What a coincidence that I have just been writing about post-partum hair loss, called "telogen effluvium", for NMAA, so I have to reply on this one. There is a paper in NMAA Regional Information Service File (by Jenny Stuchberry in 1988), on this that explains the phenomenom, and it is *not* caused by breastfeeding. This paper suggests the mother seek a medical opinion as there are several medical causes of hair loss, including thyroid disorder and iron deficiency. If disease is ruled out, she can be reassured that it is not due to breastfeeding, but more likely to pregnancy and the stress of childbirth. It seems it is likely to be a combination of less-than-normal hair loss during pregnancy (which is why pregnant women often have such beautiful thick hair), with a resulting increase of hair loss after the baby is born, plus loss that can occur following a stressful event. Examples of these can include fever, hormonal changes or some drugs. Childbirth can be included in this. The hair loss is not immediate, but occurs about 3 to 4 months following the stressful situation. The typical pattern in new mothers is hair loss starting 2 to 4 months post-partum, and continuing for 2 to 5 months. The paper actually describes the process of hair growth and loss in general, which is quite interesting. The references given at the end of the paper are Wade TR, Wade SL & Jones HE "Skin changes and diseases associated with pregnancy" Obstetrics and Gynaecology 52(2) August 1978 Aldridge RD "Hair loss" British Medical Journal 289 13th October 1984 Joy Anderson IBCLC, NMAA Breastfeeding Counsellor Perth, Western Australia [log in to unmask]