A Better Way to Store your Jackson Pratt (JP) Drains - Enough with the Undignifying Makeshift Adaptations for the Management of Surgical Drains
Women who undergo surgeries involving the use of surgical drains—such as Jackson Pratt (JP) drains—often face the challenge of managing these drains throughout their post mastectomy care. These small, soft drains are essential for removing excess fluids after surgeries such as mastectomies, breast reconstruction, or abdominal surgeries. However, the methods used to store and manage them are often makeshift and uncomfortable.
From tying the drain(s) to a belt loop to stuffing them into an apron pocket, women are forced to adapt their everyday wardrobe in ways that feel both inconvenient and, frankly, undignifying. The need for practical solutions shouldn't come at the cost of comfort or style. So, why are many women still relying on aprons, cargo pants, and safety pins to manage their surgical drains? Let’s discuss the downfalls of these adaptations and explore better alternatives.
The Common (and Problematic) Makeshift Methods
While many women find creative ways to store their drains, these methods can often be cumbersome and frustrating.
1. Safety Pins
- Using safety pins to secure JP drains to clothing is a widespread strategy, but it’s far from perfect. Pins can cause accidental poking, and the weight of the drain can pull on the fabric, creating discomfort. The drains may also slip, resulting in the awkward task of repositioning them multiple times throughout the day. Not to mention, this solution is not discreet, which can make women feel self-conscious, particularly in public.
2. Kitchen Aprons
- Many women use aprons underneath a robe to keep drains in place. While practical at first glance, aprons can become heavy and uncomfortable as the drains post-mastectomy fill up. Additionally, the constant weight tugging at your waist can be bothersome, especially when walking or lying down. The fabric of aprons tends to be a bit rougher and can irritate sensitive skin and wounds.
- These setups can also feel undignified and temporary, emphasizing to a patient that you’re still in “recovery mode” and unable to wear normal clothes.
3. Cargo Pants or Large Pockets
- Some women opt for cargo pants or oversized pockets to place their post surgery drains. While the extra storage space might seem ideal, it’s not always convenient. The bulky design can create a lopsided or uncomfortable feeling when you’re moving around. Drains can still shift or pull (especially while using the restroom), and women feel restricted to wearing certain types of clothing, further emphasizing that they are in recovery mode.
4. Tying to Belt Loops or Waistbands
- Tying the surgery drains to belt loops or waistbands using strings or cords may seem simple, but it often leaves women feeling restricted. The constant tugging of the surgery drains while moving or sitting can lead to discomfort, while the cords themselves may not secure the drains well enough, risking accidental pulling on the surgical site.
The Need for Better Solutions
These makeshift adaptations highlight the need for a better, more dignified solution for JP drain management and other things needed after mastectomy. Women recovering from surgery deserve practical solutions that allow them to maintain comfort and confidence, whether at home or in public.
Better Solutions for Managing JP Drains
Here are some thoughtful, purpose-built alternatives for drain management that prioritize comfort, convenience, and dignity:
Stylish and Soft Pajamas with Internal Surgical Drain Pockets - Before mastectomy surgery, purchase clothing and pajamas that have reinforced built-in pockets. These functional pockets allow women to feel comfortable, stylish, and dignified while managing their surgical drains. They come in different fabrics and styles to suit personal preferences, ensuring that women can maintain their sense of self during the recovery process. The KickIt Home Recovery Pajamas are made of luxuriously soft modal fabric and, in addition to internal pockets, have an adjustable waistband to ensure ultimate comfort for each and every woman. (when I hear ‘adjustable waistband’ I think of buttons inside the waistband to make it tighter or looser like my son has from Crew Cuts, just tossing that out there)
Post-Mastectomy Shirts Designed For Limited Arm Mobility - After breast surgeries you may find it difficult to move your arms and dress yourself. The KickIt Cardigan has internal drain pockets but also features a single snap on top of the shoulder, ensuring effortless wear and removal. This timeless layering piece also has wide open arms to accommodate swelling and prevent chafing of surgical wounds.
Dignity in Recovery
Surgical drains are a necessary part of recovery for many women, but managing them shouldn’t feel like a burden. The days of relying on aprons, safety pins, and cargo pants should be over. With more thoughtful, patient-centric solutions available, it’s time to embrace better, more dignified options for JP drain management. These recoverywear alternatives prioritize comfort, security, and confidence—helping women feel empowered in their recovery journey.
Women who have undergone surgery deserve to feel supported in all aspects of their recovery, including how they manage their surgical drains. By choosing better solutions, like KickIt Pajamas, women can focus more on healing and less on struggling with makeshift adaptations.