After a breast cancer survivor has had a mastectomy or a lumpectomy, she usually has new needs in a bra — that’s where mastectomy bras come in.

For the uninitiated, mastectomy bras have special built-in pockets where you can opt to insert a breast prosthesis (a form shaped like a breast) on one or both sides. This can allow you to have a more symmetrical appearance or to look and feel like “yourself” again, without having to have breast reconstruction surgery, if that’s what you want. Thankfully, lingerie brands are catching on and creating mastectomy bras that offer all the comfort and convenience breast cancer survivors need, but also aren’t absolutely hideous.

In fact, we’ve got a mix here — comfy bras for relaxing at home, stylish bras for when you want to get dressed up and even sports bras for when you feel like moving. There are bras with padding and bras without. Many even have front closures, so they’re easy to put on and take off, if you have any challenges with your range of motion. There are post-surgery bras to wear while you’re still recovering — and more stylish mastectomy bras you can switch to afterwards. While there’s plenty of variety, there’s one thing these mastectomy bras have in common: no wire.

So, check out our picks for the best mastectomy bras to see if there’s one (or a couple) that might be a good fit for you.

A version of this story was published in October 2019.

The comedian, who shares two children with Munn, made a surprise appearance at the ceremony to present the actress with her Woman of Impact Award, “in recognition of her advocacy and change-making in women’s health” following her breast cancer diagnosis last year, the outlet said. It’s the first extended remarks Mulaney has made about Munn’s diagnosis, and he took the opportunity to share more about her experience with treatment, which included five surgeries, one of them a double mastectomy.

Mulaney shared that both he and Munn were “a little nervous” ahead of her third surgery, in September 2023, because Munn had “lost a lot of blood” during the previous surgery. He recalled how Munn reached for and found a deeper strength in that moment.

Reflecting on a book she’d recently read about Jackie Kennedy and how she “never got over” her husband’s assassination, Munn said, “She always regretted that she didn’t move past it… I’m scared, but I’m taking all of this and I’m not going to let it hang over our lives. I’m moving past it.”

Those words hit home for Mulaney. “I thought, how lucky our kids are to have you as their mother, how lucky I am to have you as my partner in life.”

Earlier this year, Munn decided to share her story publicly to raise awareness not just for breast cancer but for alternate forms of screening for the disease. In her first Instagram post detailing her diagnosis, Munn explained that her mammogram had come back normal and she’d tested negative for the BRCA gene, a gene that increases the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Seemingly in the clear, Munn nonetheless decided to take an additional questionnaire, the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment test, at the encouragement of her doctor. Her score ultimately identified her as having a high risk of the disease. That led Munn to go in for MRI, then a biopsy, before being diagnosed with an aggressive, fast-moving type of breast cancer, Luminal B, in both breasts.

It’s not your “normal” breast cancer diagnosis story (if there is such a thing), which is why Munn’s decision to speak out was so powerful, as Mulaney went on to highlight. “[Her breast cancer] was detected because she took a heretofore not-that-known test called the lifetime breast cancer risk assessment test and they found that she had a 37 percent chance of breast cancer,” he said. “And about a month later, she was having a double mastectomy.”

Munn’s motivation to share her story was “to help anyone she could,” Mulaney went on, and the impact was real. “According to the National Cancer Institute, in the week after Olivia shared the story of her breast cancer journey, there was a 4,000 percent increase in women visiting the breast cancer risk assessment,” Mulaney said. “That was the first week. Olivia saving lives by speaking her truth is not surprising to me.”

Munn has been working to shatter other stigmas around women’s healthcare too. She’s spoken openly about her experience with postpartum anxiety, facing menopause as a result of cancer treatments, and even struggling with mom guilt when the cancer affected her parenting. Her transparency has made millions of women feel seen, and we’re glad Mulaney appreciates his wife’s bravery, too.

Before you go, shop these gifts for breast cancer survivors and patients:

While breast cancer mainly occurs in middle-aged and older women (the median age for diagnosis is 62), anyone at any age can develop breast cancer, including men. (Per the CDC, 1 out of every 100 breast cancer cases in the US is found in a man.) The numbers are scary, but getting an early diagnosis can lead to better outcomes and higher survival rates. That means things like self-exams, speaking to your doctor as soon as you feel something off, and generally raising awareness about breast cancer can literally save lives.

The following celebrities have taken on that duty. From Today show anchor Hoda Kotb to movie star Olivia Munn to the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, all of these celebs have faced breast cancer in their own lives and spoken about their experience to increase awareness and connect to millions of patients around the world who are fighting the same fight.

A version of this post was originally published in 2019.

Olivia Munn is owning her scars.

The X-Men: Apocalypse star revealed her double mastectomy scars today in a new photoshoot with Skims, after revealing earlier this year that she’d been diagnosed with and treated for Luminal B breast cancer. Since coming forward, Munn has become a strong advocate for extra breast cancer screening, including the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment test, a questionnaire that determines a person’s risk based on their medical history. Munn’s high score on the test spurred her doctors to bring her in for additional testing after her mammogram initially came back clear.

Munn waited a year before sharing her journey publicly, but now the mom of two is ready to bare all her scars — although she didn’t originally intend to. In an interview on Today, Munn revealed that she initially signed on simply to model Skims’ shapewear and leggings. “It wasn’t about my scar at all,” she explained. It wasn’t until the middle of the photoshoot, when Munn’s makeup artist was touching up around her scars, that the actress experienced a change of heart. “We got to the double mastectomy scars and they were just really hard to cover up,” Munn said, “and then I was looking in the mirror and I just thought, ‘I’m done being insecure about my scars.'”

She talked it out with the Skims team, who agreed to help Munn highlight her scars in the shoot. “It was really scary, but I feel like this is something I’ve been hiding for a long time now and it just feels like I can breathe a little bit more,” Munn explained. She was also inspired by knowing that so many breast cancer patients and survivors have the same scars and insecurities. “Skims is so iconic and associated with beauty and sex appeal, and cancer really doesn’t have that same connotation,” Munn said. “I just really hope that other women who have gone through my same path feel a little better after seeing [the photos].”

Munn has been open about the difficulty of accepting her appearance after her double mastectomy. “I just absolutely broke down,” she told People in April of seeing her body for the first time post-surgery. “I just thought, ‘What am I gonna wear?… oh my gosh, this is what I look like, and I don’t want to look at myself right now.'” She said that her appearance was “better” after getting reconstructive surgery, “but it’s not the same,” she explained. “And that’s OK, because I’m here. And I’m OK with that now, and I’m extremely happy that I had the option to have a double mastectomy… that I got the opportunity to fight… I know a lot of people in my situation don’t have that opportunity.”

Now, Munn is embracing both her scars and the strength they represent as she shares her story to raise awareness. “Every mark life has left behind on my body is proof of how hard I fought,” she wrote in an Instagram caption sharing the Skims photos. “I hope other women who have been self-conscious about their scars see these photos and feel all the love I’m sending.”

In the same caption, she wrote the word kintsugi, referencing the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with a lacquer mixed with powdered gold, which makes the cracks stand out and shimmer. It’s a beautiful technique and metaphor, as Munn seems to recognize: that there is beauty in putting ourselves back together, and our scars are a reminder of our resilience.

As part of the partnership, Skims will be donating 10 percent of the retail sales price for each bra sold in SKIMS stores and on Skims.com, excluding bralettes, to the Susan G. Komen Foundation for breast cancer research. The initiative lasts from October 23, 2024, to the end of the month.

Before you go, shop these gifts for breast cancer patients and survivors:

It’s no secret that having a baby can come with a long to-do list. From setting up the nursery to learning how to properly install a car seat (I can’t believe they’re just going to let us drive off with a newborn!?) to stocking up on diapers, wipes, and onesies, the list can feel endless.

And yes, we know becoming a mother is amazing, hello, your body just grew a whole human, but we also know you may not be ready to do it again so soon. Which is why you may consider adding a birth control plan to that postpartum to-do list.

The good news is that there are birth control options that can be started right after you give birth including intrauterine devices (IUDs).

So, if you’re considering an IUD for birth control post-baby, here are some questions to discuss with your healthcare provider.

Some things to know about getting an IUD after giving birth

Doctors usually say to wait four to six weeks after having a baby before having sex again. For some people, that might still be too soon, while others are ready to jump back in earlier.

The timing of starting birth control in postpartum is something you and your healthcare provider should discuss, but if your goal is to prevent another pregnancy, you should have a plan in place and birth control might be a part of that plan.

“Typically, it is helpful to discuss contraception options during pregnancy so the options can be weighted and so there is a plan of action once the baby gets here,” says Jessica Shepherd, MD, MBA, OBGYN and women’s health expert.

While progestin only oral contraceptives are an option that can be started around three weeks postpartum, an IUD can be inserted immediately following birth or in the days before you go home. It can also be inserted at your six-week appointment.

“The potential benefits to having your IUD placed immediately postpartum is that it is usually taken care of without the need for an extra visit,” says Dr. Shepherd.

And if you’re hesitant to get an IUD immediately following birth, you can wait and have one inserted at any routine postpartum check-up.

Why an IUD may be an option

When you’re welcoming your baby into the world, it’s understandable to prioritize their safety and well-being, making it hard to focus on anything else – let alone birth control. That’s why an IUD, like Mirena^® (levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system), may be a great birth control option for you.

The Mirena IUD is a hormonal, estrogen-free option that is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy and lasts up to eight years.

For busy moms, Mirena may be a great low-maintenance birth control option. After insertion, you need to check for the threads once a month to make sure Mirena is still in place. The risk of perforation is increased with insertion after delivery if Mirena is inserted while you are breastfeeding, or if you have recently given birth. The risk of expulsion is increased with insertion after delivery.

Unlike pills or a patch, you don’t have to remember to take anything when you resume sexual activity. Mirena eliminates the responsibility of taking a daily pill—that’s 2,920 daily pills over eight years vs one Mirena IUD. You will need to do a thread check once a month to make sure Mirena is still in place and your healthcare provider can show you how.

The birth control you select should be what’s right for you, and for some busy moms who do not want to worry about remembering to take a daily pill, an IUD may be a good choice. During your next pregnancy check in visit, discuss your post-partum birth control plan with your provider so you can simplify your to-do list and focus on your new little human.

INDICATION FOR MIRENA
Mirena® (levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system) is a hormone-releasing IUD that prevents pregnancy for up to 8 years. Mirena also treats heavy periods for up to 5 years in women who choose intrauterine contraception.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
If you have a pelvic or genital infection, get infections easily, or have certain cancers, don’t use Mirena. Less than 1% of users get a serious pelvic infection called pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

If you have persistent pelvic or stomach pain, or excessive bleeding after placement, tell your healthcare provider (HCP). If Mirena comes out, call your HCP and avoid intercourse or use non-hormonal back-up birth control (such as condoms or spermicide). Mirena may go into or through the wall of the uterus and cause other problems.

Pregnancy while using Mirena is uncommon but can be life threatening and may result in loss of pregnancy or fertility.

Ovarian cysts may occur but usually disappear.

Bleeding and spotting may increase in the first 3 to 6 months and remain irregular. Periods over time usually become shorter, lighter, or may stop.

Mirena does not protect against HIV or STIs.

Only you and your HCP can decide if Mirena is right for you. Mirena is available by prescription only.

For important risk and use information about Mirena, please see the accompanying Full Prescribing Information.

Visit Mirena.com to learn more.

Dr. Shepherd has provided paid consultation services to Bayer in the past but is not being compensated for this information.

PP-MIR-US-1045-1 09/24

With the holidays fast approaching, you might be wondering what to get your stressed-out and anxiety-riddled friends and family members. Or hey, maybe you’re looking for some pre-holiday self-care gifts for yourself. We don’t blame you — everyone needs a little treat this time of year! Self-care might seem like a luxury, because self-care gifts sometimes come with a higher price tag, but we’re here to tell you that these gifts don’t have to be expensive to be thoughtful. And just because self-care has “self” in it, doesn’t mean that it’s selfish to pamper yourself or encourage your friends to do the same! Giving someone a gift you know they’ll enjoy, and that might make their life a little better and more comfortable — or indulging in the same for yourself — is a pretty great feeling. 

Unfortunately, many of us aren’t able to whisk our friends and family away to an exotic spa vacation to unwind. But we’ll tell you a secret: the best self-care gifts out there are affordable because the last thing little luxuries should do is stress you out when the credit card bill comes in. We’re talking $50 or less, to be exact, and that’s totally worth it if you ask us. 

Here is a list of the best self-care gifts under $50 that you can give at any time of the year. Yes, that means birthdays, the holidays, when someone isn’t feeling well — any time they can use a little extra TLC. The only problem? These self-care presents are so affordable you might wind up keeping them for yourself. Consider yourself warned! From the chicest period products to some luxe skin-care items, your life is about to get a whole lot more chill. Of course, that’s totally fine and you deserve it — so maybe just order a few to begin with. 

Our mission at SheKnows is to empower and inspire women, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Love Wellness is a SheKnows sponsor, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

Before you get worried, everything turned out fine for the tennis star. In a TikTok this week, Williams reported that the lump turned out to be a branchial cyst, a type of growth that’s thankfully noncancerous. Still, Williams said in the TikTok, she was “mortified” to notice the lump and immediately made it a priority to get to the doctor, where she got an MRI and a diagnosis.

In the caption, Williams explained that she left the cyst alone for a while, since the doctors told her it wasn’t necessary to remove, “but it kept growing,” she said. Tests and biopsies continued to come back negative, but at this point, Williams’ doctors advised her to get it taken out. “It was the size of a small grapefruit,” Williams wrote, “and it could get infected or worse, leak.”

According to the Cleveland Clinic, branchial cysts are small, fluid-filled sacs that form on the side of your neck. They’re congenital, meaning patients are actually born with them. That’s why they’re often found in children, but they can become visible at any age, which is what happened in Williams’ case. When people develop noticeable branchial cysts later in life, it’s usually because they’re infected, though it sounds like Williams’ cyst hadn’t quite gotten to that point.

Some healthcare providers recommend removing branchial cysts via surgery to “prevent or treat infections or recurrent… swelling,” the Cleveland Clinic notes.

Williams’ surgery went smoothly, she said, but it wasn’t exactly fun. “I went under for it,” she told fans but it still “kinda hurt coming out,” and doctors had to “put a drain in it because [there] was so much [fluid],” she added.

Overall, though, Williams said she was thankful that the procedure went well. “Everything worked out and I feel really happy to have worked with some great doctors,” she said. “A little scare here, but excited to move on to the next steps of healing.”

And it seems like the tennis champ didn’t let the procedure keep her down for long. Later in the video, Williams filmed herself taking her eldest daughter, Olympia, to the American Girl Doll store. “Mommy is suffering, but Mom has to keep showing up,” she told the camera. The plan after that? “I’m gonna go home and pass out!” Sounds like she deserves it.

Before you go, read about these celebs who shared their rare and chronic health issues:

As a beauty writer, I’m always testing new products and researching ways to improve my skincare routine. Lately, I’ve been on a mission to find tools that aid in helping to reduce bloat. While searching, I discovered that Love Wellness offered a Bye Bye Bloat Depuff & Sculpt Bundle that works to tighten and depuff skin “by supporting circulation and encouraging lymphatic flow.” So, I put it to the test.

A little about me: I’m a mom to a nine-year-old, and ever since pregnancy, even drinking water too fast can cause instant bloating. I eat a balanced diet and work out nearly every day. But somehow, I still get that puffy look on my face and midsection occasionally. When the bundle arrived, I jumped right in for a mid-day unwind session. I began with the body mask and applied it to my stomach, arms, and legs. Then, I rinsed, following the brand’s instructions. Next, I picked up the oil that helps the lymphatic massager across the skin. The entire experience made me feel like I was getting a massage at my favorite spa, without leaving my home. It did take a few minutes to get the pressure down (light, yet firm is best), but after that, it was smooth sailing!

Our mission at SheKnows is to empower and inspire women, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Love Wellness is a SheKnows sponsor, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

Love Wellness Bye Bye Bloat Depuff & Sculpt Bundle

$50.99 $59.99 15% off

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The Love Wellness Bye Bye Bloat Depuff & Sculpt Bundle includes three expert-developed products that help aid lymphatic drainage for its sculpting benefits. The set comes with:

Bye Bye Bloat Firming Clay Body Mask: This body mask preps your skin and supports lymph nodes for lymphatic drainage, which can result in firmer skin.
Bye Bye Bloat Detoxifying Body Oil: This detoxifying body oil keeps skin hydrated during the lymphatic massage. The brand says it soothes skin and supports lymph node drainage and the movement of lymph fluid through the body.
Bye Bye Bloat Lymphatic Massager: Love Wellness’s Bye Bye Bloat Lymphatic Massager is the perfect tool for depuffing and sculpting. Its ergonomic design includes seven lymph-stimulating roller balls that glide over the skin.

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I also enjoyed the fact that the Bye Bloat is made with ingredients that nourish your skin. The formula is packed with caffeine (to boost circulation), green tea (to support aging skin and aid in hydration), grapefruit oil (a lymphatic stimulant and detoxifier), rosemary oil (which aids in expelling toxins from the skin), and peppermint (to reduce inflammation and irritation) — all carefully selected by Love Wellness’s team of doctors.

It was a breeze to use each of the products, even though I was new to lymphatic drainage. But don’t take my word for it — Love Wellness shoppers also rave about the bundle.

One calls the set a “must for bloating!” They also added, “I suffer from bloating from IBS. This has helped tremendously with getting rid of some puffiness! I use it right now twice a week.”

“This product, along with the roller, has changed my life,” another shared. “Tears of joy are running down my face. I wish I had found this product 10 years ago.”

“I’m actually pleasantly surprised that this bundle really works,” a final reviewer said. “I’m generally skeptical about these things, and no lie, my abdomen looks a lot better. It is flatter, and my pants feel much more comfortable. I will continue to use this bundle!”

The Bye Bye Bloat Depuff & Sculpt Bundle is currently marked down, which means now is the best time to stock up on the set so you can see the results for yourself. Trust me; you won’t be disappointed.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below: 

For people who have had a mastectomy or lumpectomy, finding the most comfortable clothes — from mastectomy bras to tops — can take a bit of work. And finding the best mastectomy swimsuits? That’s an even bigger task. Finding articles of clothing that support and cover as needed, offer space for healing areas, hold a breast prosthesis (if that’s desired), and that actually look cute and like clothes you’d want to wear can feel like a hefty wish list.

But it’s 2024, and more and more brands are rising to the challenge by creating clothes that are comfortable and desirable for people with different bodies. The options for mastectomy swimsuits are likely way better than whatever you might be envisioning, which means people living with breast cancer and survivors can hit the pool, beach, or waterpark feeling confident and comfy.

“I’ve loved seeing patients of ours and other women who’ve had mastectomies and other breast cancer surgery looking absolutely amazing in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit shoots,” Dr. Anne Peled, M.D. breast cancer surgeon and co-director of the Breast Cancer Center of Excellence at Sutter Health, tells SheKnows. It is such an incredible illustration of how far we’ve come in breast cancer treatment.”

If you don’t know where to start, we’re here to help.

What to Look For in a Mastectomy Swimsuit

According to Dr. Peled, who is a breast cancer survivor herself, there are a couple things to keep in mind while shopping for swimwear. “The top things I’d recommend for getting a swimsuit post-mastectomy are to find something that will ideally stay in place well when moving around, has the option to put padding or prostheses in, and has UPF protection.”

The Lands’ End Tugless One Piece, for instance, is a swimsuit Dr. Peled recommends. “It has UPF protection plus has higher coverage around the neck and arms if people are concerned about covering up scars.”

She also shouted out the Amoena Wire-Free Bikinis, which she says her patients have been really happy with. “Having a wire-free option is great because you can still get good support, but don’t need to worry about discomfort or healing issues from underwire in the months after surgery.”

One she has personally used herself? Athleta’s sleeveless UPF rash guards. “These offered great protection to cover up all of the areas where I’d had radiation and surgery that were sensitive to the sun, but still made me feel confident in how I looked on the beach,” she said.

We’ve scoured the Internet for the best mastectomy swimsuits on the market that will suit people of all body types who have had a mastectomy. Read on for our favorite 10 selections that might be a fit for you or someone you love.

A version of this story was first published in October 2021.

Tabitha Brown is known for many things: her roles in shows like The Chi and For the Love of Jason; her Emmy-winning work as the host for Tab Time, a popular show for preschoolers; and of course, her warm smile and personality, which have a lot to do with how popular Brown has become on social media. With 4.4 million followers on Instagram alone, Brown has attracted fans who love her playful sense of humor, her encouraging affirmations, her vegan recipes, and her determination to keep things real.

It’s that last quality that prompted Brown to open up about a health issue that’s frequently hushed up: bladder leaks. “After my last child, bladder leaks became a part of my life,” Brown tells SheKnows. “My bladder was like, ‘girl, you’re on your own some of these days.'”

Brown started experiencing bladder leaks after giving birth to her son, Quest, in 2012. As a result of the pregnancy, she developed a prolapsed bladder, which happens when the ligaments and muscles around the bladder stretch or weaken, according to the Cleveland Clinic, causing the bladder to sag. “My bladder kind of shifted down,” Brown explained. “It weakened.” A prolapsed bladder can lead to urinary incontinence, aka peeing accidentally, which is exactly what happened to Brown.

In fact, she can still remember the first time it happened. “I just sneezed and tinkled,” she says. “I’m like, ‘Wait a minute. What just happened?’ But that was the start of it.” It’s something that continues to bother the Tab Time star, especially when she has a cold or a cough. “If I get into a coughing attack where I can’t stop coughing for like a couple seconds, I’m like, ‘Oh Lord. I know I might pee on myself,'” she says.

Brown is one of many women who experience bladder leaks; according to one study, they happen to a whopping 53 percent of women in the US. And yet, despite how common they are, Brown was struck by the silence around the topic. “I thought, how many women out here don’t talk about this?” she says. From there, the decision to break the stigma herself was a simple one. “If I start talking about this, it will make other women feel better about talking about it and not feel alone.”

Brown has since teamed up with Always Discreet incontinence pads, which she’s used since switching from panty liners. “There are no leaks, no odor, anything like that,” she says. A study conducted by Always Discreet found that 88 percent of women who experience bladder leaks say it holds them back from everyday moments and activities, and Brown says the pads are a good solution. “You can wear it just in case.”

For Brown, it continues a trend of taking charge of her health. Seven years ago, Brown experienced a bout of mysterious health issues, from a chronic headache to pain, fatigue, and even vision problems. They lasted for a year and a half, Brown says, until a documentary, What the Health, inspired her to reflect on her family’s health history. “My mom died at 51 and my daddy, who had just turned 73, is the oldest man to ever live in our family,” Brown explains. “People just don’t get old in my family, and people get sick early, and the only thing I could think of is that we eat the same way.”

Brown took on a 30-day vegan challenge, just to see what happened. “I was like, ‘Well, this is something I haven’t tried,'” she recalls.

After 10 days, her headache was gone, so Brown kept going — and watched as her health continued to improve. “After six, seven weeks, I started having energy again. No more chronic fatigue,” she says. “I wasn’t suffering from anxiety and panic attacks anymore. I just started to be well.”

Since then, Brown has become a celebrated vegan influencer, sharing her tips and recipes on social media and publishing a New York Times-bestselling cookbook, Cooking From the Spirit. Of course, as a mom of two, she also had to balance her dietary needs with those of the rest of her family — all of whom initially took on the 30-day challenge with her. While Brown’s husband and son went back to eating chicken and fish, her daughter, Choyce, stayed vegan with her mom for about two years.

When Choyce decided to start eating some meat and fish again, Tabitha was supportive. “I was like, ‘Honey, that’s your business,'” she told her daughter, now 23. “Like, this is my journey.” It’s important to Brown that her kids and family make their own decisions, based on what’s best for them. “Even as a parent, you can’t force your life on someone else,” she points out. “Sometimes a journey that may save your life, you have to be willing to go on it alone.”

Still, she’ll chip in when her husband or son are craving meat. “My husband, he knows if he wants it, he’s gonna have to order the main thing,” Brown says. “I’ll cook all the sides!”

Before you go, read about these celebs working to end health stigmas: