Silly I know... but can I wear a bra during c-section???

[pootle1803]

Hi, am having planned c-section on thursday and though I have been told that I can't wear anything under the gown, being quite well endowed (and pregnant!) I'm going to feel very naked indeed and will feel very self conscious "getting them out" to try and breastfeed in that crucial first few hours whilst in recovery. I can't see it being that easy to get a bra straight on after the op either.

A midwife mentioned I can't wear one because of the metal? - why not?, I'll have metal rings on which will be taped up...

Has anyone worn a bra during their c-section? Will I get away with it?

Stupid concern I know (should really be worried about far more important things!) but just wanted advice/ any experiences please as it's niggling me. Thank you.

No you won't get away with it - the metal in bras is different to that in jewellery and if anything goes wrong (god forbid) they'll have to struggle with the bra to get to your chest.

you won;t have your breasts exposed during the c.section

also, you can request skin to skin contact as soon as baby is delviered, as long as he/she is ok, rather than the baby being taken off and weighed , dressed etc immediately. putting the baby under your gown right next to your breasts is really beneficial and can also really help get breastfeeding going , so your baby can really do with immediate access to the breast

Oh... hadn't thought of that, ummmm. Thank you!

It's not stupid at all if it's bothering you. If it's any consolation it may well be the last thing on your mind by the time you get to that point as you'll be so happy to meet your new baby!

After my CS I was in a recovery room for at least a few hours and was able to bfeed DD before being transferred to the antenatal ward.

Hope it all goes well.

Not at all stupid - they will want it off in case they need access to your chest. But you will have a gown [that ties at the back] on that is raised to your chest - so you won't feel bear up top!

Thanks for your replies - hey ho, will just get on with it and look forward to the amazing event instead!

Really helpful thread, have been wondering about these things.
Thanks!

The only people in recovery will be you and your birth partner and a nurse to keep an eye on you. I really doubt you will care once you meet your baby anyway. Good luck.

After my section I would have been too knackered to be fiddling with clips etc trying to feed.

Our hospital gowns were good in that they had openings to help with bfing.

The last you need to worry about is fussing with bras etc!

Others have already said the main reasons why bra wearing not practical during c/s. The "no metal" thing is partly to do with the possible need to use defibrillators but also because of other equipment that is used during all c/s's that could be dangerous/badly burn you if it touches metal, that is why your rings etc are taped over.