*Warning: this post may be embarrasing for any male reading it because it includes the words boobs, breastfeeding and bras.
If there was a group I could join, I would. And here would be my confession:
My name is Kymmie and I stopped breastfeeding 8 months ago.
And yet, until just a couple of weeks ago, I still wore maternity bras.
What would the group be called? Lapsing Breastfeeders Anonymous? Comfort Zone Anonymous? Boobie Neglecters Anonymous?
Whatever it would be called, I've been sitting on this for far too long (more than four years, actually). And something had to be done. Thankfully I read this article at Mamamia about black holes in your wardrobe. I realised that anything in the smalls department was my black hole - bathers, pyjamas, underwear of any sort. I was suffering badly. And I had no excuse. Well, actually I had two: Big Lad M (4) and Little Lad N (1).
I originally thought I would wait until I was my 'ideal' weight before buying new underwear, but it was time. (And I don't know how long it will take to move those last few kilos.) So at Christmas time I splurged. I bought a non-maternity bra. And was even professionally fitted (um, how on earth did I get BIGGER?) And although it was a flesh coloured tshirt bra, I believe there was a happy dance as I left Myer lingerie department.
In fact, I was so excited, I told hubby about my new bra. And then he bought me lingerie for Christmas. For the first time ever. (My, isn't that brave of him?). Of course, during the the end of year sales, I visited these same stores, was re-fitted, re-sized and exchanged what I could (because most didn't fit right - damn different brand sizes). And with the fact that everything was on sale, I even came home with two extra pairs of pretty pyjamas and an extra bra). I felt incredibly fulfilled.
Not to mention pretty.
Shallow, you say? Probably. But when my neighbour came round to see our backyard work in progress and cubby house, I wasn't one bit embarrased about my knickers on the line. Because they were sexy and pretty, and new. No dodgy, holey smalls on my line anymore.
I confess the project wasn't the cheapest new thing I've done this year. But the rewards so far have been endless. I feel like a new me. And my confidence is shining from the inside out.
What did you try new this week? And when was the last time you upgraded your smalls?
I found myself nodding my head and relating so well to this post :) I am in desperate need of some new lingerie now that I too have stopped feeding...um I wonder how long it will take?
ReplyDeleteWell done! New bra's are the best. I have started throwing out all the uncomfortable undies I own because, well, they're uncomfortable! Don't know why I've still had them and worn them! And yay for the hubby to be brave enough to go buy your bras!!! :)
ReplyDeletelove this - it makes a HIGE difference in how I feel knowing I have a good fit and it is so lovely to get out of breastfeeding bras - blah! good on you for treating yourself and I am sure you are feeling like a new woman. enjoy xx
ReplyDeleteWonderful post, as always. I also loved the link on the black hole. So true especially for underwear which is easy to hide behind the excuse of it not being seen. I kinda agree with you in the evocative power of underwear. You may wear a simple shirt and jeans but with a fab (and new!) undies, you somehow radiate a confident and sexy stance. A worthy treat for girls!
ReplyDeleteTey
hahahahah!!! oh yes, the skany knickers on the line!! yes, i burst into laughter - coz I always always put the knickers up first and hide them behind a big flapping sheet or tablecloth so friends or random visiting can't cast their eyes on my undies and think "OMG! what are those nanna knickers doing, and what, is that elastic missing, and holes....etc etc!"
ReplyDeleteThis is great - good on you for getting new bra;s - i am so excited for you! On my to do list for Jan was buy new knickers - still yet to do it, but you may have just encouraged me!
ps - for a minute, i thought you were going to say that your neighbour commented that your boobs were looking unusually perky (i,e maternity bras comfy, but not good for pushing them up where they belong!)
pps- i think wearing sexiness underneath gives one immeasurable confidence!!
Hmmmm... I own two bras that fit - both maternity... and I stopped breast feeding almost 2 years ago. Oops!!
ReplyDeleteThanks girls for your encouragement. This has reminded me to never underestimate the power of underwear... and not to wait until I am my 'perfect weight'. Best to look lovely and treat yourself NOW! xx
ReplyDeleteoh that was very brave of your DH to buy you lingerie... I can't even buy it for myself and get the sizes right!
ReplyDeleteI also finished feeding eight months ago...but they are so comfy! I remember buying my first mat bras five years ago thinking how horrid they are, but now I am very attached to them.
ReplyDeleteI could not wait to get out of my maternity bras after 6+ years! No clips on my bras these days. I think this is one of the best things you have done for yourself. Feeling perky is marvellous for the confidence!
ReplyDeleteI love feeling perky! It's a winner! x
ReplyDeleteI just bought new bras too! I was so embarrased at my breastfeeding bras, not having done so for 3 months that I splurged just a little (i'm tryig to lose baby weight and wanted to wait) but I dont have to hide my shoulder straps anymore.
ReplyDeleteI haven't purchase new underwear in so long, after reading your post I feel a shopping spree coming on ♥
ReplyDeleteThis post isnt shallow AT ALL. Its fantastic. I can relate to it all but seeing as my baby is about to turn 11 my smalls drawer is pretty good these days. I have a favourite small shop that I try to visit every 3 months. The sales ladies are brilliant and I have learnt that if something looks good and feels good I get it! Life is way too short to wear daggy uncomfortable undies!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely not shallow! I stopped breastfeeding four months ago and only last week threw out my maternity bras. Like you I was waiting to lose weight. I lost 6kg at the end of 2010 and bought two well fitted numbers. I have 4kg more to lose so I will be splurging again soon. I always buy for "me" first because it is important to feel special even in trackys.
ReplyDeleteOoh, they're lovely!
ReplyDeleteI think I'll be the same, it will take me forever to replace my bras once I stop breastfeeding. Anything takes forever if it involves shops, trying things on and two kids. Found your blog on BlogLove.
ReplyDeleteSo cute !
ReplyDeleteXx
(come on my fashion blog if you want, :) ♥ )
I felt just the same when I purchased non-maternity bras after 3 years of wearing nothing but maternity bras. Who would have thought underwear could be so exhilarating and so good for the soul! I think it's something to do with reclaiming a small piece of yourself too.
ReplyDeletePretty new underwear is the biggest self esteem booster there is. I have new bras, but have yet to find comfortable knickers that are also pretty.
ReplyDeleteI tried something new this week :-) Very exciting!!!!
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ReplyDeleteHe used to be totally right. This post actually made my day.
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