The most frequent inquiries today on social media and in women’s groups are – Is postpartum hair loss normal? or Why hair fall after delivery? or What are the reason for hair fall in women? Dear new Moms, don’t panic! Every mother anticipates meeting her child for the first time, but there is one thing that she might not anticipate: the loss of her thick, glossy hair. Hair loss during childbirth is completely normal and not true hair loss. With the right nutrition and lifestyle you can overcome this. Read to know more!!

Postpartum hair loss, also known as “Postpartum Shedding” refers to the excessive temporary hair loss after pregnancy. In medical terms, it is referred to as “Telogen Effluvium” or “Postpartum Alopecia”. Many new moms observe a noticeable rate of hair loss at a peak after pregnancy in the first two to six months. The answer to why hair fall after delivery might not be due to the stress of having a newborn. This effect of pregnancy after childbirth is a result of the hormonal changes in the body, being precise the falling of the estrogenic levels.

Some women might have this condition during one pregnancy but not the next, or they might not even have it. As previously stated, hair loss is just temporary. By the child’s first birthday, the majority of mothers regain their regular hair growth. If the cause of hair loss is unknown and the hair loss continues even after a year, then another factor may be at play.

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WHY HAIR FALL AFTER DELIVERY?

Hormonal changes are the predominant answer for why hair fall after delivery. Your thick, healthy, long, and vivid hair is shed as a result of the severe hormonal changes that occur during and after pregnancy. You are more likely to take vitamin supplements, your blood volume rises, and your levels of hormones including oxytocin, prolactin, gonadotropin, and oestrogen rise during pregnancy. This contributes significantly to the general growth of your body as well as your hair. The body’s increased oestrogen levels instruct the follicles to begin the developing phase of the hair cycle.

However, these hormone levels fall and then rise to their pre-pregnancy levels right after childbirth. Because they cause the hair follicles to enter the resting phase of the hair cycle, oestrogen and progesterone play a crucial role in postpartum hair loss. Less hair grows during the resting phase, and after around 100 days they start to shed. Hair growth is also hampered by postpartum stress, the menstrual cycle, lack of sleep, and the necessity to care for the newborn. One of the causes of why hair fall after delivery might also be poor nutrition or improper food intake.

Also, check Reasons for hair fall after delivery: Postpartum changes

HOW TO REDUCE HAIR FALL IN WOMEN?

Though it’s unlikely that postpartum hair fall in woman may be completely prevented, you can strive to lessen the falls. There are numerous ways and remedies to prevent and control hair loss:

MAINTAINING A BALANCED DIET:

The body’s demand for energy after childbirth increases. Nutritional imbalance in the body shuttles energy to the major organs like brain, lungs, liver and heart keeping away from the secondary functions such as hair growth. In order to avoid this, a healthy diet including plenty of protein and iron, fruits, dark leafy vegetables, potatoes, carrots, nuts and seeds is essential. (Easy ways to get balanced diet)

MAINTAINING HAIR HEALTH:

When the follicles are in the resting phase of the hair cycle, they tend to dislodge easily. Therefore, taking care of your hair is advisable. Go for the shampoos and conditioners. Those are gentle cleansers and add volume to your hair. Some enriched shampoos with keratin and baobab can also help. Avoid rough brushing and drying of the hair. Make sure you don’t style your hair in a way that the follicles are stretched. A good styled hair cut works here.

CHANGE YOUR LIFESTYLE:

Stress causes depression in the postpartum period. Avoid stress! Cortisol, a stress hormone, can have an undesirable effect on the hair cycle. A good, but gentle exercise practice such as yoga, meditation can help to reduce the stress levels.

Also, check, 6 Smart ways for postpartum weight loss

NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT:

Obviously, a nutritional supplement should never be a substitute for a diet, especially when you are a mother. These supplements such as iron, calcium, vitamin B, vitamin C must be prescribed by your doctor for your overall health. This will help your body to get the adequate amount of nutrients along with the diet and will help to minimise postpartum hair losses. (Nutrition for kids)

OIL MASSAGE:

The benefits of hair massage for postpartum hair loss is amazing. It increases blood circulation, reduces hair fall and promotes hair growth. Moreover, it keeps you relaxed. Massage gently with lukewarm oil. Coconut oil is best suited but some medicated oil such as rosemary oil, arnica oil may be beneficial.

Also, check Tips on fast hair growth: 9 extremely effective hair oils

FOODS THAT HELP TO REDUCE POSTPARTUM HAIR FALL IN WOMAN 

1. PEANUTS: 

Peanuts are high in protein. As we know, protein is key to building tissues required by every organ of the body, repairing and maintaining body cells, hormones and supplying energy. Calcium, Manganese, Magnesium, Phosphorus and Protein in peanuts together work on making the bones strong, which is very important for females especially after delivery. It contains high amounts of Vitamin B2 and B3, which is vital in maintaining the body’s energy supply.

Also, check Natural ways of Hair fall control after delivery

2. ALMONDS: 

Almonds carry a wide variety of healthy nutrients which promotes your mood and nourishment to the body and hair. They are considered to be a quick source of energy. Moreover, they contain healthy fats, protein and fibres. High in calcium, magnesium, omega 3, copper, and antioxidants, almonds help to improve digestion, immunity, blood circulation, bone health, hair health and brain health.

3. CASHEWNUT: 

Cashew nuts are a rich source of copper that helps eliminate free radicals from the body. Also good for hair, helping it remain bright and strong. In addition, copper also is an essential part of many enzymes that help provide colour to the hair.  It has a high level of dietary fibre and high energy density, which helps in weight management too.

Also, check Cashews: 6 reasons to feed your child everyday

4. HAZELNUTS: 

The rich source of dietary fibre, folate, and manganese make for a power-packed food item. They are an excellent source of Vitamin E and phenolic compounds which help in decreasing inflammation and blood cholesterol.

5. SEEDS: 

Seeds, on the other hand, have a great amount of calcium, magnesium, omega 3, copper, and antioxidants in it. Overall, this category of foods is important to improve digestion, immunity, blood circulation, bone health and brain health.

Also, check Soaking and sprouting of the seeds: 8 Proven benefits

 6. MORINGA:

Drumstick tree leaves or moringa are highly recommended to mothers after their delivery. These leaves are one of the healthiest diet foods as it is an excellent source of protein, vitamin B, vitamin C, iron, vitamin A, magnesium and fibre. It helps in boosting moods, helps skin and hair, reduces constipation, and improves bone health and eye health. Additionally, it affects increasing breast milk. Though it’s better to eat fresh moringa leaves, soaking moringa powder in water and drinking it can help ensure that nutrients are absorbed more effectively.

Also, check 6 Science based benefits of Moringa

7. AMLA:

Amla is a storehouse of antioxidants. It is one of the richest sources of vitamin C, which is known to boost immunity. Amla has antibacterial and astringent properties that boost immunity. It has detoxifying qualities which help to reduce cholesterol levels. In addition, it has anti-inflammatory properties which remove free radicals and help to restore hormonal balance in the body.

Also, check Reason for hair fall and remedies to treat it

8. ASHWAGANDHA:

As an antioxidant, boosting immunity is one of the most popular benefits of Ashwagandha. The root activates and increases the levels of enzymes and macrophages, a type of white blood cell that kills bad viruses and bacteria. It also promotes the development of antibodies, which is a major factor in improving the body’s response to a health-threatening infection.

Also, check Health benefits of Ashwagandha for kids and teenagers

9. SHATAVARI:

Shatavari is an Ayurvedic herb containing multifold health benefits for women. It contains vitamins A, B1, B2, C, E, calcium, magnesium, and folic acid. Flavonoids in it help regulate cellular activity and fight off free radicals that are the primary cause of oxidative stress. Shatavari also helps in balancing the hormones and thereby prevents PCOS. Shatavari actively boosts collagen production in your body, diminishing wrinkles, fine lines and promoting healthy hair growth.

Also, check Hormonal hair fall: Foods that help

10. BIOTIN:

Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin that’s a part of the vitamin B family. It’s also known as vitamin B7. Your body needs biotin to help convert certain nutrients into energy. It also plays an important role in the health of your hair, skin, and nails.

11. JOWAR: 

Jowar flour is a great source of protein, unsaturated fats and dietary fibre, packed with B Vitamins, and minerals like iron, magnesium, calcium, zinc, potassium and phosphorus.  It also contains antioxidants. The high dietary fibre content eases digestion and improves appetite.  It also strengthens the bones and teeth.

Also, check Alopecia Areata: 10 remedies and foods that help

12. VITAMIN D:

Vitamin D helps the body to absorb calcium and works with it to build strong bones. It moves calcium from the intestine to the bloodstream and into the bones. Very low vitamin D can lead to soft bones and also increase the risk of bone fracture.

13. VITAMIN B12:

Also known as Cobalamin is important for the production of blood cells and to sustain healthy nerve cells in the body. Vegetarians and vegans may not obtain enough vitamin B12 in their meals and may need to take a B12 supplement. Vitamin B12 shortage can lead to several symptoms including weakness, exhaustion, constipation, a decreased appetite, and weight. Failure to meet the minimum requirements can also have negative effects on the nervous system and can lead to mental illnesses such as confusion, depression and dementia.

Also, check 9 Tricks to deal with postpartum depression

15. FOLIC ACID:

Vitamin B9, also known as folic acid or folate, is an essential component for the growth and development of the human body. Folate aids in the formation of DNA and RNA, as well as protein metabolism. Dietary folate is also necessary for the production of healthy red blood cells. And it is especially important in times of fast growth, such as during pregnancy and the development of the foetus.

16. VITAMIN C: 

Our body does not produce vitamin C and hence it becomes necessary to consume it through foods. Vitamin C helps heal the wound as it repairs body tissues. It also helps in the absorption of iron in the body. Vitamin C helps build up your immune system by increasing the production of white blood cells, which fights infections. 

17. ALOE VERA:

The Aloe Vera plant is water-dense. It is the best way to detox your body. This plant keeps the body hydrated and provides a way to flush out impurities. It is a rich source of antioxidants, which helps fight free radicals and lowers oxidative stress on your body. Aloe Vera is proven to clean toxins from the liver. It also decreases irritation in the stomach and intestine.

Also, check Foods and remedies to treat Grey hair in kids

18. SUNFLOWER LECITHIN:

Lecithin is a mixture of fats that are essential to cells in the human body. Sunflower lecithin is made by dehydrating a sunflower. Lecithin is essential to your body. Sunflower lecithin is rich in choline and other essential fatty acids such as phosphatidylinositol. It has been shown to help with acne and improve liver function. Also improves cholesterol levels, arthritis, and high blood pressure.

19. ANTIOXIDANT: 

Antioxidants are compounds produced in your body or naturally found in some foods that scavenge or neutralise the effects of cell damage by potentially harmful molecules known as free radicals. Eating a diet rich in antioxidants or antioxidant-rich foods helps to fight oxidative stress and reduce the risk of many chronic diseases.  

20. RICE BRAN OIL:

Rice bran oil is extracted from rice bran, the outer layer of the rice grain. It is a good source of unsaturated fat; vitamin E and vitamin K. Rice bran oil helps in lowering cholesterol and blood pressure and also manages blood sugar. It also enhances your immune system and promotes skin health.

Also, check Stop hair fall after delivery with these 20 superfoods

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