I know to pack tampons/pads in my bug out bag and to have a few boxes on hand but if SHTF and I run out, what next? I can't imagine what it must have been like before tampons and pads, I am not fond of rags, that sounds like it could be unpleasant smelling and more messy than it's worth. Any better solutions?
Doomsday menstruation..?
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Well, I had a surgery MANY years ago so I don't have to worry about this but I have heard of a number of products that are reuseable for ttom...google... Diva Cups, Moon Cups and the Keeper...all are reuseable cups that are inserted to catch the flow and then removed daily to be emptied and rinsed. Apparently they take a little getting used to but they would be a much better alternative to any type of sanitary product that you'd need to dispose of.
I may not have the JOYS of that part of menstration but sadly I still get all the hormonal junk that goes along with it. At my age (49) I'd think that would be waning pretty darn soon!
I may not have the JOYS of that part of menstration but sadly I still get all the hormonal junk that goes along with it. At my age (49) I'd think that would be waning pretty darn soon!
Thank you SO much for the info, they do look uncomfortable but I totally agree they look much more sanitary. As far as hormones go I am a firecracker myself lol
google around a little bit...one gal did a review of one of the products and ended up modifying hers a little to make it work for her...that is why I said it would be something you'd want to get used to BEFORE shtf!!!! But I could see it being a good thing even in today's world with rising costs for everything! I'm all for saving a buck even if it takes a little more effort.
Making your own pads out of soft flannel may be an option. They are quite comfortable and as for sanitation, just keep a small bucket with a lid with a bleach solution in the bathroom and when you change them, put it in the bucket. When you do laundry, dump bucket and all in.
My grandmother, born in 1890 told me they used old rags. They would wash them as soon as changed, and hang them up to dry. I would imagine it's not something you can let sit around until you feel like doing laundry. I wouldn't use Tampons because of the toxic shock they caused some years ago. But that's just me. Watch for coupons and store up. They're not something that can spoil and go to waste.
Tampons were something I never used either. Never bought them for my girls either. I do pick up the economy sized package of pads every time I go to WalMart, because as RV-Kitty said, they don't spoil and they can double as bandages if you don't get the scented ones.
I have actually used the "soft cups" before-they are NOT as uncomfortable as they look, actually oddly enough it is better than tampons. No worries- youll like it fine---as fine as "liking something for menstruating" goesThank you SO much for the info, they do look uncomfortable but I totally agree they look much more sanitary. As far as hormones go I am a firecracker myself lol
I am just so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so happy I don't have to mess with that mess anymore! Now if the hormonal swings would ease off things would be much better. I think I scared my doctor the other day when he asked me how my temper was doing. I've been a little bit unpredictable.
I have two sets of these made for both DD and my self in each bob along with water proof bag to store used one in for washing.
Those are in a pretty print. Are they flannel lined?
Yup that they are
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Sea sponges. . .The best kind to get are farm sponges made for the purpose rather than wild sponges but any natural sea sponge (not your manufactured dish washing kind) can be used Get a large sea sponge and cut it into strawberry sized pieces that are rounded and oval shape. Always soak and sterilize before first use. To Use: Wet, squeeze out extra water and insert. It should feel comfortable, if not trim down. To Clean: Wash in 1 T baking soda and 1 c warm water or boil for 10 minutes. Let air dry. They should last about a year.
For the person who only has two sets....I am not sure how much or how long your menses are. But you may want to start using them now. I go through a lot more then that a cycle. I need several each cycle. I have about 14 and they don't last my whole cycle, I need to buy at least another 7. I have been using them for a year though and love them. But, I have found I had to tweak them too. Like double the core, and such as that to work better. So I would start using them now to make sure you got the right fit, and right core etc etc. I bought mine off etsy, and as I have figured things out that I like and dislike about them, I ask the seller to change the next batch she makes me accordingly.
What about my pre-teen girls? What do you think I should look into? I have collected over 60 bags of pads and I keep getting them when on sale but I know that they will not last forever!
My girls will be using the etsy pads that I buy. It's hard to know the flow your child will have till they have it. I had a very heavy flow as a pre-teen so that's hard to predict till it happens.
My teen girl is now 16, she has been using the cloth since she was 14. Her stash hasn't changed that much, she has just added to her stash. She has 6 normal flow, 4heavy flow and about a dozen pantyliner. She on her own plays around with them by placing a pantyliner on a norm or heavy if needed. She has ran out on a few times, but now just warns me. Then I get them done before she gets home from school.
For a SHTF situation I would want a full cycles worth, you may not be able to hand wash and air dry in time for reusage on one cycle when you have no electric or running water.
For us it works, as she only has the double set in her bob packed, but has her own monthly set as well that she uses monthly. Both her and I tested ours when we went to our bug out loc. We dont have hydro, and our water is in containment barrels. When we washed ours it was done with sea water and hung to dry. We have two small buckets which have been made as washers for small items.
Small washboard for that bucket ( $15.00).................................................................yes , I have girls and yes, I do check out what you girls are up to...............keeps me up to date for the homestead.
oh THANK YOU! my spouse doesn't really like prepping, so im left to prep for us both. my obviously STUPID male mind never once though to think about this, so im glad my bored self came across this thread. Thankfully, im the one she sends to the store for pads. she will not wear tampons or anything.....inserted. I do know her flow is heavy and only last for 3 days, unless we have "relations" which can prolong it an extra day or 2. I like a lot of the ideas ive read on this thread, but some things concern me, and as I don't have a um..."hooha" ill throw it out there for those that may know better than me (most likely all of you lol)so here I go: 1. my main concern is washing "reusable" pads, arnt there bacteria's in certain elements like certain waters, that may cause infections? 2: what would be the best "cloth type" to pack for her? 3: how would she keep the makeshift pad where its supposed to be? I would be grateful for any help, and I apologize for posting on a female thread, if anyone feels this as an intrusion, feel free to let me know and ill be happy to delete my post. thanks.
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I do not use these, but I have heard flannel works best and I would think washing it in a little bleach water would kill anything that maybe in the water. In a SHTF situation, I would make sure it was purified water that it was washed in and then add the bleach. The one I saw, was much like the "pads with wings" and was used to fold under the panty fastening with velcro.
I would NOT get velcro ones they are a mess to launder...just from doing diaper covers that used vecro, snaps work better with diaper covers. I have been using cloth (flannel with this thing in the middle called zorb to absorb more). for a year, I LOVE them. I get double zorb. Most women should change every 2 to 3 hours, they sell different sizes, from panty liners (small) to post partum (HUGE!). I would look at your wifes current pads and measure them, most the sellers on etsy tell the measurements of their pads, and buy the same size she usually gets her disposables in.
I would boil the water, and add hydrogen perioxide to the water in a STHF situation....
I would boil the water, and add hydrogen perioxide to the water in a STHF situation....
Your the man Roninsensei, Thx for posting this link, Once again your input has helped me and who would have thought a man would have the answers on this. Well done you.
I do what I can Snow!!
I personally like etsy better, cause you can try them out and if they don't work for you (design, enough zorb, size) the seller is usually willing to make the next one/batch to what you tweak may be better for you. At least that is what I have found with the etsy seller I use.
I'd wholeheartedly advise stocking up on birth control pills as well. In a post TEOTWAWKI world, and to each his/her own rights and beliefs, in my opinion it will not the kind of potentially hostile / unwelcoming environment to throw pregnancy and child birth into the mix.
Abstinence................... I almost made myself puke............. laughing at ridiculousness .
