baby 3 months ago and my hair is falling out like crazy, what can I do?

Question

My hair has been falling out like crazy since my daughter was 2 months old. In one week she will be 4 months old and my hair is still falling out by the handfuls. I've been told that this is normal because it is all the hair that I built up during pregnancy, but this is a huge amount and it's been going on for awhile. I've always had a lot of hair, but I fear that if this goes on much longer I'm going to need a wig. I'm also tired of having hair everywhere, in my daughters toes and fingers, all over the bed, all over everywhere. I'm taking my prenatal, is this maybe not enough? Is she taking all the vitamins out of my body when she breastfeeds and it's effecting my hair? Thank you for your advice

Answer 1

Question: Why is my hair falling out now that I've given birth?

Answer: All new moms experience hair loss, though some lose more than others.

Here's why it happens. During pregnancy, changes in your hormone levels cause your hair to stay in a resting phase for longer, so you lose less hair on a daily basis. (You may have noticed that your hair seemed thicker than usual.)

After you've given birth and your hormones have settled down — usually at about 12 weeks after delivery — more hair shifts into a shedding phase. You may be alarmed to find hair coming out by the handful.

Normally, you lose about 100 to 125 hairs a day, but after delivery, you may be losing about 500 a day. This can be very disturbing, but try not to worry too much — you won't go bald!

There's little you can do about the shedding, other than to be patient. The shedding tends to be most noticeable when you're shampooing or brushing your hair, so you may find that shampooing less frequently or letting your hair dry naturally instead of brushing and blow-drying helps slow the loss.

On the other hand, it's going to fall out at some point, and you might prefer that it happen in private. Regular washing and brushing may help you avoid leaving a trail of shedding hair behind you all day. Try using a thickening shampoo if you feel your locks are getting too thin.

You may notice fine "baby" hair growing along your hairline at the top of your forehead once the shedding phase has ended. Having bangs can do a lot to camouflage this wispy new growth while it's growing out.

Within another six months or so, your hair should be back to its normal pre-pregnancy thickness, but you may find that the texture of your hair is never exactly the same. It may be wavier or straighter or more dry or oily than it was before pregnancy. This is probably due to the hormonal upheaval you've just been through.

If the hair loss doesn't seem to be slowing and you're still losing lots of hair six or so months after delivery, check in with a dermatologist or your healthcare provider. It may be a sign that you're low on iron, which is not entirely uncommon for new moms.

Answer 2

Mine did the same thing, although it started a little later than yours. My friend had her hair fall out really badly, to the point that her hairline looked like it was receeding! Then when it grows back, you have the little baby hairs that stick straight up! UGH!!! It's totally normal, although I know it looks like ALL your hair is falling out. Try not to stress. For me, I tried to find different ways of wearing my hair that were less obvious. I don't believe it has anything to do with vitamins or breastfeeding though. My understanding is that your hair normally cycles between growth stages and 'shedding' stages. While you're pregnant, because of the hormones, it is in a constant growth stage (hence, your hair is generally more healthy and lush looking while you're preggers). Then, as the hormone levels drop after the birth, all that hair starts to come out again. I still occasionally get mit-fulls in the shower and my son is almost 13 months. It's just another one of those annoying things that goes along with having babies. They're worth it though... you'll get back to normal soon!!!

Answer 3

Have you asked your Dr about it? Maybe he could help. As for what I think? My hair falls out a lot too, and I was pregnant twice. I have been taking prenatal vitamins forever since then, and they haven't helped. So I have switched shampoos and quit wearing my hair up, and that helped a lot. Also be careful when you brush your hair. There are also hair treatments that look like small vitamins that you break open and put in your hair to put vitamins back in your hair. Maybe that will help.

Answer 4

The most liekly thing is that she IS taking a lot of vitamins from your body. Also, the stress of taking care of a new baby could be causing it too. Im not sure how much is normal though. You seem pretty worried, so the best thing would be to talk to your doctor. Good luck and congrats on the baby! Im 23 weeks along myself = )

Answer 5

It took me almost 6 months before my hair stopped falling out so much. Its just one of those things that happen after you have your baby. Your hormone levels are trying to return to normal and its gonna cause just as many changes as is it did while you were pregnant. Remember how full, thick and shiny your hair got while you were pregnant? You don't get to keep it. lol Keep taking your vitamins, that'll help a little. An extra folic acid on top of your usual multi-vitamin wouldn't hurt either.

Answer 6

it is normal to lose hair after pregancy. just make sure you are eating healthy and take vitamins. You may find that your hair and some other things will never go back to the way they were pre baby. That is just the way it is. My shoe size went from a 7 1/2 to a 9 and never went back. WEIRD.
Enjoy your baby. They are the best.

Answer 7

The most common period of hair loss occurs approximately three months after delivery. The rise in hormones during pregnancy keeps you from losing your hair. After delivery, the hormones return to normal levels, which allows the hair to fall out and return to the normal cycle. The normal hair loss that was delayed during pregnancy may fall out all at once.

Up to 60% of your hair that is in the growth state may enter into the telogen resting state. The hair loss usually peaks 3-4 months after delivery as your hair follicles rejuvenate themselves. As noted before, this hair loss is temporary and hair loss returns to normal within six to twelve months.


Recommendations:
- * Supplement your diet with the following nutrients:
o Vitamin B complex (Catergory A)
o Biotin (Possibly safe; orally and appropriately)
o Vitamin C (Catergory A)
o Vitamin E ( Likely safe if amount does not exceed the RDA; possibly safe if it does)
o Zinc (Likely safe when used orally and appropriately; likely unsafe when used orally in high doses)

-Hair is fragile when it is wet, so be gentle; avoid fine tooth combs
-Use shampoos and conditioners that contain biotin and silica
-Eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables, which contain flavonoids and antioxidants that may provide protection for the hair follicles and encourage hair growth
-Avoid pigtails, cornrows, hair weaves, braids and tight hair rollers which can pull and stress your hair
-Consult with your health care provider to ensure a proper balance of hormones


goodluck ! :)
Say hi 2 ur Baby :D

Answer 8

when your pregnant your body grows things - hair/nails out of control - when you have the baby you no longer have those hormones - - keep taking the vitamins and try to get a few extra calories a day (like ensure or boost or even pediasure btwn meals) - no worries - wait a few more months till your body can regulate your hormones then you can tell for sure if you're truly losing hair or if its just the extra hair you had that you are losing.

Answer 9

It is a hormone change in your body that is making your hair fall out. I had 3 kids and each time it happened to me. It will grow back soon. It took about 6 months for mine to grow back. Don't worry..

Answer 10

I will tell you that i have gone through this 5 times. My hairloss usually occures when I recently delievered a child or when I stopped nursing. It is your hormones going crazey. Don't worry you will not lose it all. My hair has actually became thicker and fuller from my episodes.

Good Luck!!!