Post-mastectomy bras

[Casserole]

My lovely MIL has just had a mastectomy. I would like to buy her a gift voucher for a nice lingerie shop that specialises in bras for this eventuality.

• I don't want an online-only place, as i'd like her to have the option of going and getting measured.

• I don't want to just send her somewhere like M&S where it's a lottery whether you get a good fitter or not and the changing rooms are big and impersonal and the people in the other changing rooms can hear what you're saying.

• It needs to be somewhere she can get to from the Warwick area.

I would ideally like somewhere like here - somewhere smallish, specialised, feminine etc - but sadly that one's miles away.

Anyone got any recommendations please? Would be really grateful.

That's a really nice idea.

I have no experience of this, but I pass this place on the way to work:

www.nicolajane.com/

Where does your MIL live? Rigby & Peller have a limited range (nothing like your first link) but they have a few stores around the South East.

Nicola Jane is a very good site, but I don't know if they have shops as well.
They do some in John Lewis, and will measure you there.

Another sight I've bought from is Contura Belle.

I find you get more range online, but you need to get yourself measured and fitted instore somewhere.

I find the M&S ones quite uncomfortable, as they have very narrow straps, - you need wide supportive straps when you have a full weight prosthesis.

You could also look online to see if there is an independent store in her area.

Rigby & Peller would be fab.

I had a lumpectomy last year and went into John Lewis for a good bra fitting before my op. Not only did they fit me with the best fitting bra I have ever been given but the lady who was fitting me was incredibly sensitive and kind without being prying or patronising.

That's such a nice idea.
If you can't find a specialist shop it might be worth phoning an independent and asking if they can order in from a specialist site for you.
Another option could be to phone the hospital where she was treated, ask to speak to the breast care nurse (there should be one) and they may be able to recommend somewhere. I had a post-masectomy fitting but it was an independent that happened to do a line in specialist bras. They didn't really advertise that though so I wouldn't have found it on my own.
Finally, worth mentioning (although you may already know) that you get VAT refunded on specialist bras if you've had a masechtomy. Might be worth checking this with the shop before you go so they can research it if they need to. And you can get more for your money then.
Good luck, and what a lovely daughter in law she has - very thoughtful!

PS just realised I still can't spell mastectomy despite having had mine 8 years ago!

Thanks ladies, really appreciate you taking the time to reply. Spent some time searching online last night and I'd seen most of those sites before so at least I know I'm on the right track!

Just bumping to see if anyone knows any shops in her area (Warwickshire). Or just any nice independent lingerie shops - I'm figuring that a good independent would probably have some training or at least contacts.

Thanks for the idea about ringing the hospital Fleetfox, that's a great idea, will try that too.

I found a lady in Coventry who does mobile mastectomy bra fitting, so she could have the fitting done at home, that might be an idea. I would have liked to have found somewhere like that shop I linked to in my OP, but if not perhaps at home is a good option - lots of the independents are more specialising in sexy underwear and sex toys and I don't want to send her anywhere she'd feel uncomfortable, or out of place, or old.... so home might be a good option? I think this woman comes round and measures you and brings a range of bras with her... have emailed her for more info, anyway.

Eloise Lingerie has to lovely showrooms and does fittings in South London and Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire. They also have a catalogue and a website www.eloise.co.uk

I think they also do gift vouchers... so you could buy your MIL a gift voucher that she could use either ordering on the website or during a fitting.

Best wishes