Your body after birth recovery plan

Hair loss and rebellious skin are perfectly normal after giving birth, and are caused by pregnancy hormones settling down. The effects are only temporary, and there's still plenty you can do to give yourself a confidence boost:

HAIR

Around three months after giving birth your hair will return to its normal cycle, which can mean significant and sudden hair loss or thinning. This is perfectly normal and your hair will return to a normal hair growth pattern within six to nine months. In the meantime here are our top tips to limit bad hair days:

• Although your hair may be coming out in handfuls don't be tempted to wash it less often - regular washes will encourage new hair growth
• Don't use hairdryers, straighteners or tongs on a regular basis if you can help it - heat can strip your hair of natural oils, leaving it dry and brittle
• Wait until your hair is healthy again before colouring - harsh chemicals can play havoc with already weakened hair
• Snack on dried fruit, cashew nuts, and pumpkin seeds and include lots of leafy vegetables, wholemeal bread, eggs, chicken and fish or soya in your diet

SKIN 

Immediately after giving birth your previously high pregnancy levels of oestrogen and progesterone drop, causing your skin to become dry and less supple. Your hormone levesl will return to normal within two or three months, but here are our top tips for giving your skin a helping hand:

• Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated
• Apply moisturiser morning and night - new mums are currently saving money AND raving about Waitrose' Baby Bottom Butter for £2.49!
• Fake an 'I get eight hours sleep a night' face courtesy of Bare Escentuals mineral make-up available at www.hqhair.com
• Exfoliate and moisturise your tummy skin regularly to improve the tone and texture. Try Mama Mio Tummy Toner, £45 for 100ml www.mamamio.co.uk
• Give any stretchmarks a helping hand by smoothing on a cream as soon as possible. Try Rodial Stretch Mark Eraser, £78 for 100ml - not cheap, but could be invaluable!
  

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