So for the month of November, I'd like to do a post on the intersection of diabetes and style. I feel like the two don't meet all that often, but I do have a few things to say about it. :)
If you're a pump wearing PWD, you've encountered the infamous question... Where do I put my insulin pump?? Everyone has a different answer, and I'd like to share some of the ways that I myself wear my pump, and how others do as well.
I can't take credit for any of these. My goal for this post is just to have all the ideas I've heard through the years in one place! Enjoy! :)

1) In the pocket.
This is my default, and how I usually wear my pump. If I have on pants (or even a skirt) with pockets, my pump is in it. Simple and convenient. I always have easy access to my pump this way.
2) In the sock.
I just discovered this trick a few years ago (Check out Kerri's great post), and it's one of my winter favorites. When I'm wearing tall socks and boots, this is a great place to stick my pump. Life does become a little awkward when I need to actually look at my pump, but for the most part, this works well.
3) In the undergarments.
Sorry if this is TMI, but hey, this is a good tip. ;-) Most of the time when wearing a dress, my pump goes on my hip in my undies (Holly blogged about this too). If you're a lady, the bra is also a good hiding place. Personally, I don't usually put my pump in the front, but I find that under my arm is a great location, especially with a sports bra.
4) On the waistband.
Use that handy little clip that came with the pump and clip to to your waistband! I don't do this often because I find that I bump into things like crazy with it sticking out like that, but I know many PWDs that wear their pumps proudly like this!

5) In an arm or leg band.
I've never found these to work well, but some people love them. My mom even DIY'd one when I was in high school with a wide piece of elastic and scrap of fabric.
6) Alter your clothing.
If you're crafty, sew some pockets into the inside of skirts. You have to be careful with this one though, as that pump is often heavier that it seems, and will pull your skirt down a bit! I've sewn pockets into the inside of slips too, which is how I wore my pump on my wedding day.
7) Baby socks.
Stick the pump in a baby sock and pin it to the inside of your clothing. Done.
8) Spibelt.
I know there are many items out there like this, so shop around!
9) Pump Wear, Inc has a lot of great products! I've never tried any, but I know people who love them! Again, shop around, there are a lot of site out there that make products aimed at making wearing a pump easier.
10) Cell phone cases.
They can do double duty as pump cases. I found some adorable ones (just like the ones below) when I was in high school, and wore them constantly!
Nighttime wear:
11) Clipped to the waistband of PJs.
12) Under the pillow.
I've found when I have a site in my arm and short sleeved PJs, this is the best way to go!
This post could go on and on...there are so many different ways to wear a pump, and variations on those ways! How do you like to wear your pump? If there's anything I missed, leave a comment!
Wearing a pump with a dress can be impossible at times. Sometimes I can wear a pair of shorts under with the dress, but if its a tighter dress then I have to clip it to my slip/underwear which is never strong enough to hold my pump AND the pump creates a funky bump under my dress. Lame :(
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting.