Down to one BF, can I wear normal bras?

[Taurean]

Well after yet another VERY trying start to my breast feeding journey, I'm thrilled to say we made it to one year exclusively I'm so chuffed!! One year was my goal and then I wanted to back off on the BF which I've done and DD2 is only BFing once a day now. So I was hoping I could start wearing normal bras again or is that a bad idea if there is only one BF a day? The BF is either very early in the morning (4-5am) or upon waking around 7.30am so I don't need the bras for easy access but I don't want to damage my ducts if that's what could happen.

Does anyone know if it'd be ok for me to ditch my maternity bras?

[Beach Mama]

Congratulations!!! Great achievement!!

While there is milk, I would think that there is the potential for blocked ducts hun so it would be better to stick with them until you wean completely! I waited for about 4 weeks after DS's last feed at 17 mths to get newbies!

[Artechim]

I have no idea 'cos I haven't looked at a normal bra for over 5 years but I would say go for it. And Yay!! I am in the same situation, only feeding overnight now and I just realised a few days ago that I could be wearing normal bra's again. No idea what my new post-baby x3 size is though. They live a few inches south of where they were last time I used a normal bra lol

[Liz]

I went back into normal bras when DD1 was 1 and we fed frequently until she was 26 months

I'm still in maternity bras with DD2, but only because these ones are a bit more supportive than my last ones, so haven't felt the need to change back to normal bras yet.

[Jellyfish]

Honestly, I only stopped wearing normal bras for the initial couple of weeks with my first while supply settled and since then have worn whatever suits my fancy, underwire and all. I have never had a blocked duct and fed my first for over 3yrs part of which was tandem feeding with my second who is almost 12months now (so almost 4yrs all up without a break). Even if I've gone out and had longer than usual between feeds it has not been an issue.

I'd just try it out if you think you can, obviously it varies greatly from woman to woman.

[onthefly]

Try it and see I go back in normal bras once we're down to 2 feeds per day and it seems to be fine.

[Cherished]

DS is 28 months and still loves boobie milk around the clock. I haven't worn maternity bras for at least a year and even in the early days I'd often not be wearing a maternity bra. I found those sports bra type of crop top things wonderful! They don't have underwire, they are supportive and DS can have access whenever he wants without any drama. I have some with wider straps and some with thin straps so they go with any clothing I wear too... I find that I pretty much live in them.

[peanutter]

I personally wouldn't go back until a few months after completely finishing up - to make sure I don't get a later blockage.

Having had a blocked duct here and there, I do whatever I can to avoid repeating the experience!

[Mildez]

I had mastitis a few times with DD and found my maternity bra's seemed to start it off. I haven't had it since wearing normal bra's and have been wearing normal ones since DD was about 4-5months old (several sizes larger then I normally wear) DD is 21months and still feeding a few times in 24hours. I also noticed as a midwife that lots of women don't seem to wear maternity bra's. If I have another baby I think I'll just keep wearing non maternity bra's.

[AlligatorsMum]

Congrats tuaren!
im Interested to know as well! I'm about to but 12 months exclusively on 7th and I can not beleive it!! I'm also starting the weaning process as we would like TTC soon and so far AF has been AWOL during BF. we are down to three feeds a day but I'm happy goin slowly. But can't wait to get some normal bras on!

[~Kim~]

I did. Never had an issue. DS only had early morning and bedtime feeds too.
You know what to look out for.

[Taurean]

Thanks for advice girls. I think I'll just give it a shot as I'm loving the look of those skinny straps and versatile bras - my clothing options doubles!

Like you Arte, my girls have shrunk (I'm a B cup for the first time again since I was about 15!) and headed kinda south so I may actually need a whole new bra wardrobe. Wonder Bras might actually be on my shopping list for the first time ever. They need as much 'wonder' as I can get!

Cheers girls