Could multiple pregnancies be damaging my hair?

[BC2/4/06]

I am mom to three kids and am pregnant again due in October. Their ages are 5 (almost 6) 4, and almost two, so their all like two years apart.

I've breastfed each child for at least two years sometimes two are nursing at once.

Anyway, I say all this to say that I take pretty good care of my natural hair. I deep condition with AO HSR and ORS paks. I wear my hair in protective styles.

I've been here three years and I've been natural three years. My problem is with the wealth of info that I get here and pretty healthy hair practices, my hair had gaps/ splits in almost two thirds of each strand.

I never use heat, so the only thing I can think of is that the pregnancies and breastfeeding are taking nutrients from my hair and body.

If so, this will give me peace because right now I can't figure out what Im doing wrong. I drink plenty of water and take my vitamins.

Has anyone else experienced this? If not, does anyone have any advice for me? Thanks!

 

[tiffers]

Pregnancy definitely takes its toll on my body, I abhor pregnancy. Giving birth is actually my favorite part, because that means I won't be pregnant any more!

Are you taking any vits? Being pregnant and breastfeeding takes a loooot of vitamins and nutrients out of your body and it's essential that you replace them

Congrats on your little bun in the oven!

 

[BC2/4/06]

Thanks for your response! I feel like I am taking my vitamins but I feel like taking two prenatals is overdosing or something.

Any other suggestions or advice?

 

[shenitab]

My little ones are 7, almost 6 and 4 so I can feel you because I breastfed as well. I would talk to your doctor and maybe make sure you are taking the best vitamins out there because all of them are not created equal. I think that breastfeeding can take a lot out of you.

 

[BC2/4/06]

That is an excellent point. I will ask at my next visit. Thanks!

Only three moms on the board?

Suggestions ladies!

 

[JustKiya]

Are you sticking to your prenatals and your pregnant diet while breastfeeding?

Most women don't know that nursing actually takes a slightly heavier toll on your body than pregnancy does - one of the main reasons that babies 'trigger' labor is because they can't pull enough calories from mom via the placenta anymore, and they need the high caloric content of breastmilk to keep developing.

And you're tandem nursing?? Yeah, I'd suspect that you are in a state of borderline nutrient deficiency - keep your proteins up, be sure to get in lots of fresh fruits & veggies, and stick to that even after you have your wee one.

Congrats!!!

 

[~NanCeBoTwin~]

I'm a mom, but I didn't experience this during my pregnancy. My hair looked it's best during that time and grew like I was using fertilizer. I was actually joking around with my homegirl telling her how I should get pregnant now so I can hurry and pass this akward stage between SL and APL. But, again it was just jokes...LOL

I agree with Shenitab, speak with your doctor about a different prenatal vit. or maybe an additional supplament.

ETA: I did not nurse either, so you may need to supplement due to nursing as well.

 

[BC2/4/06]

Thanks! Ill talk to my dr. and try to up my deep conditioning.

 

[mkd]

I agree with the other ladies. I found that when I was breastfeeding, it took a lot out of me. Both times when I stopped after a year, I was very very skinny. I never thought about maintaining my pregnancy diet, but I bet that had a lot to do with it seeming to drain everything out of me. Maybe make sure you are eating enough and definately mention it to your OB.