​As I get out of the shower and look back at the drain, there is enough hair left behind to weave a wig. Long strands end up wrapped around my baby’s fingers and toes. Somehow they even get caught in the chubby little rolls of his legs. Postpartum hair loss. So real. So annoying.

This phenomenon, like so many other changes to our bodies, starts in pregnancy. Normally, our hair goes through growth and shedding phases on a daily, monthly, and annual basis. The shifts in hormones during pregnancy cause a perpetual growth phase with minimal shedding phases, which is why our hair often looks shiny and luxurious during pregnancy. Then comes baby. Hormones shift again. This time, the shedding phase resumes, but by now, we’ve accumulated months of hair growth and all that extra hair decides it has made its home on your head for long enough and it’s time to drop. Onto the floor. Onto the back of your sweater. Stuck in your hairbrush. Embedded into the rug. You get it. Scientifically speaking, this process is called telogen effluvium. Most women notice this shift in hair loss happen around the 3-month post-partum mark.

Thankfully, it doesn’t last forever. For most, extreme hair shedding usually lasts 3-6 months, but it can last up to a year. You won’t go bald (although it may feel like it). Hair loss after giving birth is totally normal, but if you are noticing extreme hair loss or are unsure what is considered normal versus abnormal, you can talk to your doctor about checking for thyroid conditions.

You can’t stop it, but you can help yourself by making sure you are eating well, with plenty of protein and iron. You can mask the thinning with different hair styles by adding texture and layers of length—ask your stylist for ideas. And remember, it’s just a phase and it will return to normal soon.

​There will likely come a time when you will need to express breastmilk, either by hand or with a pump, and that liquid gold should not go to waste!  Proper breastmilk handling procedures are key to keeping the milk safe for consumption.  The chart below by the CDC lists the recommend optimal storage time frames. 
 
Containers
Milk should be stored in BPA-free containers, either bottles or breastmilk bags.  They even make breastmilk ice cube trays that freeze the milk in thin tubes so you can pop them directly into a bottle.  Don’t fill bags and bottles all the way because the milk will expand when it freezes.  I learned this the hard way with my first son and I wondered why my milk was leaking everywhere when it thawed—the bag had split open in the freezing process!
 
The further away from the door (whether the fridge or freezer), the better, so aim to stick that milk way in the back of the refrigerator or at the bottom of a deep freezer.
 
Thawing
Ideally, milk should be thawed overnight in the refrigerator.  Once thawed, it needs to be used within the next day or two.  Do not refreeze it!  Speaking of which, what constitutes “frozen”?  A contacted me the other day who had lost her electricity during a bad storm and did not regain it for almost 24 hours. Cue: panic mode.  She was afraid she would have to use all of her stored milk within 48 hours or dump it. Some of the milk had started to thaw.  The good news is, as long as there are still some ice crystals in the milk, it is still considered “frozen” and can be refrozen.  Milk that is completely thawed but still cold can be used within 48 hours.  Milk that has been thawed and is no longer cold should be discarded.  Some new studies are coming out that are testing the nutrient-content and bacteria levels of milk that has been thawed and re-frozen, and it is looking promising to give moms a bit more leeway with milk storage, but this is still preliminary.  More to come on that topic at a later date.  In the meantime, err on the side of caution.
 
Handling and Warming
Breastmilk naturally separates and the fat/cream floats to the top.  Gently swirl it to mix. (Don’t shake it or it will create air bubbles that can upset baby’s tummy).  Milk can be warmed gently in a bottle warmer, or by placing in a bowl of warm water.  Always test the temperature of the milk before giving it to the baby.  Never warm milk in the microwave.  If the baby does not finish the bottle during the feeding, you can offer it again within 2 hours, but it should be discarded after that.
 
Lastly, always date the milk you’ve expressed so you can keep track of how long it has been stored! 

​Does breastfeeding make you feel like you’re on a long trek through the Sahara Dessert?  You’re not alone.  Breastfeeding triggers the thirst sensation, but the exact reasons why remain unknown.  There are two likely causes identified by researchers:

1. Suckling by baby sends nerve impulses to the brain, which in turn, stimulates the central nervous system to trigger a thirst response as soon as the oxytocin release happens.  Oxytocin is the magical hormone that triggers the let-down response, and is also responsible for making you and baby feel sleepy and relaxed during nursing sessions.
2. Your body develops a learned response to anticipate increased fluid needs in conjunction with fluid loss during breastfeeding.

Okay, so, whatever the cause is that might make you feel like you should fill up the tub and grab a straw, there are some things you can do to help you meet your fluid needs while breastfeeding.  Fluid needs increase slightly during lactation, although it is not necessary to over-hydrate; just drink to satisfy your thirst!  According to the Institute of Medicine, breastfeeding moms drink, on average, almost a whole liter more per day than non-breastfeeding women (13 cups versus 9 cups).

• All fluids count.  Naturally, water is the best drink option, but other beverages and foods count toward your total fluid intake too.  While caffeine was once thought to count against fluid intake because it can have a diuretic effect, that notion has long been dissolved, so your cup of coffee in the morning counts as a cup of fluid intake.  Foods with high water contents, such as popsicles, gelatin, and soup, can also count toward fluid intake.
• Make a conscious effort to drink during the day.  This is especially important for moms who may be spending time away from their babies and are pumping.  Pumping does not always trigger the same type of thirst response, and if you are pumping because you are at work all day, or for whatever reason, it is possible your busyness results in forgetfulness to hydrate.
• Watch the weather.  Warm weather, or any activity/exercising that causes sweating will also mean you must drink more to replace additional fluid loss.
• Keep water nearby.  Before you sit down to nurse, have a drink handy.  Helpful partners are another great resource to remind you to drink and/or bring you a glass of water while you’re breastfeeding.