Pregnancy, childbirth, and becoming a mom are beautiful, rewarding, and magical times. However, with everyone trying to glamorize pregnancy, sugar-coat childbirth, and postpartum body changes, it can be confusing and impossible to know what you should expect. One change, that most women experience to some degree, is postpartum hair loss. Postpartum hair loss is a term to describe the sudden shedding (sometimes even in clumps) of hair that women experience in the 6 months after they have given birth.

Why do women lose hair after giving birth?

The average person loses between 50 and 100 hairs a day. You will notice a few hairs in your hairbrush whenever you brush your hair. Also, in your shower drain after you take a shower, or on your floor or sink when you are drying or styling your ‘do. But when you’re expecting a baby, your pregnancy hormones reduce your daily hair shedding. You will notice that your hair is fuller, healthier, and more bouncy than usual. However, all of that will change once you welcome your baby.

First of all, there is no need to panic. No, you are not going bald. There is no need to order any wigs online, especially if you decide to breastfeed. The hormones that are released while breastfeeding will still help your new hair hang onto your scalp for a while longer, but you will definitely experience more hair loss than while you were pregnant. However, we have amazing news. By the time your baby turns one, your hormones should be stabilized, and most of that hair loss should be under control.

What can you do?

Treating postpartum hair loss can be tricky, especially for women who do decide to breastfeed. Minoxidil is the most common drug that dermatologists prescribe to stop hair loss, but women who are pregnant or nursing shouldn’t take it. The best thing that you could do is eat well, take your vitamins, and wait patiently. If you believe that your hair loss is concerning, and you notice bald spots on your scalp, schedule a visit to your dermatologist. Sometimes, other types of excessive hair shedding can be masked as postpartum hair loss.

Another thing that you can do is change up your hair care. Use volumizing products, like clear shampoos and light conditioners. You can also try mousses or volumizing root sprays. This won’t stop the shedding, but it will make your hair appear fuller. As we have already explained, postpartum hair loss is completely normal. While it does seem like a nightmare, it’s unlikely that you are going to lose more hair than you would’ve in those 9 months when your hair shedding was at a minimum. The best thing that you can do is wait it out, and spend the time enjoying the company of your baby.

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