Hi Julia,
I have read Belles response to this, and am going to get myself checked out. I had to give up breastfeeding at 4 & 1/2 months for the same reason, that my hair was falling out. Are you taking the mini pill? I have learnt so much about hair these last couple of months. The mini pill is full of testosterone, which creates a sebum build up on your scalp. Regular (I do mine every second day) washing of your hair and not placing too many oily things or things that can clog on your scalp. Otherwise wash hair even more regularly. Massage scalp (not rub) very regularly, brush with a natural bristle and not synthetic.
Products that I have found at the health food store is a range of hair care products the brand is Figaro, (a little pricey, but super concentrated, so balances out expense), there is a pamphlet that comes with it and explains so much and is great advice. My hairdresser showed me a DeLorenzo product that was a protein builder, she had suffered hair loss and had used that, she believes it has helped her, I have still to try it. Don't over-oil hair at the scalp, let it breath.
Sorry to say that the other thing is is to give up the mini pill and going on a full pill, which also means giving up breastfeeding. My Doc put me on Microgynon, which is a massive shot of Oestrogen, I used to take Diane 35ED and Aldactone to help balance my hormones, but needed something a little stronger this time around. My only problem is that I would like to try for another baby, so had to go off the pill. My hair loss is still there, but I have to keep it very clean and it doesn't fall out quite so much, but not as bad as before, the hair is growing back at my temples now.
My advice is to go talk to a Doc about it, health nurses have the best of intentions, but encourage and push breastfeeding a little too much and don't think of the mother, but only of the baby, (fair enough that they are thinking of our children, which is great, but we are human too and we need to be healthy to look after our little angels), if you don't like what the Doc says, insist on a blood test, or seek another opinion. Your health matters too.
Good Luck everyone.
Amanda
Jennifer 14.04.98, Eric 25.02.04, Gabriel 25.07.05