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 *********************************************** The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html