Homemade sanitary pads

[itsybitsy]

They're not for me, for sure - but some may be interested in this.

http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com/sanitarypads.htm

[TeacherSmurf]

Under just the frugal tips they have quite a bit of information.  Thanks for the info.

[itsybitsy]

Under just the frugal tips they have quite a bit of information.  Thanks for the info.

It's a pretty good site. I just ignore all the religious stuff as it's not my thing.

[Frank]

Erm, no comment.

[dziomek]

Personally I prefer tampons as they are less messy, but I think this is a great idea for anyone in a pinch. I would definitely not want to have to wash them out by hand, but I guess it can't be much different than washing cloth diapers. I didn't read through the article in its entirety, but chose to ignore the religious end of it. But hey, to each his own; as long as you're not trying to force it on me it doesn't bother me much. Oh, and as for the pads, they even have wings!

[itsybitsy]

Personally I prefer tampons as they are less messy, but I think this is a great idea for anyone in a pinch. I would definitely not want to have to wash them out by hand, but I guess it can't be much different than washing cloth diapers. I didn't read through the article in its entirety, but chose to ignore the religious end of it. But hey, to each his own; as long as you're not trying to force it on me it doesn't bother me much. Oh, and as for the pads, they even have wings!

I am the same - I have got enough tampons stocked to last me through until menopause. But it's always good to have an alternative plan - we may end up in an apocalyptic situation (God forbid) where there is no more manufactured sanitary protection.

[dziomek]

I am not stocked up on anything like that; perhaps I should start. I am seriously contemplating trying the "Instead" sponge (think it is similar to the Diva cup others have mentioned); so that if I am out of tampons I have something else to use in a pinch besides pads. It is such an inconvenience every month; that's all I have to say. as for menopause, I welcome it with open arms.

[TeacherSmurf]

I can't use tampons but I have been trying the SoftCups.  There is a review of them under the Medical topic.  The reusable ones take up a lot less room.  The SoftCup the size of one pad, replaces the bag of pads I normally go through.

[Jessi]

Teacher, if you don't mind answering, why is it that you can't use tampons but you can use the cups? Is it a material/fiber in the commercial tampons? I ask because there are other options like organic and homemade ones.

[TeacherSmurf]

Teacher, if you don't mind answering, why is it that you can't use tampons but you can use the cups? Is it a material/fiber in the commercial tampons? I ask because there are other options like organic and homemade ones.

Basically, I'm afraid of cuts/abrasions.  Even though the applicator for tampons are now plastic, the edges still seem to me like they could cut.  Probably an irrational fear, however being diabetic and hearing horror stories about infection most of my life, I tend to be leery.  I also grew-up using pads, so that is what I am used to.

The cup is completely plastic with malleable, curved edges so no fear. 

[Jessi]

Oooohhhhh! That makes so much more sense, both with the cuts and the diabetes. They do have cloth tampons now if you're ever interested, but I think you're on a better track with the cups anyway. They're much more sanitary in my opinion and after you get the hang of them, they're not so bad.

[difrancprod]

Tampons are better though than sanitary pads. But these alternatives are not bad either. I just hate those pads because it keeps messing our environment. I wouldn't advise to use them.

[Jessi]

Difrancprod, have you seen the cloth tampons then? For some reason, they make me a little more uncomfortable. I prefer tampons, but I'm afraid I wouldn't get the cloth ones clean enough or something and I'd end up risking TSS.

[itsybitsy]

Teacher, if you don't mind answering, why is it that you can't use tampons but you can use the cups? Is it a material/fiber in the commercial tampons? I ask because there are other options like organic and homemade ones.

Basically, I'm afraid of cuts/abrasions.  Even though the applicator for tampons are now plastic, the edges still seem to me like they could cut.  Probably an irrational fear, however being diabetic and hearing horror stories about infection most of my life, I tend to be leery.  I also grew-up using pads, so that is what I am used to.

The cup is completely plastic with malleable, curved edges so no fear.

You can get tampons without applicators in the UK. I can't stand the applicator ones, personally. I always buy them without. Tampons are pretty cheap in the UK - I pay around £1.25 for 24.

[yun.violet@ymail.com]

Here in the Philippines, most women are using sanitary pads. I guess it's good to have a back up plan during "red" days, at least we know how to make one just in case there's no available supply for sanitary pads/tampons. However, with a fast paced lifestyle, I would prefer sanitary pads, it works best for me.