Just to add to this, it's typical to lose about 100 hairs a day during
normal cycles. During pregnancy, a mom might lose 5-10 hairs a day (this is
an approximation), which is why hair seems so much thicker and lusher during
pregnancy. Once those hormones reset, she could lose as much as 100 hairs
for EACH DAY she was pregnant in a very short period of time. So, fistfuls
of hair loss is normal. Even small bald patches, typically around the
hairline, would be normal. Larger than that, and she's moved into alopecia
ariata, and there are a multitude of reasons for that. None of them would be
due to breastfeeding.
I second the endocrinologist recommendation, if the mother is not put at
ease by hearing that most women experience this to some degree.
Caroline Cameron
LLL Leader, and licensed (but resting) cosmetologist since 1990
-----Original Message-----
From: Lactation Information and Discussion
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Catherine Watson Genna,
IBCLC
Sent: Thursday, January 04, 2007 5:24 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Hair loss
Doesn't everyone lose hair after the first few weeks or months postpartum?
During pregnancy, hair synchronizes in the resting phase, and hair that
would ordinarily be shed stops falling out. When the hormones reset after
the birth (and for bf moms this can be a more gradual process) the hair
shedding cycle resumes. For women with long hair, it can look like a
tremendous amount of hair is being lost when it is in fact normal.
If mom is losing enough hair to be causes bald patches, she deserves a
workup by a good endocrinologist. Breastfeeding has nothing to do with that.
Catherine Watson Genna, IBCLC NYC
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