The Mommy Club: Navigating the Postpartum Period with Fellow Moms

12 September, 2024

Former Miss Do My Linh recently shared a selfie on her personal story, showcasing her beautiful looks. Netizens quickly noticed a commonality between the beauty queen and other new mothers: their hair. Her hair now sports a thinner fringe, a stark contrast to her pre-motherhood voluminous locks.

Do My Linh happily flaunted her beauty at the start of winter, but she couldn’t hide her thinning hair, with a noticeable higher hairline, about five months after giving birth.

Other images of the new mom, Do My Linh, at events also revealed a receding hairline on one side of her forehead, exposing her pale skin.

A side-by-side comparison with her pre-motherhood photos underscores the severity of postpartum hair loss.

The center part, often favored by beauty queens to showcase their faces and voluminous hair, now reveals My Linh’s thinning locks.

A stark contrast to her pre-motherhood days when her hair was full and lush.

Do My Linh is not alone in her experience of postpartum hair loss. Several celebrities have shared similar stories of their hair thinning after giving birth. Hai Phong-based model Chung Huyen Thanh once lamented: “Thanks to childbirth, I now have a bald spot.” Runner-up Thuy Van even shared a video of her post-partum hair care routine to help fellow new moms facing the same issue.

Chung Huyen Thanh’s hair loss is even more pronounced, with a noticeable bald spot when she brushes her hair up.

She deals with excessive hair fall, losing handfuls of hair each time she brushes or washes it.

Singer Hoa Minzy also experienced significant hair loss after giving birth to her son, Bo. She would wake up to a “hair carpet” surrounding her.

In a photo shared by a fan, Hoa Minzy’s pale scalp is visible, likely due to postpartum hair loss. To temporarily address the issue, she started wearing wigs.

Yến Phương, singer Lam Trường’s wife, also shared her struggles with hair loss after giving birth: “I told him I was thin, but no one believed me. Since having a baby, I haven’t had time to style my hair; I just tie it up… and now it’s falling out so much that I’m almost bald… It’s so depressing!”

Thuy Van, a mother of one, also experienced hair loss after giving birth and shared her hair care routine to help others in the same situation.

Postpartum hair loss is a common occurrence, lasting anywhere from 5 to 6 months or even longer. According to statistics, 30-40% of women experience this issue. Experts attribute it to hormonal changes and nutritional deficiencies during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

30-40% of postpartum women experience hair loss.

It’s understandable for new mothers to feel anxious and distressed about their hair loss. To mitigate this, it’s essential to maintain a positive mindset and focus on a balanced diet to support overall health and hair growth. Additionally, avoid harsh treatments like tight ponytails, vigorous brushing, or heat styling during this fragile period. Instead, opt for gentle massages with coconut oil or essential oils like grapefruit or lavender to nourish the scalp and stimulate hair growth.

Scalp massages with essential oils not only provide a relaxing experience but also promote blood circulation and nourish the hair, supporting its health and growth.

Frequently asked questions

The postpartum period refers to the first six weeks after giving birth, during which time the mother’s body recovers from pregnancy and childbirth. This period can be physically and emotionally challenging, and it is important for new mothers to seek support and guidance to ensure their health and well-being. Common challenges during the postpartum period include physical discomfort, fatigue, emotional ups and downs, and adjusting to the new role as a mother.

There are a range of physical changes and discomforts that new mothers may experience, including fatigue and exhaustion, pain and discomfort in the perineum or cesarean incision site, breast engorgement and leakage, hair loss and skin changes, and urinary and bowel changes.

It is important for new mothers to prioritize their emotional well-being during this time. This includes practicing self-care, such as getting enough rest and nutrition, seeking social support from family and friends, and engaging in light physical activity when possible. It is also crucial to be mindful of postpartum mood disorders, such as postpartum depression and anxiety, and to seek professional help if needed.

Adjusting to the new role as a mother can be overwhelming. Some tips to navigate the challenges include setting realistic expectations and prioritizing self-care, asking for help and accepting support from family and friends, establishing a daily routine that includes time for yourself, and connecting with other new mothers through support groups or mommy groups.

Support from loved ones is crucial during the postpartum period. Partners, family, and friends can help by providing practical support, such as helping with household tasks, preparing meals, and taking care of the baby so the mother can rest. Emotional support is also important, including listening without judgment, offering words of encouragement, and validating the mother’s feelings and experiences.