Monday, September 21, 2015

Nursing Bra Controversy: Wire-Free or Underwire?

Nursing Bra Controversy: Wire-Free or Underwire?
Since 2000 we have been in the business of making maternity bras for expecting women and nursing bras for breastfeeding moms,  the first question usually is Wire or No Wire.
First off, this is just personal experience, not simply medical advice.  If you are having issues with clogged ducts, and pain, especially fever ---  quickly find a local Lactation Consultant.  It is worth the money!
In 15 years, I have had no more than 5 customers raise concern about our bras causing a clogged duct for them.  One woman was local, she came into our shop -- she had on a Wirefree bra....but the fit was way too tight! 
We have successfully offered our patented Flexywire  and Wirefree bras for almost 15 years now, and it seems to come down to a few things to be aware of in this realm.  I realize that most doctors still don't recommend and underwire, but I bet it has more to do with caution because of a worst case scenario, than the success women have had breastfeeding with underwire nursing bras for years.
breastfeedingOur breastfeeding model Audrey 

1. Bra Fit
If the fit of the bra is too tight and constricting, this can easily cause the clogged ducts.  A key location is the bra cup seam - notice if it is digging in, especially if that seam is on top of breast tissue.  It should be supporting tissue, not cutting it off.  Also, loose saggy bras can be a culprit too!  If your breast tissue is not supported well enough, gravity can be working against your milk flow.
2. Genetics
Some women are pre-disposed to getting clogged ducts, or worse - mastitis.  If you know this about yourself, personally I recommend not to play Russian Roulette - just go tp a good bra fitter (usually a local lingerie boutique or a customer service focused department store like Nordstrom) and get a wirefree nursing bra.  I highly recommend our Smooth Cup Wirefree bra especially if you are an E-H cup, also our Mesh Plunge or Anytime Bras are good wirefree alternatives.
3. Low tech 
If you are not pre-disposed to mastitis in a severe way, I personally found if there was a sore spot on my breast I would rub it firmly.  Usually I would be able to find the duct which was a little clogged (on all different spots) and like a cramp, you can gently massage it. It seemed to work for me, but again this is not medical advice - just my personal experience.  
4. Heal after birth - grow into breastfeeding
You just birthed a baby (vaginally or surgically it is traumatic on your body) give yourself time to recover and heal.  Even though I am a fan of the underwire - I needed a couple of weeks to get used to breastfeeding, feeling comfortable and in a good rhythem with my baby boy.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions - we have helped thousands of women over these years.
Toll Free: 1-888-700-8438 (10am - 3pm PST)
Email: order@bellamaterna.com
Chat on our website: www.BellaMaterna.com 
 Here is another resource for Breastfeeding-Problems.com
Take care - get plenty of rest and water, 
Anne
Bella Materna|President|Mom

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