Supplies to Have at Home


Even before you get your first period, its important to have something at home to help you get through it. There are many supplies you can buy, and well list a lot here, but you dont need them all. You can pick and choose what you need to feel good about your period. Everyone is different.

* Pads  You can get these in all sizes and a few exciting shapes. They come with "wings" and without. They come with scents (best not to buy those) and without. They also come in various absorbencies. Finding the one that works best for you may take some trial and error. 

* Tampons  A tampon is used internally inside the vagina to stop the flow from coming out and absorbs it with a lot of cotton before it escapes. This is a preferred method for active girls and women. Tampons are not more dangerous for girls than women, but its essential to change it regularly to avoid getting a rare but deadly bacterial infection called toxic shock syndrome. 

* Period Panties  These cool inventions are just what they sound like: panties that are absorbent so that you dont have to use anything else but the special panty. Some girls really like them because they can just feel normal.

* Period Cloths  If youre worried about the environment and how those products are affecting it, you can also use reusable period cloths. This was not unusual in the past but only work for people who can wash regularly. 

* Menstrual Cups  The cup is an excellent choice if youre worried about the environment plus you want something simple. The cup does require advanced anatomy understanding to insert it right, but once you figure it out, you may not want to use anything else.

* Heating Pad  Just in case you get cramps, you may want to invest in a heating pad. When you have cramps, get comfy in a chair or your bed and put the pad on your belly. Leave it for 10 to 15 minutes while you relax, and it will do wonders for your cramps.

* Epsom Salt  If you are feeling achy all over, you can take a bath in Epsom salt. And yes, you can take a bath while on your period. Its clean blood from your own body and will not harm you. You can also use a tampon if that makes you uncomfortable. The salts will soothe sore muscles and relax you for bed.

* Anti-Inflammatory OTC Medication  If you get bloated and crampy, another option to have around are a few OTC meds like Advil, Motrin, or Tylenol. Be careful about how much you take as all these meds can be bad for your kidneys and liver. 

* Natural Remedies  Keep some lavender oil around to smell to help relax you when you are feeling moody or tense. There are other natural remedies too, like eating more turmeric, which can also ease your pain.

* Chocolate  If you like chocolate, buy some low sugar, organic dark chocolate and allow yourself to have a serving during your bath or when youre relaxing. Its a good mood pick-up and will address your cravings. 

Choose what makes you feel confident about your period. Make up a little kit so that its all in one spot and ready for your use every month. 
And for parents, setting up a kit for your child before she starts her period is very helpful. This kit will give her the freedom to try the various products that are available and pick the right one for herself. 








