Nursing Bras: Underwire or Not?

I wore underwires while nursing my first baby and didn't have any trouble. With the second I've had trouble finding any nursing bras that fit (the ones I have from the first time don't fit right and are terribly uncomfortable). If it's comfortable to you then go with it, especially if it's what you're used to wearing. Right now I just wear nursing tanks pretty much 24/7.

I am currently nursing my 4th child (nursed each for 1 year) and have always worn underwire nursing bras. I couple of months ago I had my first clogged duct ever, but a couple hot showers, lots of nursing and massage, and it was taken care of within 24hours. I am still wearing underwire, I can't stand bras without. But it is very hard to find a good underwire nursing bra. I actually don't have any brand recommendations for you because I am currently on the search myself. I am about your size, went to Motherhood and tried on literally 12 different bras of varying style and sizes, walked out with nothing. I have looked at many other stores too with no luck. I can't buy online because fit is so very different from bra to bra. If you find something you love please let me know!! Good luck!

I have read that underwire isn't great but try it. If you get a clogged duct or your milk supply goes down quit wearing it. Sometimes some things work for some that don't work for others..Good luck

I don't believe it is bad but I would definitely suggest you go for a bra fitting at a reputable bra maker. Unfortunately not all bra's are made the same. The underwire can add some additional support but a well constructed bra without underwire needs to fit properly to do the supportive work. Bras need to provide support to the breast from under the breasts and not from the straps. Your bra troubles may exist because you are not wearing the proper size with the #. So go for a fitting and try on as many different kinds of bras a possible. When I was nursing, I decided to not just use nursing bras but acquired a lovely demi cup bra where the nipple could be exposed from the top of the bra for nursing purposes and I could still use the pads too. I hope this helps and congratulations on your new little love.

Get fitted & make sure the fit is good all around

I used underwire nursing bras while BF all three of my kids and had no problems.

:)

This isn't exactly and answer, but I actually called Victoria's Secret customer service when I has my oldest and asked them to create a maternity line. I just hated maternity underwear and nursing bras, and thought they could come up with cute and practical ones! They haven't created such a product, but wouldn't it be nice? They could even do maternity lingerie.

No, you should not wear an underwire. It can press on and clog your milk ducts, which will cause problems for you.

Underwire is typically bad for nursing moms, as others stated below, but I didn't have a problem with it. It wasn't terribly comfortable for me (and I'm bigger than you), but it didn't cause problems.

But I mainly responded to let you know that **all** nipples "point in opposite directions" -- it's normal, and I don't know why bra manufacturers decided that our nipples should point "front and center." They point out because that's better for feeding babies. :-) If you center your breasts/nipples for nursing, then you're likely to have a bad latch with lots of pain. :-(

So, I'd try an underwire at home for a few hours and see how it goes, and take your current bra to work for the first few days, in case you need to switch. Pay attention to your breasts while wearing the underwire, and if you feel constricted at all, or you start to develop any pain, discomfort, soreness, or anything else new, switch back. You do not want to get a plugged duct because of an unnatural fashion dictate.

I am quite a bit bigger than you. ( 38 H ) I hate wearing bras w/out underwire. I wear both, when I'm out, I wear underwire. At home, I switch and wear one w/out.It's a pain to switch all the time but I do start getting clogged if I always wear underwire. I went to one of those womens shops at the hospital wear I delivered, for my bras. They cater to breast cancer patients and nursing women. The bras were super expensive but totally worth it and the girls that work in there were really helpful. a lactation consultant also suggested a nursing tank. I got mine at Target and I love them! They suprisingly have lots of support and way comfy. sometimes I wear them over a non-underwire for extra support and layering, so when I lift my shirt to nurse, my stomach isn't hanging out.

It can cause milk duct issues/clogs, etc. if it is ill fitting -- that is why they say to avoid them. The underwire puts extra pressure on the lower part of the breast. I luckily didn't get that big busted (stayed in the C range) so I got ones without. Maybe you need to have your size checked. Good luck!

T.,
You won't need to wear a nursing bra if you'll be at work unless you decide to pump. I was about your size when breastfeeding and found comfort wearing all cotton nursing bras, no underwire. I think the most important thing for you to buy before returning to work is finding nursing pads that will keep you from leaking through your bra and blouse. I liked the ones that had the cotton with outer plastic layer to keep the wetness from reaching my blouses.