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Permalink Reply by BaldGirlsDoLunch.org on April 3, 2009 at 1:53pm

Hi Courtney-

Sounds like a very hectic situation right now handling both the new life of a little one at home, job stuff and the life of hair...... So, I suggest take care of yourself by making life as simple as possible. I think that when most women ask if they should shave what's left, they have already sorted out pretty much in their own mind that they want to.

That's how it was for me. There was just this little tiny bit left that was vestigial at that point. First I found myself wondering if I should, and then it became apparent that there was every benefit to getting rid of it and no benefit to keeping it. I did save it, though, just to be able to show my children and grandchildren years from now what kind of hair I had rather than just relying on seeing my hair in photos. And though I am not even sure at this moment where that hair sample is stored, there was the feeling at the time that it was the last remnant of a part of me and it didn't feel right to throw it away. So though I never looked at it again and have not thought about it till just writing this post, I do recall and do say to you that if you feel like it's a part of you, that's being a normal human being and don't think anything odd about any of the reactions you have no matter what they are.
Go for convenience and simplifying life.

Let us know what you decide,
Thea
baldgirlsdolunch.org

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Permalink Reply by Rose Marie' on April 3, 2009 at 5:26pm

Hi

I can't really add to what Thea has said, except to say you have my support.

Good luck with your decision.

Rosy

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Permalink Reply by Lee on April 4, 2009 at 3:36pm

I have worn wigs with some hair underneath and it was very uncomfortable. Felt much better when I shaved it off. I guess it depends on how often you plan to wear a wig. If it's everyday, you might feel better to shave it off. This way, it won't be as itchy.

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Permalink Reply by Courtney on April 6, 2009 at 5:51pm

Hi Alice,
I developed AA when I was 16. When I was 20 I developed AT then AU and had periods of full regrowth. I was AT at 31 when I was pregnant and towards the end of the pregnancy had patchy growth. Three months after my daughter was born, I had full regrowth. Once it all grew back, within weeks it started to all fall out again. Pregnancy surpresses the immune system so that body doesn't reject the baby, and often autoimmune dx's go into remission.
I was hoping to 'ride the wave' and trick my body into keeping my hair. Too bad it didn't work. Thank God I didn't have to deal with wigs during the first three months of new mommy-hood. It was a big enough learning curve already.
I did start seeing an integrative doctor (I'm a naturopath) and had a blood test for gluten allergy subtyping and it came back positive. I'm trying to go totally gluten free to see if that makes any difference.
Please let me know if there is any more I can tell you!
And thanks for everyone's replies so far!
Courtney

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Permalink Reply by N. Letourneau on June 25, 2009 at 11:53pm

Congrats on your beautiful daughter. I have also recently given birth to a little boy. I have had alopecia totalis for the last five years, where my hair has played a lovely game of appear, disappear. It grows back and then falls out again. It had grown back completely for the birth of my son and a week after our homecoming starting falling out again. You are so right. There is nothing more disturbing than seeing your hair all over your newborn. I ended up shaving it completely. A very tough decision as it feels you feeling very naked and vulnerable, however this time it was quite empowering. My son had colic and I had little time to fuss with my looks and to be perfectly honest I enjoyed the freedom of walking about the house just me and my bald baby (he also has no hair).

I do have a wig to wear in public, because I haven't summed up the courage to parade around my community bald. Being bald makes it easier to slip it off and on. I am feeling a bit more confident around friends and family and will sport the bald look with people who are close to me. I shaved my head because it was a huge weight off my shoulders and less disheartening than watching it fall out in clumps. Plus, it was easier watching it grow back from an even starting point and helped me monitor my condition. Just food for thought.

Just remember that the most important thing at the moment is enjoying your baby. Try not to stress out too much about the hair - although easier said than done.

- N-

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