Welcome to part one of our postpartum diaries series. Over the course of this series we will be looking at a range of issues that can affect women in the postpartum period. This period is normally talked about as beginning the moment after the birth of your child and lasting six weeks after birth. The reality is however, that many of the issues we will be highlighting are far more long lasting than that.

The first issue we are addressing is hair loss. Sadly this never seems to be the type hair loss that would involve never having to shave your legs again or deal with under arm hair or your bikini line even. Of course, this is motherhood and it was never going to be glamorous or easy.

The hair loss I’m referring to is largely from the head, eyelashes and eyebrows, none of which is welcomed.

Why does it happen?

There are lots of possible reasons for hair loss, childbirth being only one of them, but breastfeeding can also be another factor. Other potential causes could be:

• Circulatory deficiency
• Lack of nutritive elements
• Hereditary
• Incorrect diets
• Chronic illnesses
• Chemical treatments
• Stress
• Pollution
• Dandruff

Hormonal changes that we experience during pregnancy and then after birth are largely responsible for the hair loss. For some people it can seem as if you are loosing clumps of hair every day but what often happens is that you loose little to no hair during pregnancy, so when you have had your baby you are simply returning to normal, which can be up to a loss of 100 hairs a day.

What can we do about it?

• Don’t panic
• Don’t wash your hair too often – as if you have time now anyway right?
• Don’t strain your hair when brushing
• Don’t over use hairdryers or straighteners
• If you are loosing eyelashes and eyebrows take care when applying and removing make up and avoid false lashes
• Take a supplement such as Hairburst (take care if breastfeeding, always read the label)
• Use shampoos and products that help to minimize hair loss such as Foltene

Do any of these things work?

Almost 15 months after having my 4th baby my hair continues to shed. It’s a good job I’ve got quite a lot of it! Having just stopped breastfeeding I am hoping to see some change over the next few weeks and perhaps less of a need to constantly unblock the plug and sweep/vaccume up my hair. Now I have stopped breastfeeding I am able to take Hairburst. Hairburst vitamins help your hair in the following ways:

• Grows longer and stronger hair
• Nourishes hair from within
• Improves overall health
• Increases hair strength
• Improves hair elasticity
• Stops hair breakage

The Foltene products I have been using for a few weeks now:

• It normalizes and strengthens the life cycle of the hair
• Inhibits hair loss
• Nourishes and stimulates the natural growth of hair
• Restores the biological function of the scalp
• Contains a patented active ingredients plus vitamins
• Does not mix with the blood stream, so it can be used even during pregnancy

The eyelash and eyebrow treatment is thought to:

• Produce stronger, healthier and good looking eyelashes and eyebrows
• Promote the natural growth of eyelashes and eyebrows
• Have no side effects
• Can be used before applying mascara

It is recommended you use this twice a day for quicker results (in the morning before applying mascara and at night before bed).

As far as success goes, the eyelash and eyebrow treatment made a huge difference almost straightaway. I have not noticed any loss from either since using the product. The wand is great as it looks just like clear mascara and also serves to keep any stray eyebrows under control at the same time. With regards to the shampoo, I have to say that I have not noticed any considerable difference, but since beginning the supplements I feel as if the combination of both products is working much better. I am assuming this is because the hair is now being ‘treated’ from both the inside and out. Shedding in the shower has reduced and the brush is not as full as it was. In addition to this, the hair is starting to look much better.

The Hairburst natural health supplements and vitamins can be found at Boots UK stores and online at www.boots.com and www.hairburst.com. The RRP is £24.99 for one month’s supply (60 capsules).

Have you noticed much hair loss since having your children?