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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Underwired bras

14 replies

PrincessOfWails · 21/04/2011 20:32

Just went to a large dept store in London to be measured for a new maternity bra, because the nursing bra I was wearing didn't fit.
The lady sold me an underwired one! She said it was ok, as it was flexible wires not hard ones - is this right?

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jamama · 21/04/2011 20:50

Kind of. According to the Bravissimo lady I saw, wires are fine in pg as long as the wires are completely flat to your torso and are not in contact with breast tissue. As long as the bra is well-fitting as per above then it should be fine. But if the wires are sitting on breast at all, take it back and go to Bravissimo (they are a bit expensive but good, although if you're under a D cup, not so necessary).

chandellina · 21/04/2011 20:53

i wore underwires all through pregnancy and breastfeeding. you just have to make sure the fit is right. not really sure what the fear is anyway.

Original poster

PrincessOfWails · 21/04/2011 21:00

This is my second pregnancy and with my first I followed all the rules...

Got to say this bra is a fab fit, I look 1 million times better but she did a proper measure and fit check - we're not talking M&S here (and frankly the service I had in Mothercare last weekend was dire, hence spending my money elsewhere) and she did check for it not squishing breast bits etc. Thoroughly, fingers and prodding and naked breasts and stuff!

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edwinbear · 21/04/2011 21:22

i went to rigby and peller in my 1st pregnancy when i was spilling all out of all my normal bras and she sold me underwired ones, i was something like a 34H at the time and needed the support, i didn't have any problems with them at all and looked and felt so much better in proper fitting ones..the lady in harrods had refused to sell me underwired ones, so i shall be heading straight back to r&p as soon as i need to with this pregnancy!

otchayaniye · 21/04/2011 21:40

I wore underwired bras through pregnancy (32D-G) and for more than two years of breastfeeding. I do wear non-wired for bed. Hated, hated the monotit effect on non-wired.

Just made sure they fitted.

Byt the way, the best, the absolute gold standard of bra for larger breasts and breastfeeding are the Anita underwired ones. Cost about 35-40 quid but they are amazing. Felt normal, looked great under clothes and I can honestly say feeling and looking better and more supported helped (ok, ok, it was a small factor, but still) me continue breastfeeding

rightontime · 21/04/2011 23:06

Wow thank you for the tip on Anita. I am praying that I can get one to fit when I start BF'ing.

otchayaniye do you have to size up in the cup much. Just wondering because they don't do the DD, FF, GG etc whether theY come up smaller than an average F, G, H cup IYSWIM.

callmemummy · 22/04/2011 07:22

The anita underwired bras are fab. I wore them right through my first pregnancy and breastfeeding. The wire goes towards the armpit rather than too close fitting around the breast so are great for pregnancy. I did buy a non-wired M&S bra but it was terribly uncomfortable as the seam sat right on my rib and made me sore.

FriedEggyAndSlippery · 22/04/2011 07:36

I wore underwires throughout PG and BFing my first and was fine, but I have recently found out that underwires while BFing, if they don't fit perfectly, can block milk ducts which could cause mastitis.

Presumably the specially designed ones have been made with this in mind though. Wish I'd heard of them before

otchayaniye · 22/04/2011 07:48

Rightontime

I think I sized up. But when you order (figleaves do them, they are the jacquard microfibre underwired ones) order several sizes as fit is crucial to avoid blocking ducts. But you'll know when you have a good fit.

Also maybe hold off on buying them for a few weeks after birth when your supply has settled down a little. You'll get a better idea of long term fit.

lilly13 · 22/04/2011 12:09

I was told underwire is ok as long as it is fitted properly and that's what I have been wearing (now 37 weeks), but I only went up from 32AA to 34B ... I think you always have to listen to your body as what feels right. If underwire starts bothering you or leaves marks on your skin, then consider an non-wire bra...

lilly13 · 22/04/2011 12:11

btw, they fitted me in a cup 34C, although I am definitely still a B.. so you do have to upsize...

kettleboiler · 22/04/2011 12:25

my midwife told me at 9 weeks that underwired is evil and that I MUST get out of them immediately! So bought a couple from M&S and they make me feel old and frumpy and shapeless - a real feat for someone who is usually a 34FF!. Anyway, I'm getting married in 8 weeks and was appalled at the thought of wearing one of these monstrosities with my lovely dress. So thank you for putting my mind at rest. I'll get fitted for an underwired one ASAP :)

otchayaniye · 22/04/2011 13:43

My midwife told me to stop breastfeeding a 2-1/2 year old while I'm pregnant but couldn't explain why. So I think in some cases they just repeat what they've heard without really thinking about it.

They can cause blocked ducts, but they'd have to really be digging in. Biggest cause is improper drainage from an imperfect latch or other.

I think not feeling like a mammary gland on legs for months, even years in my case, is important, especially if you're over a D cup. And non-wired just made me feel 'fluerrrrph'

Original poster

PrincessOfWails · 22/04/2011 14:49

Day 2 of wired bra saga - much more comfortable, because the elastic on the band of my non-wired ones seemed to roll up or crumple somehow and caused pressure under my boob. Weird, but the wire one is better.
Thanks all!

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