You’re caring for your baby, figuring out feeding routines, and maybe even adjusting to less sleep—and out of nowhere, you notice your hair is falling out more than usual. You find strands on your pillow, in the shower, wrapped around your fingers. It’s jarring, and it’s one more thing to worry about. But here’s the truth: hair loss while breastfeeding is a common part of postpartum recovery, and in most cases, it’s completely normal.
In this guide, we’ll walk through what’s really going on with your hair, what’s typical, and what you can do to support healthy regrowth.
Is Hair Loss While Breastfeeding Normal?
Yes. If your hair is shedding more than usual after having your baby, you’re not imagining it—and you’re definitely not alone. Most moms experience some degree of hair thinning or shedding after childbirth, usually peaking a few months postpartum. It’s a result of a natural process called “telogen effluvium,” which is just a fancy way of saying that a lot of your hair is shifting from its growth phase to its shedding phase all at once.
During pregnancy, high estrogen levels keep your hair in the growth phase longer. That’s why many moms notice fuller, thicker hair while pregnant. After you give birth, estrogen levels drop, and that backlog of hair starts to shed. This shedding tends to begin around 2–4 months postpartum, peaks around month 5, and typically slows down by your baby’s first birthday.
Hair loss after pregnancy happens whether you breastfeed or not. The timing may overlap with breastfeeding, but nursing isn’t the root cause. If you’re losing hair and thinking it’s breastfeeding that’s doing it, let us put your mind at ease—it’s not. You’re just returning to your pre-pregnancy hair cycle.
What Causes Postpartum Hair Loss?
Hormone Changes
After delivery, your estrogen levels take a sharp dip. This triggers a shift in your hair cycle, sending more strands into the shedding phase all at once.
Nutritional Depletion
Your body’s nutrient stores are stretched thin during pregnancy—and even more so if you’re breastfeeding. Key nutrients like iron, zinc, biotin, and vitamin D support healthy hair growth, and if you’re low on any of these, it can show up in your hair.
Extended Breastfeeding
While breastfeeding doesn’t directly cause hair loss, studies have found that moms who breastfeed longer may experience more prolonged shedding. One study out of Tokyo found that women who breastfed for longer durations tended to report extended postpartum hair loss.
Stress and Lack of Sleep
Let’s be real—those first months are intense. Physical stress from childbirth, emotional ups and downs, and sleep deprivation can all impact your body, including your hair.
Does Breastfeeding Cause Hair Loss?
This is a big one, and the answer might surprise you: breastfeeding doesn’t directly cause hair loss. But it can make the shedding feel more noticeable or last longer for some moms.
That’s because breastfeeding increases your body’s nutritional demands. If you’re not getting enough of the right nutrients—or if you’re running on fumes—it can tip the balance and keep your hair from rebounding as quickly. It’s also easy to confuse the timing. Postpartum hair loss usually starts when many moms are still breastfeeding, so it’s understandable that the two feel linked.
Bottom line: breastfeeding is not the cause, but it can influence how long the shedding lasts.
One more note: weaning from breastfeeding can also cause a secondary shift in hormones, which might trigger another temporary round of hair shedding. Again, this should level out in a few months.
How To Manage Hair Loss While Breastfeeding
You can’t stop the hormonal shift—but there are ways to support your body (and your hair) through the process:
- Eat Nutrient-Rich Foods: Focus on foods that replenish iron (like leafy greens, red meat, lentils), zinc (pumpkin seeds, beans), and protein (eggs, fish, yogurt). If you’re struggling to eat balanced meals, ask your doctor about postnatal vitamins. Keep taking them after birth, especially while breastfeeding.
- Be Gentle With Your Hair: Skip tight ponytails, heat styling, or heavy products. Opt for loose styles, minimal brushing, and wide-tooth combs. Avoid brushing while your hair is wet, as it’s more fragile then. Consider a shorter haircut to make maintenance easier and reduce breakage.
- Avoid Chemical Treatments: Bleaching, perming, or frequent dye jobs can stress already vulnerable hair. Give your hair a break while it recovers.
- Try a Deep Conditioner or Treatment Mask: Invest in a good-quality shampoo and conditioner. A nourishing treatment once a week can help improve texture and reduce breakage.
- Manage Stress Where You Can: You’re doing so much already. Even 10 minutes of quiet time, stretching, or a walk with the stroller can help lower cortisol levels.
- Sleep (When Possible): We know—easier said than done. But even short naps can make a difference.
- Track the Timeline: Shedding that starts a couple months after birth and tapers by around 12 months is typical. If you notice new bald spots or if the shedding is still heavy past the one-year mark, it’s worth checking in with your doctor.
When To Talk To Your Doctor
If your hair loss is still going strong past your baby’s first birthday—or if it’s coming out in patches, clumps, or paired with other symptoms like fatigue or weight changes—it’s time to get it checked out. Persistent or severe hair loss could point to issues like:
- Thyroid Imbalances (common postpartum)
- Iron Deficiency Anemia
- Alopecia Areata (an autoimmune condition)
Your healthcare provider can run simple tests and help rule out any underlying problems. And if treatment is needed, they’ll guide you toward safe hair loss options that won’t interfere with breastfeeding.
Final Thoughts
Your body has been through a lot, and it’s finding its way back to balance. Focus on what you can control: nourish yourself, be gentle with your hair, and remember that this season—like so many in motherhood—is temporary.
You’re not alone. And no, you’re not the only one clogging the shower drain. Promise.
References
- Postpartum Hair Loss: Causes, Treatment & What to Expect — Cleveland Clinic (2022-06-13). Overview of why postpartum hair loss happens, what’s normal, how long it lasts, and when to seek medical advice.
- Hair Loss in New Moms: Dermatologist Tips — American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Evidence-based hair care recommendations for postpartum women from board-certified dermatologists.
- Investigation of Exacerbating Factors for Postpartum Hair Loss — Tokyo Medical and Dental University, PMC (2023). Peer-reviewed study linking longer breastfeeding duration and preterm birth with extended postpartum hair loss.
