Let's Talk About Postpartum Hair Loss and Collagen

Postpartum Hair Loss and Collagen
Today, I want to talk about something that's really important to new mothers - postpartum hair loss and its connection to collagen. It's a topic that's often overlooked, but it's a reality that many women face after giving birth.
Hair loss after childbirth
Hair loss after childbirth can be a frustrating and emotional experience for new mothers. It's like, you've just gone through this incredible journey of bringing new life into the world, and then suddenly, your hair starts falling out in clumps.
It can be really disheartening, especially when you're already dealing with the stress of caring for a newborn.
Loss of Self-confidence
Many new mothers feel like they're losing their sense of identity and self-confidence along with their hair. You know, your hair is a big part of your personal style and beauty, and when it starts falling out, it can be really overwhelming.
You may feel like you're the only one going through this, but trust me, you're not alone.
The emotional impact of postpartum hair loss can be significant, and it's essential to acknowledge it. It's not just about vanity; it's about feeling like yourself again after having a baby.
You're already dealing with so many changes, and hair loss can just add to the stress and anxiety.
What Causes Hair Loss after Pregnancy
Let's dive into the science behind postpartum hair loss. After childbirth, your hormone levels drop dramatically, which can cause your hair to enter the resting phase. This means that you may notice more hair falling out than usual, especially in the first few months after giving birth.
Collagen plays a crucial role in hair health, as it helps to strengthen your hair follicles and promote growth.
When your collagen levels are high, your hair grows stronger and faster. However, during pregnancy and postpartum, your collagen production slows down, leading to weaker hair that's more prone to breakage.
It's a vicious cycle, but understanding the science behind it can help us find ways to combat it.
Hormonal Changes
In terms of hormonal changes, estrogen and progesterone levels drop significantly after childbirth. This affects the hair growth cycle, causing your hair to enter the resting phase and eventually fall out.
The good news is that this is a temporary condition, and with the right strategies, you can promote hair growth and strengthen your hair follicles.
Try a Collagen Supplement
So, what can you do to manage postpartum hair loss and boost your collagen levels? One of the most effective strategies is to take a collagen supplement.
Collagen supplements contain amino acids that help to stimulate collagen production, promoting healthier hair, skin, and nails.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Another strategy is to eat a diet rich in collagen-boosting foods, such as vitamin C-rich fruits and leafy greens. You can also try incorporating biotin-rich foods like eggs and nuts into your diet. Biotin is essential for hair growth, and it can help to strengthen your hair follicles.
In addition to diet and supplements, there are some amazing hair care tips that can help to promote hair growth and reduce breakage. I'll be sharing more on that in my next video, so be sure to check it out.
It's a Real Condition
In summary, postpartum hair loss is a real and common condition that affects many new mothers. It's essential to understand the science behind it and to take proactive steps to promote hair growth and collagen production.
By acknowledging the emotional impact of hair loss and taking control of your hair care, you can feel like yourself again and regain your confidence.
My Experience
I've just hit the three month postpartum mark, and this is where last time, with my firstborn.. I felt like I was going bald. So, today I want to chat about postpartum hair loss and collagen.
You see, in pregnancy, my hair was luscious.
Thick, bouncy and perfect.
It added to my pregnancy glow, although I didn't realise how much I love it, until it was gone.
Let's blame the hormones. Because they have a lot to answer for when it comes to pregnancy and postpartum body changes.
And unfortunately, it does mean that postpartum all that extra hair that I didn’t lose in pregnancy came falling out in postpartum.
I expected it though. I know it was a 'thing'. But I did not realize the extent of it.
I didn't realize my hair would feel strawy.
It would look faded and brittle and, not matter how much conditioner I used, the softness and bounce was gone. And in that time, to me, it felt like it was gone forever.
So, this time around, I made a choice.
To invest in me and my hair, because I didn't want that same feeling again.
And so I did. I researched and found the best collagen (link to) and have been taking in pregnancy through the early weeks and months postpartum.
Not only is my hair feeling better, my skin and nails are feeling good too.
My hair is still falling out, but nowhere near as much as last time, and I'm not feeling defeated by those postpartum hormones.
The Worst Time for Me
Months three to four postpartum were the worst for me last time and so I'm ready. I'm conscious of the changes and I'm consistent with my self-care routine to help me get through this time.
Because this was also the time where I felt like my belly should have been smaller and I should have been feeling stronger. That was me the first time around. I'd almost go and say the 'naive me'.
The Secret Solution to Postpartum Hair Loss
Because time is my friend.
And I need to allow the time to heal.
Each and every day I feel stronger. But I can't let my ego get in the way and think 'oh I'm ready to do anything now'.
It wasn't until 5 months postpartum I felt the big shift last time, and so I'm going to be focused for the next two months on staying consistent.
My core workouts are short. I do them whilst my toddler runs around me and my baby stares up at me smiling after a feed.
Often I'm still in my Pjs, and that's okay.
As long as I get it done.
As long as I have that 8-minutes to myself, then I know I'm on track.
I don't weigh myself. I hardly take selfies. I am not looking for flaws. I am not wishing away my postpartum time with my new baby.
I am being real.
And adding the collagen into my supplement schedule has been a game changer for me, especially now in this postpartum recovery phase.
I'm writing this, because if there's a Mama out there that had no idea collagen can help in the postpartum recovery (not just the hair, but the body as a whole after birth), then I'm here to say, from my experience, it has.