Help with Tight Sports Bra and Milk Supply

I too have larger (F) breasts. I have had trouble finding sports bras that remove the bouncing. I wore double bras while breast feeding for 2 years while exercising and my milk didn't seem to be effected. A couple years ago I found out about Title 9. They have great sports bras (sizes go up to E/F) that have work miracles for my situation, no more double bras!

Title Nine has the best selection for sports bras for larger breasted women! you can order by catalog if you aren't near their stores. i played softball when my son was 6 mos w/ a VERY tight sports bra and had no problems with milk supply. for comfort, i really recommend a structurally supportive bra as opposed to doubling up (i did that for years before the bra market developed) they make really good bras now. also good to nurse before the game.

one thing to be prepared for- i found it hard to concentrate on the field a few times when i heard my son and it caught me off guard.

i would like to second what one of the women below said- i had the 'post baby super woman' stage where i thot i was going to just go back and do everything i did before, the way i did it before. it was a hard adjustment when i found out i couldn't. so while i totally encourage you to get out there and play, if things get hard or it doesn't end up being fun- don't be afraid to give yourself a break.

hope you have a fun (and bounce-free) time out on the field!

I have to second Nordstroms to get fitted for a quality nursing/sports bra. They are pricey, but it is so worth it.

If breastfeeding is well established, wearing a tight bra for 1.5 hours probably won't have any effect. I would nurse before the game (will make your breast feel a little more comfy, too), and if possible change into the sports bra and back right before/after the game.

I know that recovery is different for everyone, but I know that I wouldn't have been able to run around the bases at 4 weeks post partum... you may want to make sure you have someone who can replace you, if you feel like you are getting too tired during the game.
You should also check with your healthcare provider, before you return to playing. I was advised to stick to light/moderate activity until 8 weeks postpartum and after my check-up.
I guess what I am trying to say is: you just had a baby, do your body the favor and take it slow.

The only concern I would have wearing a tight sports bra would be a clogged milk duct which could lead to mastitis- which can make you very sick! Try to nurse or pump if the baby isn't hungry before the game- that should help with the discomfort. Try not to wear the bra for too long, either.

WHile I was nursing, and since to ensure a lack of "bounce" in my step, I wear a "Normal" bra under my sports bra. Not to tight and uncomfortable, but it's a little more stable than just a sports bra. If you have a comfortable nursing bra, try putting that UNDER a soft, tank style sports bra.
Hope it helps-have fun with the Softball!

Well, the only way to keep from bouncing is to wear those tight bras. So, unless you want to sit out the season, you should wear the bras. I really doubt that would decrease your milk supply. Be sure you wear those tuck-in bra pads, because you may leak milk due to the stimulation of the bouncing.

I breast fed my daughter to 13 months and my son to one year, so I feel like I have a pretty good idea what to expect. Although, I was not running like you will be! No way I could have done it - my breasts are way too large and running was really painful. Being on the team sounds fun though, so don't miss out if you don't have to!

I think the suggestion to get fitted @ Nordstrom is a good idea too. One thing I used to do, was wear an underwire bra underneath and a sports bra on top of that.

Have fun playing, hope you win!

Hi M.,

You don't want to compress your breasts too much to avoid getting a clogged duct or something, but I wouldn't worry about wearing a snug sports bra as long as you aren't going to be in for longer than just playing the game. La Leche League does make a high-impact nursing sport bra that you may want to try: http://mothersboutique.com/llhiimpuspnu.html

J.

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I also play on a coed league and my little guy just turned 4 months old last Friday. I had the same concerns you do at the beginning too. When the practices started back in March, he was just 7 weeks old. Both my doctor and the lactation consultant know that I am nursing and playing softball (I have had tons of questions regarding bra issues, as well as pumping and using a bottle during games and how long will the milk keep, etc.) For the amount of time of a game or a practice, wearing a tight bra won't harm your milk supply... I wear a fairly tight nursing bra, then with a sports bra over it. (I too have larger breasts.) You'll be fine -- have a great season! Oh, and in a pinch when the baby just is not taking the bottle from my husband, he HAS nursed just fine - after waiting for me to shimmy the sports bra up, and lower the flap, sweaty breasts and all. Good luck!

I have been wearing a sports bra to exercise, and while it didn't decrease my milk supply, if I don't take it off IMMEDIATELY when I'm through and nurse my baby, then I get horribly clogged milk ducts in one side. It takes all day or sometimes two to clear it up. So my advice is to find a nursing sports bra that is supportive but gentle, and then, try to nurse right after the game if possible!

Your milk supply is all about supply and demand. The tightness of the bra should not impact your supply at all. As far as the tightness goes though, I would keep it on at a minimum, get it off asap.
If this is your first baby you might be suffering from what I call the supper woman syndrom. Where we think that we can do every thing we did before baby w/ no interuption. You just had a baby, your body needs at least 5-6 weeks to fully recover and then you should be slowly working your self back into any work out routine. I just see red flags for a mom that has a 1 month old and if off playing softball.
Good luck!

I doubt it'd decrease your supply but be careful of mastitis. I think there's a small risk there but I could be wrong! I'd want to play too... good luck!
~C.

I would suggest going into Nordstroms and get fitted.
They are amazingly well trained. I have been a fit model for their training classes and have been impressed over the years.

They really are well trained. You will want to be fit fairly often during this time of great transition!!

Congratulations!! I can't believe you are back out there playing softball!! Wow, That is great!

M. Hawkins, LAc
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AcupunctureAndWellnessNW.com

I don't have an answer so will just wonder with you. Sqeezing the breasts usually causes the milk to flow. The more milk used, the more milk produced. Would this then cause the breasts to make more milk?

Perhaps someone makes a nursing sports bra?

you will need a bigger sports bra then you normally wear. I don't think it will affect your milk supply as long as you continue to breastfeed your baby, but i would try one size up for comfort.

Hi M.,
I truly don't think that wearing the sports bra for a short amount of time will decrease your milk supply. I'm sure that if you just put it on right before the game and take it off right after that you should be just fine. Have fun and try not to worry!

Hi,
I finally found the best sports bra ever.. (since I am not small on top)

They only sell them at nodstrom (in the bra section) or www.nordstrom.com.

they are made by donna karen (DKNY) brand... they are an underwire sports bra with the underwire on the outside.. so there are no seam that rub the skin.. even the straps ajust and the back of the bra.. I used to double up on the regular sports bra and it was so tight and uncomfortable.. I do not bounce in these bras I even wear them as regular bras when I am in sweats or jeans.. they are expensive but well worht the money and make sure you never put them in the dryer. I wish I knew about this bra a long time ago.
Lenc