Brassiere types:

Brassiere types:

full cup - a full-cup bra covers the whole of the breast. Available for all breast sizes, but will be the best (and often only) choice for women over a D cup as they offer a lot of support. For those of whose SO is well-endowed (D and over) you've probably heard occasional long rants about how difficult it is to find bras. Well, sorry to break it to you, but it is. There is good stuff out there that is very beautiful indeed, but it's expensive. A-D cups are easily catered for by the majority of clothing stores and labels, but above a D cup are specific labels.

half cup - a half-cup bra usually offers nearly the same support as a full-cup, but only covers half the breast; again, available for all breast sizes. The advantage of a half-cup over a full-cup is that she will be able to wear lower-cut tops with it, and it looks and feels just a little more sexy because more of the breast is exposed. For this, she is only sacrificing a little of the complete support that a full-cup provides her.

balconette - a balconette bra is as it sounds; a balcony for the breasts. It's a half cup bra with wide-spaced straps, but it also pushes the breasts up to create cleavage. Not recommended for anyone over a D cup (unless manufactured by a company that specialises in +DD bras, and even then be careful).

plunge bra - a plunge bra is merely a bra where the band that connects the cups is a thin strip below the line of the nipples, allowing the woman to wear very low-cut tops. Plunge bras can usually be found up to quite large sizes.

push-up bra - a push-up bra pushes the breasts up and in, making them look fuller and creating a lot of cleavage. The Wonderbra is a type of push-up bra. Often a push-up bra will be combined with a plunge bra making a...

cleavage bra - a cleavage bra is the kind of thing that haunts men's dreams. Depending on the manufacturer, you can get these made up to an F cup (Wonderbra only goes to C or D at most).
triangle - a triangle bra is strictly for pert C cups and under only. Offer practically no support (as they usually aren't underwired), and are pretty much there for decoration... which is why they can be so very luxurious.

http://everything2.com/index.pl?node_id=1825498&lastnode_id=0

How to Buy The Right Lingerie For Your Sweetheart And Stay Put Of The Doghouse

Okay guys, I know you don't want to hear this but here it goes, when you are shopping for lingerie for your lady it isn't for you. I know it's a shocker but it's true. If you want to make her happy and you want her to think that the lingerie gift you buy her is great, remember you are buying it for her.

We all know as men what we like and what we want to see when it comes to lingerie, but what we think is sexy and erotic may be something she has no desire to wear. This is especially true if your lady is shy about her body, and you know if she is. If you go and buy something that is super revealing and she wouldn't be comfortable in it, it doesn't matter what you think. She will put the garment in a dresser drawer and never take the tags off.

You know your lady, if you don't you shouldn't be buying her lingerie. When you are shopping for her, think about the things you know she likes. Would she really feel comfortable in this, or not? Educate yourself on the different types of lingerie available and peek in her lingerie drawers to get an idea of what she likes if you have never bought any for her before. While you are at it, make sure you take note of her size. Nothing can cause a lingerie gift to backfire faster than to buy the wrong size, whether it is too big or too small.

If you have never been to the lingerie department or a specialty store that sells lingerie you will be totally amazed by the diverse selection of lingerie products on the market. Take it up a notch from just bras and panties and look at things like bustiers and corsets. If your girl is more conservative and shy about her body you should consider a chemise which is a little longer than the Baby Doll nightie that you may have been fantasizing about. Baby Dolls are really short and because of this they usually come with matching panties or G-strings. Don't buy your woman something like this unless you know for a fact that she is into it.

Now that you are aware of some of the basic styles available you need to be sure that you know her size in all of them. For men this is the defining moment that determines whether your gift is welcomed and appreciated or thrown back at you! There is no excuse in her eyes for you not to know, therefore most of us have to cheat and peek at the items she already has. If you buy your woman the wrong cup size it will probably tick her off just as much as it would if you buy her a large negligee when she wears a medium, so be sure. You need to know her number size, such as 6, 7, 9 as well as the standards of small, medium, or large.

Now that you have all this down pat you need to decide on colors. Pick colors that enhance her hair, eyes, and skin tone. Take your time and do a little research and you will both be happy.
Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach, Florida. Find more about this as well as fine lingerie at http://www.lingerie-plus-more.com

Surgery: Deciding About Breast Implants for Reconstruction

When thinking about surgery for breast cancer you will have many important decisions to make. One decision is whether to have surgery for breast reconstruction at all. As expected, women have different opinions and views about reconstruction.

A few reasons why some women decide FOR reconstruction with breast implants:
-to restore body image following mastectomy surgery for breast cancer
-to replace an external breast form (prosthesis)
-to avoid being constantly reminded of their breast cancer diagnosis
-to avoid embarrassment in public dressing areas
-to help create a look that makes them feel more comfortable with or without clothes

A few reasons why some women decide AGAINST reconstruction with breast implants:
they understand that breast implants are not lifetime devices, that they may have to undergo multiple surgeries and they want to avoid more surgery

-they feel the risks of surgery and anesthesia are greater than the benefits
-they are concerned about potential known and unknown risks from breast implants for themselves and their children should they become pregnant
-they feel they are able to adjust to a new body image without reconstruction with breast implants
-they prefer to wear an external breast form (prosthesis)

If you decide on breast reconstruction, there are currently two surgical techniques:
The "flap" technique. This surgery rebuilds the contour of the breast by taking tissue from other areas of the body. The TRAM (transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous) flap technique may be used to reconstruct one or both breasts at the same time. The flap technique involves moving skin, muscle and fat to the breast area from the abdomen, back, or buttock to rebuild the breast. There will be a scar in the area where the flap was lifted. The flap technique is considered a major operation and, for medical reasons, is not suitable for everyone. This, like all operations, should be discussed carefully with your doctor. In some cases, breast implants may be used in addition to the flap procedure.

It is important to note that the TRAM flap operation can be done only once. The TRAM flap can be used to reconstruct one or both breasts, but only in one operation. If the TRAM flap is used to reconstruct one breast, and a mastectomy is later required on the other breast, reconstruction of the second breast must be done through other means (i.e., insertion of a breast implant).

Insertion of breast implants. The surgeon inserts the implant into a pocket created under the skin. The pocket may be located either behind (submuscular) or in front (submammary) of the chest muscle.

Ask your doctor about the pros and cons of each implant technique. If you decide to have reconstruction for one breast, you may need to think about surgery on the other breast to achieve a similar appearance.

Special Concerns for Women with Breast Cancer
Here are some of the known risks or problems with breast implant surgery for women with breast cancer:

The physical and cosmetic results with breast implants may be affected by chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or any other factor which significantly alters the healing process.
Skin necrosis (dying skin) may occur because circulation to the remaining tissue has been changed by a mastectomy or other trauma to the breast area. Also, skin necrosis may be increased as a result of radiation treatment.

It usually takes more than one operation to achieve the desired cosmetic outcome, especially if this procedure includes rebuilding the nipple. Timing for Reconstruction with Breast Implants
Reconstruction can be done either at the time of breast cancer surgery or at a later date. If breast surgery and implant surgery are done at the same time, the surgeon usually uses the same incision to insert the implant. Another option is to insert a temporary tissue expander. In this case, in a second operation after the skin has stretched sufficiently, the surgeon will remove the expander and replace it with an implant. Another option is to insert the implants at some time after the mastectomy. With delayed insertion, the surgeon may still be able to use the mastectomy or lumpectomy scar to insert the implant. The surgeon should discuss with you which approach is the most desirable for you, and the associated risks.

Recreation of the Nipple and Areola following Reconstructive Surgery
After your breast has healed from the original implant surgery, you may want your nipple and areola (darker skin around the nipple) rebuilt. This procedure can usually be performed on an out-patient basis. Ask your surgeon to explain the various ways this can be done.

Your Expectations -- Reconstruction or Augmentation
Your consideration of breast implants, for reconstruction or for augmentation should be based on realistic expectations of the outcome. To help you get an idea of what results may be possible, look at before and after pictures of patients who have had this surgery. Your doctor may have some to show you. You may also want to talk with other women who have had this surgery at least a year before with the same surgeon. Keep in mind, however, that there is no guarantee that your results will match those of other women.

Your results will depend on many individual factors, such as your overall health; chest structure and body shape; healing capabilities (which may be hindered by radiation and chemotherapy, smoking, alcohol and various medications); bleeding tendencies; prior breast surgery(ies); infection; skill and experience of the surgical team; the type of surgical procedure; and, the type and size of implant.

Scarring is a natural outcome of surgery, and your doctor will try to keep scars as subtle as possible. She or he can explain the location, size, and appearance of the scars you can expect to have. For most women, scars will fade over time to thin lines, although the darker your skin, the more prominent the scars are likely to be. Usually the body will develop a fibrous capsule which can be thick or thin around the implant which is a normal physiologic response to a foreign object in the body.

It is important to remember that implants age over time and may need to be replaced. Although your implant may last for many years, you should not expect it to last indefinitely.

General Description of the Surgery
Breast implant procedures can be performed on an outpatient (not hospitalized) basis or at a hospital. Breast implant surgery can be done under local anesthesia, or under general anesthesia.

Breast implant surgery can last from one to several hours depending on whether the implant is inserted behind or in front of the chest muscle, and whether surgery is performed on one or both breasts. Prior to surgery, the doctor should discuss with you the extent of surgery, the estimated time it will take, and the choice of drugs for pain and nausea.

Postoperative Recovery

The doctor should describe to you the usual postoperative recovery process, the possible complications that can arise, and the expected recovery period. Following the operation, as with any surgery, some pain, swelling, bruising, and tenderness can be expected, but they should disappear with time.

Medications for pain and nausea can be prescribed. Some women may experience fever, bleeding or other symptoms of infection; these should be reported immediately to the doctor. Patients should be instructed about wound healing and appropriate wound care.
If the surgery is done in a hospital, the length of the hospital stay will vary according to the type of surgery, the development of any postoperative complications, your general health, and the type of coverage your insurance provides.

Follow-Up
Ask your surgeon about follow-up care, including a schedule of follow-up examinations, advice about limitations to your activities, precautions you should take, and when you can return to your normal routine. (If you are enrolled in a clinical trial, your surgeon should give you a schedule for follow-up exams set by the study plan.)

Source: Food and Drug Administration

How Breastfeeding Benefits a Daddy

You know that breastfeeding is best for mother and child, but what's in it for Dad? Isn't he going to miss out by not getting to share in the joy of feeding the baby? Let's see how Dads benefit when a Mom chooses to breastfeed their child.


Cost Savings This is a big one for Dad! Whether he's the sole income provider or not, adding a new member to the family can be a source of worry for him. Let him in on the fact that one year of breastfeeding can keep over $1,000 in the family budget. That's just for bottles and formula, that doesn't include extra Doctor visits and prescriptions that happen when baby is formula fed.
More Sleep Let's face it. He doesn't have the equipment to handle the job of night feedings. While some Moms choose to pump and let Dad offer a bottle at night, for many Moms, snuggling up with baby at night to nurse is the norm. In a lot of families, this means Dad can head off to work with a full night's rest.


Proud Papa When Dad sees how baby's cheeks and thighs are filling out on Mom's milk alone, he tends to view her as some kind of Dairy Queen. What an amazing capacity she has to help his child grow and thrive! Many Dads become huge proponents of breastfeeding when they see how healthy their babies are.


Health Benefits Dads are especially impressed by the fact that breastfed babies gain an average of 8 IQ points over their formula fed counterparts. Breastfeeding also means that Mom is less likely to get ovarian or breast cancer. The extended nonfertility that many nursing Moms experience is also a plus in Dads book.


Focus on Mom Since Mom is breastfeeding, Dad can find other ways to bond with baby and be a support to Mom. Some ideas: take baby for walks, burp and bathe baby, sing baby to sleep, massage baby and read to baby. He can also be in charge of helping Mom stay fed and hydrated in the early weeks while she recovers from the birth. And since Mom is handling the "input", Dad can be in charge of "output". Dads are far more likely to be willing to change diapers since a breastfed baby's poop doesn't have an unpleasant odor (until solid food is added!).

Can I Breastfeed My Husband Or Partner

With approximately 93% of women resuming intercourse 4 months after giving birth and the increase in new mom's breastfeeding it is only natural that couples ask questions regarding breasts and breast play during lovemaking and research has shown that a number of women ask questions like 'Can I Breastfeed My Husband'


There are 2 areas of concern with respect to this and this article will address them both.
If this is your first child that you have breastfed then one of the first concerns may be that your partner may take milk (or colostrum) away from your new baby and thus leave them going hungry. There is no need for concern over this as other moms who have breastfed will be able to tell you. You will produce the amount of milk required, on a kind of supply and demand basis.


What may be practical is for you to commence your lovemaking activity a short time after breastfeeding your child for a very good reason. You will probably now be aware that breastfed children feed more frequently than formula fed babies, as natural milk is digested more quickly than formula and so this should give you and your partner more of that special time together without your child wanting to be fed. This will also help alleviate your worries about the amount of milk you produce for the first few times together.


The hormone that is released during orgasm, oxytocin, also causes your milk to eject and therefore milk can spray or leak during lovemaking. By feeding your child prior to lovemaking you can lessen this effect substantially.


The next concerns that you should have with respect to breastfeeding your husband or partner are for the safety of your child. Generally lactating breast play will be safe for you, your baby and partner or husband except in a few special circumstances which I cover below.


The first of these circumstances is if any of the 3 of you has an active yeast infection. If this is the case then it will need to be treated prior to initiating breast contact. Babies commonly develop a yeast infection in their mouths called thrush and this can be passed to the mothers' breasts during breastfeeding. This can cause a lot of pain for mom during breastfeeding or breast pumping and normally causes cracked, sore nipples but may cause persistent nipple pain.


Yeast infections are extremely common and are very easily spread often manifesting themselves as oral thrush or diaper rash in your child, vaginal infection or breast infection in mom or athletes foot in any family member or groin itch in the father. Thrush is the most common affecting the mucous membranes of the body.


Yeast infections are unfortunately quite difficult to eradicate completely, as they can survive on a lot of surfaces such as breast pump equipment, bathroom surfaces and on toweling products. Once any infections are clear then breast contact by your partner can resume safely.


The second of these circumstances that is worth noting due to it being common is having an active herpes infection, whether that is type 1 or type 2 as there can be a lot of crossover between the two types. Type 1 is associated with cold sores and type 2 causes genital herpes. Herpes can be transmitted through close human contact, especially contact involving the mucous surfaces, like kissing or intercourse. There have been cases of infants with cold sores passing the infection to the mothers' breast through breastfeeding.


If your partner or husband has cold sores or lesions on his mouth then oral contact with your breasts should be avoided until they have completely disappeared. Herpes can cause serious infections in newborns because their immune systems are still developing. Wash your hands frequently and carefully, because herpes can be spread from hand to mouth.


Obviously during lovemaking or any intimate physical contact there is the potential to share disease and if you have other less common medical conditions you should consult your physician for real medical advice. The conditions above I have specifically mentioned as they are likely to affect a large percentage of the population.


However, these circumstances and less common disease aside there are no reasons why you and your husband shouldn't enjoy, if you so wish, the added dimension to your lovemaking that your lactating breasts can bring.

http://www.notjustbasics.com/breastfeed
http://www.notjustbasics.com/breastfeed

A Plus Size Bra Will Make Your Naturally Curvy Body Look Even More Tempting

As a woman, I have faced the difficulty of finding the right bra many a time. But what makes it even more tedious is the fact that I have a naturally curvaceous figure. To find a bra that is both supportive and comfortable is a monumental task and this is where plus size bras come to the rescue. With todays ever increasing market there are plus size bras available for the support you need and the comfort you want, as well as that extra added beauty. Plus size bras have done away with all the trials we women had to put up with in the past. With all the brands and varieties available, you can not only find plus size bras that you will love wearing, but bras that will accentuate your naturally curvaceous figure.

When we think of plus size bras, automatically we may picture two huge domes with hulking thick straps, digging uncomfortably into our shoulders. This picture is a thing of the past, sexy plus size bras are the future and are here to stay! You can get extremely feminine lacy plus size bras, or sultry satin, silk and lace bras with under wire for extra support, strapless plus size bras, and even minimizer full figure bras. The companies have realized that a large portion of women have been endowed with naturally voluptuous and exotically formed figures and that this is what a woman should look like!

During pregnancy and your life span, your breasts can change size and sometimes dramatically, and having a quality plus size bra will make all the difference. You can make your figure look even more tempting, develop even more confidence and feel exceptionally comfortable in a plus size bra that fits just right. A full figure bra that fits properly will help improve your posture. Nursing Plus Size Bras Nursing bras are very comfortable if you are a breast feeding mother. You have to feed your baby periodically and the process is very cumbersome when you have to do it wearing regular bras. These bras have provisions to feed the child easily and comfortably. Look for plus size nursing bras that have a braiding support instead of wiring, which will give you a lot more comfort if you need to sleep in it. Most nursing bras are either made out of cotton / lycra for gentle support, but you can also get these plus size bras in very sexy designs too.

You can buy a Nursing bra for just around £22.99. Plus Size And Push Ups Plus size bras are bras meant for full-figured women. These bras come with minimizers too, which help to minimize the projection of your bust. Push-ups have the opposite effect of the plus size bras and are commonly used by smaller structured women. This type of bra will give your appearance an even more heightened appearance, which is sure to get your partner's attention away from the footaball game or whatever else he is doing!. Sports Bras You have to feel comfortable when walking or doing exercises.

Wearing a regular bra just doesn't provide the support we need, but also gives us the much needed comfort we deserve. I mean can you imagine running on a treadmill with a poorly constructed bra, not only will it have long term effects on your back but can also damage your breasts. You can buy a sports bra for around £19.99. You should experience comfort and support while wearing a bra all day long. You have to be specific about which one suits you the most. You have to very careful about your size, which is often subject to change. It is necessary for you to check your size before buying one. Plus size bras have finally come left that unattractive image of the past behind and become hugely sexy bras for today and tomorrow. Whether its a sports bra or an everyday sexy bra, we fuller figured women have finally been given a choice that is both comfortable and sexy. A click on your mouse is all it takes and the dazzling array of plus size bras will be at your fingertips.

About The Author
Kalwant Rana is A Freelance Writer For http://www.sexy-plus-size-lingerie-org.uk. You Can Find Lots Of Useful Information And Reviews About All Kinds Of Plus Size Lingerie From Simple Bras To Sexy Costumes.

Some Herbs Boost Breast Cancer Risk

March 26, 2002 -- Alternative remedies are more popular than ever, and women are now seeking "natural" solutions for the unpleasant symptoms of menopause. But natural doesn't always mean safe. In fact, researchers have found that certain herbs may increase a woman's risk of breast cancer.

"Our studies show that dong quai and ginseng stimulate the growth of [breast cancer] cells," write Paula Amato, MD, from the department of obstetrics and gynecology at Houston's Baylor College of Medicine, and colleagues. Their findings appear in the most recent issue of Menopause.

The team tested four herbs commonly used to fight hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms: dong quai, ginseng, black cohosh, and licorice root. They looked at what effect each of the herbs had on samples of human breast cancer cells and whether they had any estrogen-like properties either in a test tube or in live mice.

None of the herbs exhibited estrogen-like effects, but the dong quai and the ginseng both "significantly induced growth" of the cancer cells, the researchers write.

Besides the fact that the effectiveness of these herbs has not been scientifically proven, there's also the potential for dangerous herb-drug interactions, the researchers write. There have already been reports of uterine bleeding problems from the combined effects of dong quai and blood thinner medications.


Right now, without FDA regulation, there is little if any guarantee of what these preparations contain -- there's no standardization for formulas, dosage, or labeling accuracy.
"Despite their widespread use, little is known about the safety and efficacy of these herbs. Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trials assessing the safety and efficacy of these treatments are needed. Use of these herbs in humans warrants caution pending further study," they write.

Must Read for Breastfeeding Mothers

Breastfeeding mothers should watch their diets from the start of their pregnancy. Complex carbohydrates and whole-grain products, such as whole-wheat bread, brown rice, and oatmeal are beneficial. Take lots of fruits and vegetables as they provide vitamins A and C and minerals such as iron and magnesium.It is important to drink lots of water. Water improves digestion and absorption of food and nutrients. Taking at least eight glasses of water each day keep the mother hydrated and help prevent those painful leg and foot cramps that are extremely common during pregnancy.Another point to note is that the more you nurse, the more milk you make.

There is no need to give the breast a rest from nursing to produce more milk. A steady supply of milk is kept by expressing milk as regularly as you can. Breastfeeding mums should nurse at least nine to 10 times a day to ensure milk production.The main component in breast milk is medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs), principally lauric acid. Lauric acid is also the main ingredient in coconut oil. The MCFAs in breast milk improve nutrient absorption for babies, aiding their digestion.The MCFAs also help regulate blood sugar levels and protect the baby from harmful microorganisms. These essential fatty acids are anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-parasite. Thus the MCFAs protect the baby from infectious diseases. This is critical as the baby’s immune system is still under-developed.

Adding coconut oil to baby formula has been proven to increase weight gain. Importantly, the weight gain is due to physical growth, not fat storage. The MCFAs in coconut oil help infants to absorb needed fats for their cells to carry out their functions. Nutrient absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, minerals and protein is improved in the process.The quality of human breast milk is influenced by the mother’s health and diet. It is important that the mother takes a diet rich in MCFAs. If not, the breast milk produced will not contain enough MCFAs.

As a result, the baby may be mal-nourished and become vulnerable to infectious disease.The foods rich in MCFAs include palm kernel oils and coconut oil. Pregnant women should take these oils from the beginning of their pregnancy to build up their store of MCFAs, in order to produce milk rich in MCFAs to provide maximum benefit to their babies.

Can Wearing a Bra all the Time Cause Cancer?

Question: Can you get breast cancer from things you do to your breasts, like wearing a bra all the time, or when your partner caresses them?

Answer: No, you cannot get breast cancer from these things. What you wear and how your breasts are touched do not affect your risk for breast cancer.

But if you feel uncomfortable with the way your partner handles your breasts, you need to share that with him or her. It's important for you to be intimate in ways that feel good for you.

http://www.breastcancer.org/faq_breasts.html