How long do I need to wear a bra at night? Its been several weeks since the lumpectomy surgery and this nasty bra is becoming the most uncomfortable item of clothing I own. One morning I expect my bottom half to be severed from the top. I have nightmares about being strangulated across my midriff. The little hooks and eyes are working in my favour though; they pop open during the night (never all of them). This happens during the daytime too. I'm convinced my breasts are conspiring to escape the restrictions of the nasty bra.Please, someone tell me I can go to bed in my natural state, SOON!

@Bravo if its from Lumpectomy, I wouldnt think you would need to wear it beyond a few weeks. From memory with mine I may have worn it a week thats all. With my Mastectomy/recon Im 10 weeks post now and I only wore a crop to bed as per surgeons instructions, still am, its so soft and comfy. You could check with your Breast Care Nurse, but if youre feeling ok, Id take it off, or switch into a crop so you still have a little support but are comfortable and no longer restricted. M x

I only wore one 4 to 6 weeks after mastectomy and reconstruction so would think you'd be okay by now. I moved to an aah brah style from 3 weeks as found the stretch still a bit much ...which was much more comfy for sleeping but gave a tiny bit of support.

Hi @bravo, I was told to wear a night bra for four months but mine was after a mastectomy with immediate reconstruction using an implant and it was to ensure the implant was supported and stayed in the correct position during the night. I did change over to a soft padded crop top bra after a couple of months just for comfort and am still wearing one of a night time even now because I figure if I've got an anti sagging breast I might as well look after it

Don't know where the rest of my post went - but I hope you get to be comfy soon. Xx Cath

My night sleep in a crop top is like a security blanket - it's what you get used to and as @socoda said it is about protecting the new breast and keeping it in the anti sagging brigade - makes the other breast so jealous!

Night time bra? | BCNA Online Network

28 Replies

sandramj
Member
8 years ago
I'm hoping to go back to my normal el cheapo no fill underwire bras soon. Does anyone know any reason why I shouldn't as I've had a lumpectomy no where near any wiring. Guess I could ask surgeon but HE doesn't know about the feel of wearing a bra. Lol.
socoda
Member
8 years ago
@primek bwahahahaha me too thats why that target one is sooooo good. Will keep my eyes open and if I see anything like them in your size I'll let you know ;) @Hopes_and_Dreams they sound great and gotta say you smartie I certainly didn't think about removing my underwire from the bra :s I gave all of my lovely bras to my sister (mind you I don't mind her having them cause they were so lovely. Xx
Hopes_and_Dream
Member
8 years ago
I really miss my underwire bras. Being only small they gave me a bit of needed oomph! But considering my implant is fixed it place I can't really push up my boobs anymore. I took the wire out of a couple of my favourites so I can still use them. I found the most comfy bra is from K-Mart. Just a home brand I think but nice wide band at the bottom and soft cups with a low plunge. Only $10. Basic colours, white, black and beige but good for work x
primek
Member
8 years ago
@socoda I'm a cheapskate lol. ..especially since I don't actually need support, just some shaping.
socoda
Member
8 years ago
Awwwww @primek thats a bugger!!! Have I told you about Red Fern Lingerie? Made for BC survivors by a BC survivor. Not quite as plunging as the target bras and certainly a bit more expensive but lovely colours and styles.
primek
Member
8 years ago
@socoda It turns out I am a 14dd now and I didn't see a cup size above a D in those lovely ones you bought. I can sometimes where a size up and cup down but not as good of fit.
socoda
Member
8 years ago
Thanks @Primek. I unfortunately have gotten rid of all of my beautiful underwires as it was my surgeon who advised me and I listened :'( but all good. In fact all it means is that I now have to go shopping again. He he he. Xx
primek
Member
8 years ago
Re underwires @socoda ..I checked on this and encapsulation and there is no research that causes this (confirmed also by my bc nurse ).. it's caused by infection not bras...but the myth continues. I'd imagine no wire for lumpectomy.... dependent on the location of the tumour and if pressure. ..that would be all. I couldn't consider wired bras initially after reconstruction due to matrix sling and scar along bra line. ..but 12 months on no issues. Radiotherapy maybe not so good whilst healing though.
socoda
Member
8 years ago
Hey @Bravo, OK so I was told underwire bras for me were no go due to having an implant and the underwire apparently increasing the risk of encapsulation. I like my implant and want to keep it as is. I was an underwire addict and so have looked for bras that lift and seperate as well. The best I have found for this (nothing against Berlei as they are fantastic) is the memory foam bras that target have. I am a c cup real boob, d cup foob but this bra is perfect and not a mono. $15 and I wear it for work. Nothing sexy about it but pure functional comfort. Too good
Bravo
Member
8 years ago
That berlei bra might do the job, but the same could be said for chastity belts. So, so, so, uncomfortable!!