Breastfeeding and hair condition

[lucymr]

I am still breastfeeding my 10 month old baby and my hair has never looked worse! I used to have such soft shiny hair but now it's dull and a bit frizzy and whatever I do, it still looks rubbish. I am wondering if this is beacuse I'm still breastfeeding and my body is using all the good stuff for the milk - has anyone had the same? I'm hoping it's related to the milk production because at least this will mean my hair will be nice again when I've stopped feeding - otherwise I've just developed awful hair :-(

yes same here, and I lost quite a bit of hair after I stopped. Don't have any tips, but I did eventually settle for a short haircut for a while.

Thanks Blueberry. Did your hair go back to normal in the end?

Hi, My hair wasn't changed with first DC but with my second it is. It has become thinner, quite brittle, fine and flat. Generally crap looking! I was taking zinc with vitamin C, folic acid and iron (Spatone liquid sachets-expensive but good). I read that this combination helped thinning hair and I am sure it made a big difference. I also felt I had a lot more energy. In fact don't know why I stopped taking it!
May be worth a go for you? I am sure it will get better in time. I know it can be really lowering to feel your hair is not at it's best. Your hormones will still be all over the place and I am sure lack of sleep doesn't help. IMO money may be better spent on vitamins than hairdresser for now. Good luck with it. Off to look in cupboard for vitamins...

Thanks Mimmit - I hadn't thought of vitamins - don't know why! Sounds like a good idea. Definitely worth a try as this rubbish hair is really starting to annoy me!

Neither had I til I started humting round MN for help! When you think about it if LO is still taking nutrition from you, you are sleep deprived and busy, chances are you could do with vitamin and iron boost. I think it really takes it toll. I have also noticed my skin is quite dry but of course this could just be age!
Treat yourself at Boots and you will get some points on your card to treat yourself.

PS I also got some argan oil (cheaper version of moroccon oil I think. Helped calm frizz and added shine.

Thanks Mimmit - here's hoping for lovely hair!

Almond oil is also very good for the hair. And skin too.

You still need some supplementation to your diet IMO and there were gov guidelines suggesting a calcium/vit d supplement for lactating mothers - will find for you later.
I didn't take any and found myself unable to move alot of the time - painful joints etc. With pregnancy number two I took supplements.

Thanks Jumaanh - and morag - I am very achy and stiff a lot of the time - I put it down to being tired and bending to pick up baby all the time, but maybe a supplement will help - thanks

I found in the cupboard today some post pregnancy vitamins which I'd never opened (duh!) so am going to give them a go. Any other tips gratefully received. Thanks x