Losing Hair After the Birth of My Children

Updated on September 23, 2006
S.Z. asks from Mankato, MN
3 answers

I had my second child about 4 months ago, and about 2 1/2 months after her birth, I started to lose handfuls of hair from my head. The same thing happened with my first child and I lost A LOT of hair over several months time.

I am breastfeeding and taking a prenatal vitamin daily. My first child was formula fed, (after extreme struggles with breastfeeding - but that's another story) so I don't think that's a factor.

I spoke with my OB/GYN yesterday and she said that a few of her patients have experienced the same extreme hair loss. She suggested having my Thyroid checked, but warned that every time she's ran similar tests for this, they've come back negative and that nature will have to run its course.

Has anyone else experienced something similar to this or has anyone heard of any solutions from other mothers with similar situations? I am willing to try any suggestions.

Thanks
S.

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So What Happened?

Thanks for the advice and words of encouragement; it�s helpful to know others have also been through this. I found information relating to this topic at: http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/hairloss... and elsewhere on the web. I visited a dermatologist and unfortunately, there is no clear solution for telogen effluvium or postpartum alopecia � which is what I have; a more severe case of hair loss resulting in bald spots. If I weren�t breastfeeding, my doctor suggested using Rogaine since it stops the resting hair from falling out. Also, my Estrogen levels may be too low, resulting in an increased telogen/fall out phase, but again, no treatments are available while breastfeeding. I took Melissa's advice and purchased Nioxin; it doesn't prevent hair loss or promote re-growth but it does seem to add volume and help hide those pesky bald spots!

Thanks again!
S.

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.S.

answers from Savannah on

Normal, normal normal.

When you are pregnant your body releases different hormones at different amounts causing abnormal hair retention. When you are not pregnant you lose hair daily, due to the body's natural system.

The release of extra hormones during pregnancy makes you hold onto hair that you would normally 'shed'. After you give birth these hormones normalize and you see massive hair loss.

My son is almost two and my new hairdresser immediately asked how long it had been since I had a child because I had so much new growth. (those baby annoying short hairs all around your face that stick out in all different directions!)

It can be due to thyroid, but a good doctor would also tell you this is normal. A routine check of your thyroid after birth is pretty par for the course, have it checked, but even if it is normal you will still go through the hair loss cycle it's okay, other women go through it and it will eventually stop.

There is an article about this exact issue in either this months Parents magazine or Oprah, (I cannot recall which).

Again, it's normal, so don't fret. Enjoy that baby. Your hair will start to grow back soon.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.H.

answers from Savannah on

Having two little-ones of my own I am experiencing the same problem.It has nothing to do with breast feeding because i only bottlefeed my children.It seems to have something to do with stress.There doesn't seem to be a cure hopefully it will just go away.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.H.

answers from Savannah on

Ive heard that while you are pregnant you don�t shed the hairs that you would normally shed. And after you have your child then you shed those hairs, making it seem like an incredible amount but it�s just your body returning to normal. However, I shed A LOT of hair and always have, before my children and after them. I�m in no way bald but my hair is extremely thin. I haven�t tried it yet but have heard to use Nioxin brand shampoo. You can Google it on the computer to find out more on it and where to get it. I found they do have it here in Savannah but it�s a bit spendy and I�ll buy it when I can afford to splurge on myself. Hope this helped!

-- M.

1 mom found this helpful
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