some firsts

On top is my very first girdle, sent to me by my mom, to keep my c-sectioned entrails in. The French call it une gaine as if wearing such a contraption is supposed to be an asset, something to be proud of and make you smile. I think gaine refers to "weight gain" more than anything else. It's supposed to help squeeze in all that pregnancy fat and make it disappear under my clothes. The sad thing is, my gaine doesn't even fit me yet; it's too tight!

The next drawing is of my very first, preteen soutien-gorge euphemistically named by the very subtle French, "a throat support." Maybe for French women, who seem to be better endowed, these appendages will extend up towards the throat and need extra support. But for my twelve year old body, which wore this mini "throat support" there was nothing to be supported, and nothing nearing the throat, anyways. I saved this first mini-bra and now my five-year old has discovered it. She dons it every afternoon when she returns from preschool. She loves to wear it with her favorite skirt and sing and dance around the house. I think it makes her feel beautiful like Arial, wearing what the five-year old calls "a zucchini" or "bikini." No bikinis for me, and certainly no mini-bras. As my body has waxed as of late, I'm now in need of some major throat support. Can anyone recommend where to find a good nursing soutien-gorge, preferably without those cumbersome under wires?