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When Aunt Flo makes her rounds
23
items From the actual flow, to tracking, and pain relief, when my period starts, I like to be prepared. I have a steady thing going to keep myself in check, comfortable, and taken care of.
Sections
4
Keeping Aunt Flo under (some kind of) control
Keeping warm and cozy through the cramps
Pain be gone (please & thank you!)
Get to know your cycle
Keeping Aunt Flo under (some kind of) control
I personally don't like or use tampons (a case of toxic shock & a UTI). I've made my way to other options with the least chemicals and fragrances that I can comfortably use, find, and afford.
First off, I can't go without a wing. These are some of the less toxic, more natural and affordable pads I gravitate to for day/night 1, then 3/4 and on. They're fragrance free, and not super bulky (thank goodness).
U by Kotex Clean & Secure Ultra Thin Pads with Wings, Regular Absorbency
I'll use these on day/night 2, and even 3 depending on how things are flowing (sorry). Wing mandatory, pun was not.
U by Kotex Clean & Secure Ultra Thin Pads with Wings, Heavy Absorbency
I physically cringe when I am out of these for overnight use, because I wake up with ruined underwear and/or sheets every single time I don't have any. A regular pad will not hold me and my wild sleeping down through the night.
U by Kotex Clean & Secure Ultra Thin Overnight Pads with Wings
I use a liner for the last couple of days because there isn't much of a flow, but there is some spotting.
U by Kotex Clean & Secure Panty Liners, Light Absorbency, Extra Coverage, 80 Count
Everything I said about kotex, but slightly better in my opinion as far as comfort goes. These seem to be a lot less noticeable when I'm walking around, bending, and literally chasing my toddler throughout everyday wear, and feel way softer. I'll wea...
Always Pure Cotton Feminine Pads, Size 1, Regular, Wings, Unscented
Same thing I said about the previous size in comparison to the kotex brand applies to this size. I'll use these on day/night 2 and occasionally 3 as those are my heaviest days.
Always Pure Cotton Feminine Pads With WIngs, Size 2, Heavy Absorbency
A repeat of all I said about the previous sizes from always, just in the overnight version. Which I like to use every night except the very last night.
Always Pure Cotton Feminine Pads, Size 4, Overnight, Wings, Unscented
I got these specifically for the freshly postpartum days, but I ended up not using the whole pack and had extras laying in my postpartum/baby cart. Cue my first cycle after having our child, and I didn't feel like an overnight pad would do the job. I...
Incontinence Underwear for Women - Unscented - Maximum Absorbency
Keeping warm and cozy through the cramps
I get SO cold while I'm on my period! It makes the cramps worse for me. When I'm going through it, you'll find me bundled up and trying my darndest to stay cozy.
That insomnia is no joke, but after a half of a cup of this blend, I am just like the bear in the picture on the box. This stuff is WONDERFUL, I wish I could find it more often, because I struggle with going to sleep on a regular basis as is. It's j...
Celestial Seasonings Sleepytime Extra Wellness Herbal Tea Bags
This stuff is just as good as the "extra" blend, but it's not as powerful. I can at least finish a mug of this and *want* another, but know not to brew another one because I need to get my butt in the bed and let the natural wind down run its course,...
Celestial Seasonings Sleepytime Caffeine-Free Herbal Tea Bags
I practically live in my robe, *especially* around the start of my period - I know it's sick of me. The belt is starting to tear at the seam... The robe I wear is a little pricey, but this one from Victoria's Secret/PINK was my go to before the one I...
Cozy Plush Robe
During this trying time, we need all of the comfort we can get. I cozy up in this blanket in my rocking chair or on the couch, and it makes the moments of discomfort a little less daunting. This is the closest I can find to what my blanket is like, c...
Your Zone Pink, Soft, Oversized, Fuzzy Throw Blanket for Kids
I get really cold when my cycle starts, and I can't stand the feeling of the cold floor on my very cold feet. I practically live in slippers; I've started to wear the memory foam out in these, but they aren't worn to the point that I'm slipping while...
VeraCosy Women's Classic Suede Memory Foam Slippers Anti-Skid Scuff with Warm Faux Fur Collar
Pain be gone (please & thank you!)
I have had HORRIBLE cramps for most of my life, up until I made the switch to cotton pads, and I found pain relief solutions that work for me.
Peppermint tea is easy on the stomach, and helps with my cramps (as most teas do!) but don't drink too much too close together 'cause it can give you some bubble guts. I usually have a mug at some point in the day. If I want another, I wait 'til the ...
Celestial Seasonings Peppermint Caffeine-Free Herbal Tea Bags (20 Count)
My husband used to laugh at me for this one, but I use blue light glasses more often when it's my time of the month. They significantly reduce my headaches and eye strain, which is something I tend to struggle with when my hormones are raging. I use ...
Women's Crystal Rectangle Blue Light Filtering Glasses - Wild Fable™
This powder is so bitter, but it works so well that I can look past it. It brings a good amount of relief throughout the first week of my cycle. The headaches, the backaches, the cramps, and the low energy all get a fairly quick fix when I bust one o...
BC Powder Headache & Fast Pain Relief Powder with Aspirin (NSAID)
I use these for those pounding, dull, heavy headaches that seem to last forever if you don't do anything about them. They don't do as much for cramps, but they'll help a ton with the headaches. I will say that they do not last 12 hours though. More l...
Aleve Headache Pain Reliever Naproxen Sodium Tablets
My husband got these for me once, and I haven't been able to shut up about them since! I love these! They take a minute to kick in for me (about 15 - 20), but once they do, it feels like a wave of relief all over my body all at once. I wish I'd start...
Midol Complete Menstrual Pain Relief Caplets w/ Acetaminophen
I can't find the one I use (literally, and online), but a heating pad has been my saving grace on those first couple of days that I'm just going through it. If you haven't tried one, I highly recommed it. That first use made a believer out of me. Thi...
COCOBELA Heating Pad for Back Pain Relief Electric Heating Pad Wrap
Get to know your cycle
One of the most important things that'll help you is trying to figure out your cycle. How many days it is, when you ovulate, when your luteal phase is (*what* it is), and what symptoms you experience (just to name a few things about it). Tracking min...
I've been using this app for the longest, and it's been quite insightful (& useful) as someone who knew more or less the basics about my cycle. There's an anonymous community you can take part in for support and advice, and there's several things...
Period tracker, ovulation tracker, pregnancy app | Flo
I just started using this tracker as I wanted something a little bit more detailed as far as what phase I'm in and how to go about my day to day to work with my phases so I'm not as burnt out. It seems to be very similar to Flo, but I don't see anyth...
Lively ~ Sync your Cycle, Period Tracker
Clue is my latest discovery, and it's a bit informative, but there is a paywall that keeps you from doing a lot. It's similar to Flo and Lively as far as what you can track and what you can find out for free. If you just want some info and tracking w...
Clue Period & Ovulation Tracker with Ovulation Calendar
I have a fitbit, but one isn't needed to use the app. Activity aside, you can track your cycle, and it does give great insight! You can get detailed information about each phase (like your fertile window), suggestions for getting through each phase, ...
Fitbit - Apps on Google Play