Just want to put in my 2-cents here. This article remains one of my
favorite on the topic. Anyone who has not read it should do so, and soon!



>Dear Jessica,
>Regarding advice about bras and prevention of mastitis, I conducted research
>into risk factors for mastitis, where I examined 36 variables potentially
>associated with mastitis (Published: Fetherston, C. 1998. Risk factors for
>Lactation Mastitis. J Hum Lact. 14:101-109). I found (among other things)
>restriction from a tight bra was a risk factor for mastitis in first time
>breast feeders and for blocked ducts in expereinced feeders (Multi's). In
>this paper I recommended women do not wear a bra during the first week of
>lactation as restriction from a bra is very common during this time due the
>increased fullness,and sometimes engorgement that is experienced by women
>when the milk first "comes in". I realise that many women may not feel
>comfortable without the support of a bra at this, or any time. In these
>women I would encourage they remove their bra when feeding to facilitate
>adequate drainage from areas that may be restricted when wearing a bra -
>this also allows the benefit of skin to skin contact in these early days
>when the development of good attachment techniques are essential. In
>addition, wearing a bra to bed at night should also be avoided if possible
>as  when lying in one position for a prolonged period of time pressure from
>seams, nursing pads or tight bras can cause local inflammation and
>subsequent blockage or sluggish flow of milk. I have discussed alternatives
>to not wearing a bra to bed in the above paper.
>Regards
>Cathy Fetherston
>
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--
Marie Biancuzzo
Perinatal Clinical Nurse Specialist
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Resources to simplify breastfeeding management are available at
http://www.wmc-worldwide.com

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