Feminine Hygiene

Having disposable feminine hygiene products on hand is obviously a good idea.  However, what would you do if during a long-term situation disposable products were not available and you ran out of your existing supply?  There are several ideas and products to fill this need.

Cloth Menstrual Pads:

• Cut diapers, socks, or other absorbent material folded and pinned on or held in place with underpants.
• There are many commercially  made reusable cloth sanitary pads for sale over the internet (clothpads.org, tlc-pads.com, gladrags.com, lunapads.com, goddessmoons.com, etc.)
• There are also patterns and instructions to make your own. 

http://www.clothpads.org

http://www.tinybirdsorganics.com/organiccotton/clothpads.html, http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com/sanitarypads.htm

http://www.diapersewing.com/clothpads.htm

Cloth Menstrual Pad Care:  After they have been used, put in a small covered bucket with cold water (vinegar, borax, baking soda, or peroxide may be added) to soak.  Empty soaking bucket daily.  Launder pads, but do not use fabric softeners or dryer sheets as they reduce the absorbency.

Menstrual Cups:  There are several reusable menstrual cups available on the market (Diva cup, Moon cup, Keeper, etc.) that are made of silicone or latex rubber.  They are worn internally like a tampon.  (http://www.layrinth.net.au/~obsidian/clothpads/Cups.html, http://www.keeper.com, http://www.divacup.com)

Menstrual Cup Care:  After use, empty cup, rinse, and reinsert.  After your period, rinse in soapy water or 1 to 9 part vinegar/water solution and store until next month.

Feminine Hygiene Items To Have On Hand:

Short-term:  toilet paper, disposable pads and tampons, baby wipes

Long-term:  reusable cloth wipes, cloth menstrual pads, menstrual cup, peri bottle, bucket for soaking, vinegar, safety pins