I think a man invented the underwire bra.  In my experience selling nursing
bras over the past 4 years I am still amazed at how many women can't Live
without that uncomfortable wire in there bra.  some will even be sleeping in
an underwire at night to prevent sagging!!!

As for the question of how to advise moms on what and when to wear, I believe
comfort is Key, but only the relaxed "sleep bras" at night if anything at all.
Many moms with plugged duct problems can be "cured" with a bra change.  It has
gotten to be one of the first questions I ask when plugged ducts or mastitis
is going on.  Does Your bra Fit Well?  Do you wear an underwire bra?  What do
you sleep in at night?  Amazingly I will have many moms so relieved that they
can stop sleeping in their bras at night,  They complain of discomfort but
were "told by so and so" that this was a requirement for nursing.

I quit wearing an underwire one day when the darn wire was poking through its
seam and stabbing me in the chest, I was driving the van full of my then 3
kids as i  pulled the wire free and through it angrily out the window.  My 8
year old looks at me in shock and says:  "mommy, what in the world is wire
doing in your bra?'"  I had no logical answer.

Jessica Donahue RN  Ibclc  anti-underwire bra sales person