Find comfort at The Fitting Room
HAVING a mastectomy or breast surgery brings up questions about what to do for bras and/or prostheses.
Finding everything you need at the same place was a challenge before the arrival of The Fitting Room.
Now with two stores in Christchurch, The Fitting Room was started 14 years ago to help women find the bras and/or prostheses that work best for them.
The Fitting Room coowner Deborah Lewthwaite says the idea for a one-stop shop for women who have had a mastectomy came after her sister-in-law was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent the procedure. Fitters are trained in fitting women after surgery, and will help each person choose what combination of bras and breast forms (or bra only) will work best.
‘‘We’ve got everything women need after mastectomy surgery,’’ Deborah says. ‘‘Both pocketed and non-pocketed bras, partial and full prostheses, soft bras and singlet tops and pocketed swimwear. We have traditional prostheses that work very well in pockets, plus more recent styles that are designed to be worn against the skin or in an underwired bra if that is preferred.’’
All prostheses in store are at least 30 per cent lighter than full weight, and some up to 50 per cent lighter. There are also specialised swimming breast forms, or lightweight foam options for leisure/ around home.
The Fitting Room is registered with the Ministry of Health and can receive the breast prosthesis subsidy directly, making it easy to shop.
Fittings are offered in Timaru every two months at My Physio on Wai-iti Rd. Phone The Fitting Room to make a booking. ❚ The Fitting Room. Phone 0800 478 348, visit www.thefittingroom.co.nz