Causes of Hair Loss in Nursing Mothers

Some breastfeeding mothers complain about natural hair loss when they start giving exclusive breast milk to their babies. This loss can occur little or very much to cause concern. Actually, what causes hair loss when breastfeeding?

Not a few breastfeeding mothers who blame breastfeeding as the main cause of their hair loss. Some of them even have doubts about breastfeeding or not. In fact, there is no accurate evidence related to breastfeeding as the main cause of hair loss after giving birth.

This Causes Hair Loss When Breastfeeding

When pregnant, changes not only occur in the body, but also in hormones. Some hormones increase during pregnancy. These hormones include estrogen, progesterone, oxytocin, and prolactin.

In addition, blood volume and circulation in the body also increase during pregnancy. These hormonal changes and blood circulation can make your hair thicker and stronger during pregnancy.

However, after the baby is born, estrogen and progesterone levels have decreased. Blood volume also gradually decreases and returns to normal a few weeks after giving birth. Well, this change causes hair loss.

In the medical world, hair loss during breastfeeding is known as postpartum hair loss or postpartum loss. That is, breastfeeding or not, most mothers who have just given birth will experience hair loss. This is a normal condition and nothing to worry about.

So, breastfeeding has nothing to do with the hair loss that you experience, yes. Breastfeeding your child directly benefits you. One of them is to help the body recover faster after giving birth.

How to Overcome Hair Loss When Breastfeeding

Actually, there is no sure cure for hair loss after childbirth. You can only be patient while you wait for your hormone levels to stabilize. Generally, hair loss will continue until your baby is 1 year old.

If indeed your hair looks thinner, you can change your hairstyle to make it look more volume or use shampoo and conditioner that can increase hair volume. Also, treat your hair more carefully. Comb your hair gently and avoid drying your hair roughly using a towel.

You are also encouraged to eat nutritious foods, such as fruits and green leafy vegetables that are rich in vitamins and minerals, and eggs and fish that are rich in healthy fat and protein. These foods are often recommended for people who want to keep their hair healthy.

If necessary, you can also continue taking prenatal vitamins after giving birth, you know, especially if you are breastfeeding. This vitamin can be useful to meet your daily vitamin needs which are still quite high while breastfeeding.

In some cases, hair loss during breastfeeding can also be caused by health problems, such as anemia due to iron deficiency. So, if the hair loss that you experience when breastfeeding is felt to be excessive or even causing baldness, you can consult with your doctor to do the examination and get the right treatment.

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