Period Care
Period Supplies
This is a very personal subject where every person will have different needs according to comfort, preference, activity level, heaviness of flow, and even what your daily schedule looks like.
You may find one particular option suits all your needs, or you might use each one according to what's going on in your life, or even use multiple options at once.
For example, you might use a cup and a reusable pad at the same time if your flow is particularly heavy, but you have a yoga class 3-4 hours after your last opportunity for a change. Later in the week you might run out of clean pads, but only be bleeding lightly, so free bleeding may be a safe option without worrying about causing serious stains.
Fabric Pads
Fabrics pads are one of those money-saving, planet-saving inventions that many of us with period wish we'd learned about sooner.
"Reusable pads can free women and girls from the shackles of period poverty, or period insecurity, where women worry month-to-month about how they will afford expensive disposable pads."
Life Expectancy: With proper care they last for a decade or more. The only damage I've ever seen was from a pad getting cut open in the washing machine, but the hole was easy to sew shut. The pad is only used for low-flow days, but has never leaked.
Pro: These are better for your body, budget, and environment than disposable pads. They are fragrance free, so you don't have to worry about allergic reactions, asthma, infections, or other negative reactions caused by the chemicals found in disposables.
Con: These don't have a sticky side, so you may want to use a safety pin in the front to keep the pad from sliding back when you walk or run. A full set can cost a lot upfront compared to disposables, but this is offset by lifetime savings.
Solution: If you are struggling financially, buy one or a small number of pads at first, then use your savings to buy more later. Some charities offer fabric pads, or you can even make your own if you know how to sew and can access the supplies. Just like regular pads, you may leek of you lie on your back with a heavy flow, so sleeping on your side, or pushing the pad up between your butt cheeks, with the pointy part of the V (absorbent side against your butt) pointing at your tail bone, can both help prevent this problem.
Materials: PLU fabric, thread, and (generally) plastic poppers/snaps. DIY pads can be made with whatever fabric, but often with some fleece and a water proof layer. One African program taught school children to make them with a plastic bag as the inner/waterproof later in a program intended to reduce stigma around periods by including the boys.
Maintenance: These need to be changed anywhere between 3-8 hours (depending on blood flow and sweatiness). Fold and seal the pad as a square in a pocket, purse or bag till you get home, then store open to the air until you are ready to wash. Stomping the blood out while showering can save your hands as you get the lion's share of the blood out, then wash with regular laundry right away. Cold is fine, but washing on hot every 3rd wash will help reduce the chance of developing smell over time. Dry in a drying machine, or hang on a rack or line. When traveling or living without these options, you can hang them on a shower pole. Use the poppers to attach them to lines, dowles, or shower poles, and prevent them from falling to the ground.
This video shows how discrete period pads can be. Even the long night-time shaped pads.
Free-Bleeding
This is the oldest option, and uses no period supplies, but may stain clothes and furniture which could cause increased emissions and resource use as items are disposed of and replaced. During the heavier parts of my cycle I avoid this method at all costs (using some folded toilet paper in emergencies), but in the last few days, when just spotting, free-bleeding can be a great way to reduce impact, not to mention being much more comfortable during hot weather.
If you are concerned about stains, black underwear is best. Black and dark outerwear is also a good idea, but clothing with patterns are also good for hiding any potential stains. Floral patterns, work well, browns, burgundy, black, and similar dark colours will be your best allies.
Cleaning Stains
Cold water and salt or baking soda can work like magic on a blood stain, but timing is key. If the blood is wet, then just rinse the stain with cold water, then sprinkle with salt or baking soda, let sit a moment, or scrub (just fold over the fabric and rub it against itself a few times), then rinse with more cold water.
Warning: Hot or warm water will SET the stain!
Period Cups
These are wonderful if you are into sports or other highly active routines. They won't slip around like washable pads often do, but they can be uncomfortable to fit sometimes, and I've had them stop me from peeing if I don't get the position right. For this reason I usually put my cup in right before I need to pee. This means that if I can't pee, I have the time and opportunity to adjust before going somewhere more public. Once it is in comfortably, it basically feels like nothing is there.
Safety = Time Limits
Time Limit Before Leaks on Heavy Days: 4 hours
Time Limit Before Toxic Shock Syndrome: 8 hours
These should be safe to wear for 8 hours at a time without causing toxic shock syndrome, but I've accidently slept in or forgotten to take them out after getting home from work/school, and been fine.
4 hours seems to be the upper limit during my heaviest days before I bend slightly and have a big leak down my leg.
Cleaning Instructions
Empty blood into a toilet, sink, or shower drain. Rinse with clean water, soap optional, then insert. Repeat till end or period or till you switch to another option like pads or free bleeding.
At the end of your period, clean as usual, then put the cup in a pot of plain water, and boil for 20 minutes. Use tongs, a fork, or similar to take the hot cup and let it air dry in a clean location, such as a plate or towel. When 100% dry, transfer to a clean storage location. This can be the fabric pouch that cups are usually sold with.
Tampons
Tampons are a method of catching the flow internally, for those who are uncomfortable with pads due to a heavy flow, an active lifestyle, etc. There is a small learning curve to using tampons but most people figure out what works for them after the first few attempts. If using tampons for the first time, start with the smallest option and make sure it is inserted all the way before removing applicator. If it's not inserted properly, it can be adjusted by hand but this can be difficult at first. In general, if you can feel the tampon then it needs to be pushed in further. Removing dry tampons can cause further discomfort due to friction.
If you are a tampon user looking to cut down on your period waste or reduce the potential for introducing harmful chemicals into the vagina, consider the following options:
Replace altogether with a menstrual cup
Replace with a menstrual cup on the first few heavy flow days, and use a tampon for the lighter days (when a menstrual cup might be less comfortable to insert or remove).
Use BPA-free, PFAS-free, 100% organic cotton tampons, or tampons that use less packaging.
There are some safety considerations when using tampons:
Always wash your hands before inserting or removing
Do not leave a tampon in for more than 8 hours, to decrease risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome
Tampons should not be flushed, and should always be discarded in a waste bin.
Not all tampons are organic, cotton, dye-free, pesticide-free, or BPA/PFAS-Free.
Free/Cheap Period Supplies
Lack of period supplies or "period poverty" causes problems like social isolation, embarrassment, and lost school days for students. Some govorments and charities are working to ensure everyone has fair access to period supplies. Some of them may offer period supplies outright, while others offer coupons, rebates, and other incentives to reduce the cost of period supplies.
North America
USA
Michigan
Natural Momma Me Initiative "The mission of The Natural Momma Me Initiative is to provide a reliable supply of diapers, period supplies, and other resources to families in need to strengthen the community as a whole. We promote health, wellness, dignity, and independence. Our vision is to help create a community in which families have all they need to thrive." Detroit and Wayne County
Oceana
Australia
Western Australia
City of Cockburn: Cloth Nappy and Sanitary Product Rebate "For residents looking to reduce their disposable nappy and sanitary product waste, the City is offering a rebate of up to $50 on sanitary product purchases and up to $100 on cloth nappy purchases." You may need to attend the local workshop to qualify.
Organizations
Period poverty is made worse when period supplies are taxed like a luxury. People end up missing work, school, and events simply because they don't have money for period supplies, which puts them at further risk of other types of poverty and social isolation. The organizations are working to change the current problems faced by people who have to deal with the complications caused by periods.
North America
USA
Alliance for Period Supplies "a program of the National Diaper Bank Network, helps ensure that individuals in need have access to essential period products required to fully participate in daily life.
What we do:
Raise awareness of the millions of poor and low-wage people who menstruate and miss out on daily life because they lack access to period supplies.
Support the nationwide development and expansion of community-based period supply initiatives capable of providing a reliable supply of period products to individuals in need.
Distribute period supplies and funding to community partners/community-based period supply initiatives.
Advocate for legislative changes to make period supplies more accessible and affordable, regardless of income."
Oceana
Australia
Cloth Nappy Rebates "Reusable cloth nappies are finally getting the recognition they deserve, and with more and more local councils now appreciating the benefits of using cloth nappies, they are now offering cloth nappy rebates and free workshops to encourage parents on making the switch from disposable nappies!
We have compiled a list of progressive Australian councils that offer cloth nappy rebates. If you live in one of these areas, visit the links for more information for specifics on their rebates. You may be eligible to receive money back on your cloth nappy and reusable sanitary product purchases."
New South Wales
City of Parramatta Receive up to $150 on purchases of cloth nappies, and up to $100 on purchases of reusable sanitary products. This includes purchases of wet bags, cloth baby wipes, reusable breast pads.
City Of Liverpool Rebates of 50% of the purchase price (max $150 rebate) for cloth nappies and swim nappies. Rebates of 50% of the purchase price (max $100 rebate) for reusable sanitary products such as cloth pads.
Penrith City Council: Reusable Nappy & Sanitary Item Rebate "Maximum $100 rebate on cloth nappy and reusable sanitary product purchases."
Sutherland Shire: Reusable Sanitary Product & Nappy Rebate "50% of purchase price of cloth nappies and reusable nappy accessories (up to $50).
50% of purchase price of reusable menstrual products (up to $50)."Waverly Council: Am I Eligible? "Waverley residents can claim a 50% rebate on the purchase of reusable nappies (up to $100) and reusable sanitary products (up to $50) making it more affordable to go eco-friendly. You can also register for an Introduction to Cloth Nappies Workshop."
North Territory
Litchfield Council Rebates of 50% (up to a maximum value of $100) on purchases of cloth nappies and 50% (up to a maximum value of $50) on purchases of reusable sanitary products. This includes swim nappies and cloth nappy inserts. This rebate is on a first-in-first-served basis until funding is exhausted.
Queensland
Livingstone Shire Council "Monthly draw to win $100 for cloth nappy and reusable sanitary product purchases. This includes wet bags, reusable swim nappies, cloth nappy inserts, cloth baby wipes and reusable breast pads."
Tasmania
Cloth Nappy and Reusable Sanitary Product Rebate "The City of Hobart is offering a Cloth Nappy and Reusable Sanitary Product Rebate to help Hobart residents with the initial costs of these reusable products, which can be a barrier for people interested in switching from disposable options.
We hope to help Hobart residents get started and work together towards reaching the City's aim of zero waste to landfill by 2030."
Victoria
Cardinia Shire Council: Waste Rebates & Discounts Rebates up to 50% on purchases of cloth nappies and reusable sanitary products. This includes reusable breast pads, wetbags, reusable swim nappies, reusable cloth inserts and cloth baby wipes. You can also get a discount for other things like reducing the size of your bin.
City of Ballarat: Reusable Nappy, Period and Sanitary Products Rebate "Cloth nappies: 50% of purchase price, maximum rebate $100.
Reusable period products: 50% of purchase price, maximum rebate $100.
Reusable breast pads: 50% of purchase price, maximum rebate $50."City of Whittlesea "Residents can claim 50 per cent of what you spend on reusable nappies, reusable sanitary products or composting materials, up to the limits listed below. For example, if you spend $80 on a worm farm, you may be eligible for a rebate of $40."
City of Vincent: Modern Cloth Nappy Subsidy Initiative "City of Vincent is offering a 50% rebate on the hire of a Cloth Nappy trial pack for a four week period. It is also now offering a rebate of 50% of the cost of your reusable sanitary product purchase, up to a total rebate value of $50."
Hobson Bay City Council: Reusable Rebate Program "Maximum $130 rebate on cloth nappy, incontinence and/or reusable sanitary product purchases."
Mornington Peninsula Shire Rebates of 50% (up to a maximum value of $100) on purchases of cloth nappies and 50% (up to a maximum value of $50) on purchases of reusable sanitary products. This includes swim nappies and cloth nappy inserts.
Town of Victoria Park: Nappy Rebate "50% of total purchase or hire price, maximum $100 rebate (must attend cloth nappy workshop).
Rebate of up to $50 on new reusable sanitary item purchases (including menstrual cups, reusable sanitary pads, reusable incontinence pads and period underwear).
Rebate of up to $50 on cloth nappy repairs. This service keeps nappies in circulation for longer and promotes second hand purchases. Cloth nappy repairs can be done by any sewing/alterations people/tailors or even at repair café’s for free."Wyndham City Council Rebates of 50% (up to a maximum value of $100) on purchases of cloth nappies and 50% (up to a maximum value of $50) on purchases of reusable sanitary products.
Western Australia
City of Armadale "50% of total purchase or hire price, maximum $100 rebate (must attend cloth nappy workshop)."
City of Augusta Margaret River: Cloth Nappy and Sanitary Products Subsidy "Rebate up to $100 towards the cost of cloth nappies and $50 towards the cost of sanitary products."
City of Cockburn: Cloth Nappy and Sanitary Product Rebate "For residents looking to reduce their disposable nappy and sanitary product waste, the City is offering a rebate of up to $50 on sanitary product purchases and up to $100 on cloth nappy purchases." You may need to attend the local workshop to qualify.
City of Vincent: Modern Cloth Nappy Subsidy Initiative "City of Vincent is offering a 50% rebate on the hire of a Cloth Nappy trial pack for a four week period. It is also now offering a rebate of 50% of the cost of your reusable sanitary product purchase, up to a total rebate value of $50."
Town of Bassendean Rebates of 50% of the purchase price up to a maximum of $100.00 for Cloth Nappies, and 50% of the purchase price up to a maximum of $50.00 for Cloth Pads.
Town of Victoria Park: Nappy Rebate "50% of total purchase or hire price, maximum $100 rebate (must attend cloth nappy workshop).
Rebate of up to $50 on new reusable sanitary item purchases (including menstrual cups, reusable sanitary pads, reusable incontinence pads and period underwear).
Rebate of up to $50 on cloth nappy repairs. This service keeps nappies in circulation for longer and promotes second hand purchases. Cloth nappy repairs can be done by any sewing/alterations people/tailors or even at repair café’s for free."
Where to Buy Eco-Friendly Period Supplies
Asia
India
Boondh "is a social enterprise working on Sustainable Menstrual Products, Menstrual Literacy, Advocacy, Policy and Programming."
Bumpadum "provides cloth diapers for babies, cloth sanitary pads for women and accessories for sustainable living that are designed and made entirely in India."
Shecup "is the best organic menstrual cup brand in India as it is made of health grade non-toxic non-allergic silicone, hence there is no risk of infections. It is one of the best organic menstrual cups in India is also recommended by senior gynecologists."
The Woman's Company "TWC is a healthcare platform to openly engage, have access to resources and information that can add value to lives globally. Each TWC product comes with a unique offering designed to make lives simpler and happier. "