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Summary: In this blog, we learn all about postpartum brittle nails. We'll learn why brittle nails after having a baby is common, and how to help restore your nail birth after giving birth... 

Hey, amazing mama! You and your body made a tiny baby human – wow!

But, when you’re experiencing aesthetic postpartum affects like poor nail health, and in some cases dramatic hair loss, it can be very easy to lose sight of the incredible miracle you’ve achieved, when it can have such a demonstrative effect on your confidence.

But, you’re not alone. It’s very common for the body to experience surprising changes like brittle nails after giving birth. These are usually temporary as eventually your hormones will begin to balance out again…

What causes poor postpartum nails?

During pregnancy, your nails tend to grow thicker and stronger because of a surge in hormones. You may have also noticed an improvement in the strength and shininess of your hair, too during gestation.

However, if your nails seem brittle, weak or thin now after giving birth, this is usually down to a dramatic drop in the hormones the body had become accustomed to during pregnancy. In addition, the lower levels of nutrients in your body that are now being sent to baby via breast milk can affect the quality of your skin, hair and nails.

Pregnancy can also affect your thyroid functioning, so if you’ve noticed a seriously dramatic change in your hair and nail health, check in with your doctor.

What can I do to improve my brittle postpartum nails?

If you’re experiencing brittle postpartum nails, there are a few things you can do to help.

Postpartum nails? Tailor your diet to top up your vitamins

Iron is one of the key minerals needed to keep your skin, hair and nails in good condition but often depletes in its stores after child birth. Vitamin C helps the body store iron, so you’ll need to be working on incorporating more of this vitamin into your diet post birth too.

Vitamin C also helps maintain the integrity of our nails by supporting the strengthening of (via collagen) connective tissue, bones, walls of blood vessels, and skin. Vitamin C also aids nail growth, and as it contributes to collagen formation too, can also directly support in preventing things like hangnails.

Iron rich foods include Red Meat, Beans, Chickpeas, Nuts, Brown Rice and Dark, Leafy Green Vegetables (Spinach, Kale etc).

Vitamin C rich foods include Citrus Fruits (Oranges, Lemons), Orange Juice, Strawberries, Guava, Kale, Broccoli, Red & Green Peppers, Sweet Potatoes, Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Blackcurrants, and Kiwi Fruit.

If you lost a lot of blood during birth or are a vegetarian/vegan you can ask your doctor to check in on your iron levels.

If you’re concerned you’re lacking in the right nutrients, try using a supplement that can keep your vitamin and mineral levels tip-top during this delicate, busy time and speak to your doctor if you’re unsure.

Postpartum nails? Talk about it

When a baby is born, it’s all anyone wants to talk about. This can sometimes leave new mothers feeling like what’s going on with them doesn’t matter, but this isn’t true. Your experience is valid and worthy of conversation.

Talk about your nail issues with loved ones and close friends, especially other new moms who may also be having a similar experience. They may also be able to share further tried and tested advice. It can be a great way of fostering a helpful and supportive circle, and help you to feel less alone in this new world of motherhood.

Postpartum nails? Try Cel’s Nail Serum

Cel’s Nail Repair Serum is designed for weak, damaged and discoloured nails, making a great topical treatment on thinning postpartum fingernails. Enriched with Ginseng Stem Cells, Safflower and Chrysanthemum extract, our popular serum hydrates the cuticles, fights off any fungal infections and promotes the growth of stronger, healthier nails with results guaranteed within 2 weeks.

Suitable even on the most sensitive skin, this powerful, hypoallergenic formula is remarkably gentle, and can be applied everyday without irritation. Perfect for new moms who are worried about their postpartum nails.

Final thoughts on postpartum nails….

Don’t forget that this is all temporary and everything should return to normal within a year of giving birth.

But, if you’re experiencing particularly poor postpartum nail health, and they don’t seem to be getting better at all, speak to your doctor.

Pregnancy can change your level of ferritin which is a protein found in your blood cells that helps the body store iron as well as your thyroid functioning. So, if you’ve noticed an alarming difference in your nail health, make sure to communicate this to your doctor and ask for blood tests to check on both these things.

If you’re still having issues by the time it's your baby’s first birthday, definitely speak to your physician.