Underwire Bras

citymama2012

I plan to EBF after delivery.  Just curious if anyone stopped wearing underwire bras before/after having the baby to help encourage milk production?  I have heard that the underwire can cause constriction and sometimes lead to clogged milk ducts, infections.  Anyone know if its advisable to stop wearing underwire before giving birth?  If so, when?

cottonlily84

I'm still wearing underwire.  My wire lays against my chest wall, not my breast tissue *except* on the sides (b/c you do have milk ducts under your arms too.  It can lead to clogged milk ducts if the wire is so tight it restricts the milk from coming out.  But an elastic band on wirefree bras could be tight too.  And I don't wear the bra while pumping or nursing so there's nothing in the way of milk flow.  I don't see how wearing a wirefree bra could help with production, unless an underwire does cause a clog for a woman.  That certainly wouldn't help before birth because you don't make milk until after the placenta is delivered anyway. 

pitterpatter129

I think you are fine until your milk comes in.  I personally started wearing a nursing bra before I gave birth, but I don't remember why.  I think I tried one on and it was comfortable, plus I was already leaking everywhere and using nursing pads anyhow.  Now, since I've been wearing non-underwire for over year, I can't wait to get my old bras back on!  

Edit:  If you do buy some new bras before you give birth, note that your size will increase when your milk comes in, so don't expect them to fit after you give birth.  I'd buy a few sleep nursing bras too, as they are really comfy and great in the hospital and those first few weeks.

EveryNameIWantIsTaken

I've been wearing non-underwire since about 7 months pregnant simply because the underwires were getting extremely uncomfortable.  I am larger chested and have found some nursing bras that support well without and are much more comfortable.

vaohara

I wear medela nursing bras with underwires. I would not be comfortable without an underwire. I have not had any issues w supply or plugged ducts from the underwire....touch wood

Brosis

Once my milk came in, my BBs were extremely sensitive to any kind of pressure, which led to multiple issues w/engorgement.  Soft cup nursing bras were the only kind that worked for me.

memo9

I wear an underwire nursing bra on occasion and haven't had any issues.  While my supply was regulating I wore nursing tanks exclusively. 

jmcdionne

I'm breastfeeding as we speak and am wearing an underwire. I have an overproduction of bm. I used the non underwire bras for my last baby and found they did not keep their shape well after time and this affected support ++++. Not good.