Menstrual Hygiene
- It is important you don’t miss school or work simply because of your natural period
- There is nothing to be ashamed of by having a period. It means that your body is functioning and healthy.
- So as not to stain your clothing during this time, you will need hygiene products to catch the menstrual blood.
- If you have access to or can afford menstrual pads, cotton wool or tampons from a store, you will need to purchase them each month for your period and use as the package directs.
- If you are unable to purchase menstrual products, you could also make your own.
- You can use materials from home such as cotton chitenje or towels.
- Or you could purchase materials from a store – (one each of cotton, flannel and waterproof cloth such as umbrella cloth)
- You can cut the cloth, then simply fold over several times to make your own pad
- Optional: sew layers of material with the flannel on top, then thick layers of cotton, and finally, waterproof material on bottom layer.
- It would be good to keep extra supplies (more pieces of cloth or pads) with you in a bag or purse to change as needed.
- If you are away from home, you could put the soiled cloth in a plastic bag to later rinse, wash with cold water, and hang to dry at home.
- It is also a good idea to choose dark clothing to wear during this time to decrease the amount of staining.
- If the clothing becomes stained, soak in cold water with soap before washing as usual.
- Bathe the same as you normally would, understanding that there may be blood on the genitals and between your legs that is not harmful.
- No special soaps are needed, just water and use a mild soap on the outside as desired, but never put soaps or any other cleaning products inside of your vagina.
For menstrual cramp or pain:
- Use a hot water bottle on your lower abdomen to relax the muscles.
- Recommend Ibuprofen 400mg as needed for pain for up to 3 times a day.
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page revision: 3, last edited: 28 Jun 2019 07:41