Creating a reusable pad from scratch is simpler than you would think if you found yourself in a situation where you need one but don’t have any pads or tampons.
Synthetic fibres, like polyester and lace, can irritate the sensitive skin surrounding your genitals and increase the risk of vaginal infections; thus, cotton is the best material for DIY pads since it is a natural, breathable fabric.
Depending on the quantity of bleeding, you should change your handmade pad every 4 to 8 hours and wash it with water (preferably hot water) and soap before using it again.
Stains may still appear on the pad even after washing. Make careful to rinse the pad well until the water is clean. If you have access to hydrogen peroxide, you may also use it to clean. Avoid using corrosive substances like bleach or lye (aka caustic soda).
Pads Made from Scratch: The Risks of Making Your Period Supplies
Suppose a woman or menstruating person doesn’t have any pads on hand. In that case, they may use toilet paper or tissues instead.
These substitutes are unpleasant to wear and a poor choice even in urgent circumstances. You may increase your chances of developing vulvar contact dermatitis or vaginal infections by using methods such as bacterial vaginosis (aka itching and vulvar rashes).
The risk of infection may arise if you utilise items that aren’t intended for vaginal use. It would be best if you changed your ordinary disposable tampons often.
Every 4 to 8 hours, you should change the tampon. Increased risk of genital infections due to infrequent changes. One such illness is toxic shock syndrome, which is caused when germs invade the body and release poisons.
Menstrual Pads You May Make at Home: Drug-Free Period Pain Relief
Pays aren’t the sole option to manage your menstruation during stressful times. Suppose you’re experiencing excruciating pains; what then?
Even common pain relievers might be difficult to get during times of need. If you want to avoid using the medicine for your cramps, try applying heat to the region.
Why Should You Use Reusable Menstrual Pads?
Here are all the reasons why you should use reusable menstrual pads:
1. Environmental-Friendly
In her lifetime, the typical American woman will go through between 12,000 and 16,000. Producing, packing, and transporting these goods results in considerable trash. There will be a lot of trash to dispose of as a result.
When it comes to today’s environment, a one-time use just won’t do! Reusing household items like dishes and towels contributes to a societal change toward prioritising sustainability over
throwaway culture.
2. More Sanitary Than Disposable Pads
They help with period cramps, which is great news for me. They are more breathable than disposable pads and less likely to cause skin irritation or infection.
Disposable menstruation products contain several materials linked to health problems, including plastics, synthetic fibres, wool pulp, chlorine, synthetic chemicals, artificial perfumes and pesticides, and cotton sprayed with herbicides.
3. Reduce Your Financial Outlay
Considering the average woman will have her period for 40 years and spend $8 every alternate month on disposable pads, she will pay $1,920 throughout her life if she uses cloth pads instead. That’s $3,840 annually if she’s going through a monthly pack. What could you do if you had that money at your disposal?
4. Supports Small Businesses
In my opinion, the further away you are from these commercial products, the better off your health will be. And it makes sense to give local shops a boost.
5. Leak-Proof And Hygienic
This was one of my first concerns while conducting research. I was relieved to learn that they are incredibly hygienic, simple to clean, and even have an interior waterproof covering to avoid leaks.
Massage Your Cramps Away
Pays aren’t the sole option to manage your menstruation during stressful times. Suppose you’re experiencing excruciating pains; what then?
Even common pain relievers might be difficult to get during times of need.
If you’d like to avoid taking any medicine for your cramps, try putting heat on the spot. You should use a heating pad or hot water bottle to get your hands on one. Even common pain relievers might be difficult to get during times of need.
Another option is to use mild, circular strokes to massage your lower abdomen. Here are some things to try:
- Do a back float.
- Warm your hands by rubbing them together.
- Put some pressure on your belly button with your fingertips.
- Please put your hands on your tummy and massage it in a clockwise motion using your palms. As before, repeat the action on one side, lowering yourself by increments of an inch. Repeat on the other side of the stomach.
- You should pay special attention to your trigger points if you have any.
- From your belly button, go outward in a clockwise circle.
Make Your Reusable Pads
Here are a few steps that will aid you in making reusable pads:
- First, print the pattern and cut it out using the guidelines.
- Next, flip the material over and use a marker to trace the template onto the back. Repeat.
- Third, separate the cotton into two pieces by cutting it with sharp scissors.
- Fourth, stack the pieces with the patterned sides facing each other.
- Fifth, stitch the fabric along the sides, stopping short of the top and bottom.
- Now create a hem by turning under the upper and lower edges and stitching along them.
- Seventhly, reverse the cloth, so the right side is out, and the seams are hidden. Closing the side seams/wings.
- Now the right side needs a button sewn to the centre.
- Next, mark the left sleeve where a buttonhole should be cut. To prevent the hole’s edges from fraying, cut them and stitch them together.
- As for the tenth step, measure out two pieces of towel 20 cm in length and 6 cm in width. Stitch the top and bottom edges of the pieces together, then layer them.
- Fasten a giant bobby pin to the top. Then, with the help of the safety pin, place the lining into the outer casing to be visible above the opening. Take the pin out of its hole.
Done!
Conclusion
And that’s all you need to know about DIY menstrual pads and how you can make them in times of crisis.
When disaster strikes, communities need access to necessities like food, housing, and safety to recover and rebuild. As they cope with loss and disaster, girls and women have unspoken needs that must be met.
Maintaining good menstrual hygiene is crucial to a person’s general health, not just during their period.
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