Experiencing Postpartum Hair Loss?
Research indicates that about 35%-40% of women experience hair loss after childbirth, with some mothers experiencing it for over a year, which can be quite distressing.
We have compiled expert opinions to explain the causes and solutions for postpartum hair loss from a medical perspective.
Causes of Postpartum Hair Loss
Experts generally believe that hormonal changes, emotional stress, hygiene care, and diet and nutrition are the four main reasons for postpartum hair loss.
During pregnancy, estrogen levels in the body rise, making hair thicker and less prone to falling out. However, after childbirth, estrogen levels return to normal, causing hair that should have entered the resting phase to fall out.
Postpartum mothers face various stresses, and mental instability can lead to weakness and poor sleep quality. This causes blood vessels that supply nutrients to the hair to constrict, leading to hair loss.
Due to traditional beliefs, mothers may not wash or comb their hair during the "sitting the month" period (postpartum confinement), which can lead to hair follicle inflammation or scalp infections, increasing the likelihood of hair loss.
To quickly regain their figure, mothers may diet after childbirth, leading to a lack of nutrients such as protein, iron, minerals, and vitamin E, which affects hair growth and metabolism.
Nutritional imbalance is the most common of the above four reasons, but also the hardest for mothers to manage. You may consider the following advice from experienced practitioners.
Focus on Nutrition to Improve Postpartum Hair Loss
We can prevent hair loss and accelerate hair health recovery by changing lifestyle and eating habits. Protein, iron, minerals, and vitamin E are four easily accessible and beneficial nutrients for hair.
Protein
Protein is the most important nutrient for hair. It is also particularly crucial during breastfeeding. Mothers are advised to consume more protein-rich foods in their daily diet. Foods rich in high-quality protein include bird's nest, dairy products, soy products, and fish.
Iodine
Sufficient iodine enhances thyroid function, aiding cell renewal and producing melanin for hair. Iodine promotes hair growth and gives hair a healthy shine. Here are excellent sources of iodine: kelp, sesame, seaweed, oysters, and blood bird's nest.
Iron
Mothers lose iron after childbirth, which can lead to anemia and hair loss. In addition to iron supplements, it is recommended to eat more iron-rich foods such as blood bird's nest, meat, soy products, almonds, and grapes.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E promotes blood circulation and hair development, preventing and alleviating postpartum hair loss. Here are excellent sources of vitamin E: black sesame, nuts, cabbage, fresh lettuce, and bird's nest.
Blood Bird's Nest for Hair Loss Prevention
As mentioned above, blood bird's nest is rich in high-quality protein, minerals (iron, iodine, calcium, phosphorus, etc.), and various vitamins, making it a perfect food for addressing postpartum hair loss. Its sialic acid also aids in infant brain development. It provides the most comprehensive and high-quality nutrition for you and your child, both before and after childbirth.
Blood bird's nest is a type of cave bird's nest, characterized by its red color. Many people mistakenly believe that the red color of blood bird's nest comes from the swiftlet's blood. However, it is actually due to minerals seeping into the nest within the swiftlet's cave and oxidizing over time to turn red. Blood bird's nest is more nourishing than ordinary bird's nest and is highly prized due to its extreme scarcity.
Lo Hong Ka Instant Rock Sugar Blood Bird's Nest, $368/6 bottles