Someone posted awhile back on a young woman who had been advised to have
breast reduction surgery, before she'd had children.

It seemed to me that large breasts are an engineering problem made medical
because we go to doctors for solutions.  So I asked a client who is also a
civil engineer.  Her answer:

        From a structural support view, the more breasts "stick out" the
harder they'll be to support.  Anything that will help hold them close to
the body should help.  Spreading the load with wide straps and long line
bras will also help along with any actions that minimize bouncing motion.
(It's harder to keep a building standing in an earthquake.)  So much for
engineering.

        I spoke to my former roommate, Ann (a 44DDD) and she had many good
comments:
get a second opinion from a doctor
try a chiropracter
consider weight loss (if appropriate)
exercise to build strength and muscle support (no step aerobics!!)
try different chairs and positions (see a physical therapist?)
long line bras (but can be uncomfortable)

        She added that it can be difficult growing up with a breasts that
are of such interest to so many people.  Still, she can't imagine being
without them. She would try every possible option open to her before
considering a serious operation that would have psychological effects in
addition to possible loss of sensation and ability to breastfeed.

        Ann also has a close friend, Pat, who started as an F cup, and
blossomed to an O cup during her first pregnancy.  The child was named
OLIVIA.  When she got pregnant again, she said this one would be named
WILLIAM.  There were lots of BAD jokes!

        Pat breastfed and managed to find nursing bras that fit.  Ann will
check with Pat to see if she'd like to contribute to the discussion and
share her bra sources.  [end of excerpt]

Diane Wiessinger, MS, IBCLC, LLLL  Ithaca, NY