All about the postpartum condition that Kambua is dealing with

Piece by: Peninah Njoki
Lifestyle

Eight months after the birth of her son Nathaniel, gospel artiste Kambua has gotten to a million followers on her social media platform.

Kambua, who is known for her laid back nature, could not contain her excitement and as a way of welcoming her new fans, she shared a few facts about herself.

Taking to her Instagram she wrote

'Cheers to 1M of you for showing this 5'2" Kamba ghel so much love! Well, most of the time 

For all my new followers here are some fun facts about me- I'd love to know a litte bit about you as well💁🏾‍♀️'

Adding

'1. I am a momma to the most adorable 8-month old ball of energy. His name is Nathaniel (gift of God).

2. I am married to a tall, dark, glass of... Coke! 😛 His name is Jackson Mathu.

3. Music is my happy place. I hum almost ALL the time. Find my music on YouTube.

4. I've hosted a gospel show for 10years on Citizen TV.'

5. I am a serious introvert. But my work forces me to engage😰

6. I am a book lover, but I haven't picked one up in 8 months 😪

7. I don't take sugar in my tea. I also don't take coffee.

8. I am lactose intolerant. I take Almond milk if I must.

9. I am currently dealing with postpartum alopecia💪🏾. 10. I LOVE JESUS. SO SO MUCH! .

.

.

#2020 #IamKenyan🇰🇪

Among the things Kambua reveled is that she is dealing with post partum Alopecia.

Here are things you did not know about post partum Alopecia or hair shedding.

One of the little talked about postpartum symptoms is postpartum hair loss, sometimes called “postpartum shedding.”

Causes

While breastfeeding is often blamed for hair loss, there is no evidence to show that breastfeeding causes or increases hair loss in the postpartum period.

Unfortunately, this is a symptom that almost all moms will experience.

While this condition can become extreme (called Postpartum Alopecia) some hair loss is normal and a natural part of postpartum.

Most moms will experience this symptom somewhere around three months postpartum. It can last a few weeks or a few months, depending on how long your hair cycles last.

Often moms forget that they are still considered postpartum by this point and don’t think to relate childbirth to this symptom.

During pregnancy your hair looked great – fuller and more vibrant than at other times.

One of the reasons is that you are likely taking prenatal vitamins, which help our hair look its best.

The other reason is that when you are pregnant your hair goes into a dormant cycle and you lose less hair. This is called the telogen phase.

Eventually, your hair will go into the next phase (telogen effluvium) and fall out. Therefore, when you have the baby you start losing all of the hair that you didn’t lose when you were pregnant.

The hair loss and regrowth will probably be most apparent in the area above your forehead. If you gained a lot of extra hair when you were pregnant, this can look quite dramatic.

How to Handle Postpartum Shedding

Remind yourself that this is normal.

  • Go to the store and invest in a good static mop. You’ll find it easier to clean up that extra hair off of the bathroom floor if you have a good tool.
  • Pick up some cute headbands and hair clips. If you notice significant shedding in one area, try parting your hair in a different place. A zig-zag part can hide a multitude of sins.
  • You may ask your hair stylist to add some highlights or lowlights to add some depth to thinning hair.
  • Also remember to ask your practitioner about continuing your prenatal vitamins, especially if you are breastfeeding.

When Your Hair Starts Growing Back

  • Ask your stylist to cut some layers into your hair. This makes it less obvious that you are experiencing hair regrowth.
  • If you notice a new set of “bangs,” grab those headbands and hair clips to keep the smaller hairs out of your eyes at the front of your head.
  • If you find that you have small hairs sticking up all over your head as it regrows, try flat ironing those pieces down. A little bit of styling cream or gel may help with that, too.

When should you see a doctor about your shedding?

  • If your shedding becomes extreme or you are losing large patches of hair, call your practitioner and mention it. Occasionally hair loss is the sign of other postpartum issues, like hypothyroidism.
  • If you are still losing hair around your baby’s first birthday, call your practitioner. Typical hair loss does not usually continue that long into the postpartum period.