Bra necessary?

[azhie]

In the first couple of weeks of breastfeeding dd I didn't bother with bras, just pulled my top down to nurse, and found it so easy! Once I started going outside and seeing more people, I began wearing nursing bras, and don't like them. When I pull down the flaps they get in the way of baby's latch. I'm also more comfortable without bras anyway. I'm not big-- 34C right now. I leak milk but I find that if I put breast pads in fitting tank tops, it's enough to stop leaking all over. So I'm wondering whether I really need to wear a bra? Would my breasts sag without the support? 

[Chloe'sMama]

I have been nursing for over 3 years straight and have NEVER worn a nursing bra.  I get the camis with the shelf part (to hold in the nursing pad) then a tshirt or whatever over.  I like to pull my shirt up and the tank down, so my belly gets some coverage too.

I am pretty small chested (34B before pregnancy, maybe 34 C nursing)

It works out GREAT for me!

[erigeron]

I don't see why it would matter as long as you are comfortable. Depending on who you ask, breasts sag less braless when you don't wear a bra regularly because your muscles get more work holding them up, and ultimately do a better job. I have never pursued this line of inquiry because I personally am miserable when without a bra for 5 minutes, but if you're good in a shelf bra I say go for it.

[azhie]

Really?? I never heard of this!
 

Originally Posted by erigeron 

I don't see why it would matter as long as you are comfortable. Depending on who you ask, breasts sag less braless when you don't wear a bra regularly because your muscles get more work holding them up, and ultimately do a better job. I have never pursued this line of inquiry because I personally am miserable when without a bra for 5 minutes, but if you're good in a shelf bra I say go for it.

[azhie]

This inspires me to ditch my nursing bras... they are too constricting!

Originally Posted by Chloe'sMama 

I have been nursing for over 3 years straight and have NEVER worn a nursing bra.  I get the camis with the shelf part (to hold in the nursing pad) then a tshirt or whatever over.  I like to pull my shirt up and the tank down, so my belly gets some coverage too.

I am pretty small chested (34B before pregnancy, maybe 34 C nursing)

It works out GREAT for me!