In ancient times, many postpartum care practices were considered essential for women’s health, but today many of these are dismissed. One of the main concerns was about when to wash your hair after giving birth, and there were strong warnings about the intense symptoms if this rule was not followed. It was said that if a woman washed her hair after childbirth, she could go ‘crazy,’ due to severe headaches that might last a lifetime. Another version claimed that intense postpartum bleeding could rise to the head, supposedly causing these severe headaches. But of course, over the years, these stories have been unraveled and clarified1. Some women are still fearful of the legends told by mothers and grandmothers and prefer to follow this “care” strictly to ensure nothing happens. There’s also the pressure from elders when they accompany new mothers, especially in the hospital. But after all, can you wash your hair after childbirth or not?
Can I Wash My Hair While Still in the Hospital?
And the answer is: of course you can! Obviously, you should take all the necessary precautions to protect your health, after all, you just gave birth and, like it or not, your body is very fragile and deserves some extra care. You can wash your hair after giving birth while still in the hospital, but make sure you don’t catch a chill or lie down with wet hair. After years of following this myth, it has now been proven that there is no reason for women to change their hygiene habits because of childbirth2. If you still have questions, ask your obstetrician and clarify any issues you still have. It’s better to ask too many questions than to do something fearing possible consequences. 
Myths and Truths About the Quarantine Period
When it comes to postpartum recovery, the topic is quite sensitive as it involves protecting the woman’s body and health. Of course, some care guidelines are a bit exaggerated, but others must be followed strictly to guarantee female well-being3. Constipation: (TRUE) Some foods do cause more intestinal gas, leading to considerable discomfort. Add fiber-rich foods that help intestinal functioning, like papaya and orange, remembering to drink plenty of fluids. Carrying weight: (TRUE) After giving birth, the body takes some time to fully recover from all the changes of pregnancy. Not carrying heavy objects during this phase helps ensure your stitches (if you have any) don’t open, and your body can recover safely. Sexual intercourse: (TRUE) After your baby is born, it’s recommended to wait until the end of the quarantine period before having sex again. Not following this recommendation can lead to infections, intense abdominal and vaginal pain, and pain during penetration. That’s why you should wait the 40 days for full healing and recovery. Weight loss during breastfeeding: (TRUE) Exclusive breastfeeding speeds up a woman’s metabolism. The increased production of breast milk and its substances is equivalent to about a 30-minute run, which burns around 400 calories. Intense Hair Loss: (TRUE) The sharp increase in hormones during pregnancy causes accelerated hair growth. After childbirth, the drop in these hormones causes the opposite effect, leading to hair loss. Of course, if the amount is very large, you should consult your doctor. While breastfeeding, it’s impossible to get pregnant: (FALSE) A woman can get pregnant while breastfeeding, so birth control is advised. Suitable options include contraceptive pills for breastfeeding mothers and condoms. Talk to your gynecologist to find the best method for you. Women can’t wash their hair after childbirth: (FALSE) There is no risk; this is just an old wives’ tale. You can wash your hair as soon as you’re cleared to get up after giving birth. Doing physical exercise without any issue: (FALSE) Exercise after childbirth should be evaluated, but it isn’t necessarily forbidden. Your body needs time to recover from pregnancy changes. To resume any physical activity after delivery, you need your gynecologist’s approval. Breastfeeding causes saggy breasts: (FALSE) Sagging depends a lot on genetic factors and, of course, the type of bra you choose. There are types of bras that better support increased breast size and are more comfortable at this stage. The vagina changes after vaginal delivery: (FALSE) Some women report that, after vaginal delivery, their sex life is not quite the same since they believe their vagina became wider. But do not be deceived; childbirth does not change the structure of the vagina since it returns fully to its previous state. However, you should wait 40 days before resuming intercourse to ensure your intimate health. Breast milk is weak for the baby: (FALSE) There is no such thing as weak breast milk, much less milk that doesn’t nourish the baby. What can happen is the baby having trouble latching (incorrect latch), which can affect milk production, as the more the baby nurses, the more milk is produced. If you resolve the issues with breastfeeding, your milk will be produced in the right quantity, ensuring all the baby’s nutrients. See also: Why Does Postpartum Hair Loss Happen? Photo: marmaladelane
