Are you finding more hair in your brush, the drain, or on your baby's clothes than usual? Hair loss during breastfeeding can feel overwhelming, especially at a time when your body has already changed so much. You are not alone, and for most, it is a temporary part of the postpartum period.

Is hair loss during breastfeeding normal?

Yes, many people experience noticeable hair loss in the months after childbirth. This is often called postpartum hair loss and is primarily due to the hormonal changes that occur once pregnancy ends. During pregnancy, more hair strands remain in the growth phase for longer, which can make hair feel fuller. After childbirth, hormone levels drop, and the hair that the body has held onto simultaneously enters the shedding phase.

It can look dramatic, but it is usually a natural regulation of the hair's growth cycle. Breastfeeding is typically not the direct cause of the hair loss. However, it's completely understandable if you connect the two, as hair loss often appears precisely during the period you are breastfeeding.

When does hair typically start to fall out?

Postpartum hair loss often begins a few months after you have given birth. Some notice it as a more diffuse thinning, while others primarily see small hairs around the temples or along the hairline. For many, the shedding gradually subsides, and the hair regains its normal fullness within the baby's first year of life.

The process is individual. Lack of sleep, a fast pace, and the significant adjustment to life with a baby can also make you feel more affected by it. Dear, try to approach your body with a little patience. It is still undergoing a great deal of work.

What can you do yourself about postpartum hair loss?

You cannot always stop hormonal shedding, but you can gently care for your hair and scalp while your body regains its balance.

• Eat regularly and variedly to get enough energy and nutrients for both yourself and breastfeeding.
• Choose gentle hair care and avoid very tight hairstyles that pull on the hair.
• Brush your hair gently, especially when wet, as it breaks more easily then.
• Give yourself small breaks when you can. Rest alone won't solve hair loss, but self-care is important during a demanding time.

 

It can be tempting to buy supplements or products that promise rapid hair growth. But when you are breastfeeding, it's a good idea to talk to a doctor or pharmacist before starting new supplements or treatments. More is not always better, and the most important thing is to find a solution that is safely suited for you and your baby.

Can breastfeeding lead to vitamin deficiency and thus hair loss?

Breastfeeding places demands on the body, so it's important that you get enough food and fluids throughout the day. However, postpartum hair loss is most often due to hormonal changes and not because breastfeeding itself depletes the body of vitamins.

If you have experienced significant blood loss during childbirth, eat a very monotonous diet, have lost weight rapidly, or feel unusually tired, it may be relevant to talk to your doctor. Together, you can assess whether there is a need to investigate, for example, iron status or other conditions.

When should you see a doctor?

Normal postpartum hair loss is typically evenly distributed over the head and improves over time. But you deserve to be taken seriously if something feels different or worries you.

• You get distinct, localized bald patches in your hair.
• You have itching, pain, sores, redness, or dandruff on your scalp.
• Hair loss is very severe or continues without improvement long after childbirth.
• You experience other symptoms such as extreme fatigue, palpitations, dizziness, or changes in weight and well-being.

 

Contact a doctor or public health nurse if in doubt. It can be reassuring to have it assessed whether the hair loss aligns with the normal postpartum period, or if something else needs to be investigated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it breastfeeding that makes my hair fall out?

Breastfeeding is usually not the direct cause. Hair loss is most often associated with the hormonal changes that occur after pregnancy and childbirth.

How long does postpartum hair loss last?

For many, the shedding is temporary and gradually subsides. Hair fullness often returns within the baby's first year of life, but this varies from person to person.

Can I stop breastfeeding to reduce hair loss?

Hair loss alone is generally not a reason to stop breastfeeding. Talk to a healthcare professional if hair loss is a significant concern or if you are unsure of the cause.

Do hair vitamins help against hair loss during breastfeeding?

Hair vitamins are not necessarily the solution for hormonal postpartum hair loss. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before taking new supplements while breastfeeding.

It can be vulnerable to see yourself change, even when the change is temporary. Be gentle with yourself and remember that you are not alone in this.