Don’t forget the ladies in your life!
Posted by No-Ideal-6662@reddit | preppers | View on Reddit | 185 comments
Firstly, shout out to all the men and women who want to prepare their families for anything from a bad storm to the end times. It’s commendable and congrats. One thing I noticed with my preps is that I was being unintentionally inconsiderate to my wife. I figure the highest demographic in this sub is men preparing their families so figured I’d share this.
My wife is not a prepper but she is supportive. That said I handle all the food and household supplies and security concerns. One thing that occurred to me is that my wife had to ask me to buy her tampons. It hit me then that I have not been taking into account is the feminine specific needs of my household, so much so that we ran out when things are good let alone when things go bad. I have months of food, water, ammo, and toilet paper that I have accounted for. Hell I make sure to have the dog food and treats prepped, but for some reason I never considered feminine hygiene. So just a reminder if you haven’t thought about it, everything you need now you will need in a SHTF scenario whether that be evacuating a storm for a few days or a pandemic. Don’t forget to keep the ladies in your life comfortable and clean.
Street-Owl6812@reddit
I think all preppers should be prepared for emergency childbirth. I never see this discussed but I guarantee you in SHTF you will encounter it. If its not a woman in your family, it will be someone in your circle that you care about. Especially if contraception is hard to get.
UnableFortune@reddit
Historically hemorrhage is the leading cause of maternal death in childbirth. I had 2 homebirths in Canada with midwives allowed to prescribe drugs. I am a little prone to bleeding and required help with hospital births and homebirths. Two medications with longest shelf life (2 years) used for bleeding are dinoprostone and misoprostol. Also used for abortion, which means women in your life can order it online and keep it in stock. Could save some lives.
My midwives had a ton of equipment that they brought to my house like oxygen tanks. Everything a small town level 1 care hospital would have.
Another medication extremely helpful during pregnancy are old fashioned iron tablets. During my twins pregnancy I needed iron infusions (venofer) every couple of weeks. They were 7 lbs at 34 weeks and never saw a nicu. I couldn't keep up with them during the pregnancy. I was overweight going into the pregnancy and underweight by postpartum. People don't seem to talk a lot about the impact of low iron levels. Extreme low energy, loss of appetite, sometimes anemia can cause non-food cravings which certainly doesn't help maintain weight, let alone increase.
I tried herbal and natural remedies as first line of defense, but these were issues I had that natural remedies didn't resolve.
Just some thoughts on things to stock and things to get ahead of before they become life threatening.
pajamakitten@reddit
I work in a transfusion lab and they are a major reason we get bleeped for a major haemorrhage. I never plan to have kids but if I did I would never let my partner have a home birth for this reason. Being able to get blood quickly in an emergency is a must in my eyes because of my professional experience, especially if haemolytic disease of the newborn is a possibility.
UnableFortune@reddit
You can look at the studies on homebirths in Ontario Canada. They're extremely selective about who is offered homebirth and that's why they're statistically just as safe as hospial births in low risk pregnancies. I wouldn't bother having a homebirth in the US but if you qualify for a homebirth in Canada, they are very safe. The midwives do 7 years university level obstetrics just in pregnancy and childbirth and postpartum. It's safe for a reason.
I've had 4 pregnancies and 5 live births. 2 of them qualified as low enough risk for homebirth. One of them I was risked out due to twins, midwives wouldn't even consider taking me as a hospital birth. One of them was planned to be homebirth but my midwives diagnosed obstetric cholestasis and we worked with an obgyn to induce. Once I was in labour, I went back under my midwives and delivered in the hospital. I absolutely love how Canadian midwives and Dr's work seamlessly together. They're coworkers who see each other daily and have strong, trusting relationships within the system and are 100% covered by our universal healthcare. Their entire job is to handle low hanging fruit for the obgyn's and identify problems very early. And yes, they are trained to handle massive hemorrhages if everything goes wrong. They work in teams and stabilize to get to the hospital, communicate with obgyn on call to get the OR ready to go. It's working.
Again, I realize the American system is nothing like this. I wouldn't recommend or sign up for a homebirth. The system just isn't set up for it. I would be terrified. It irritates the hell out of me when American homebirth advocates use our statistics to support the safety of homebirth in the US. They're comparing apples to oranges. They're just not compatible. But it really is fantastic here under our system.
lol_coo@reddit
Good homebirths are better than hospital births. Bad homebirths are much more fatal.
UnableFortune@reddit
You didn't read what I wrote.
UnableFortune@reddit
Another thing to consider, the hospital by my parents house in rural Canada can't offer blood products in an emergency. Really worth considering where people are living and what resources are available. We live in Northern Ontario. We don't have a lot of big hospitals up here. We traveled 500km for our twins when they were born. Really grateful they didn't need a nicu stay. They just had the 3 of us hang out for 5 days to be sure we were doing well before we went home.
Robinly_42@reddit
How on earth do you prep for that? Genuinely curious.
Street-Owl6812@reddit
Read up on it as the first step. Normal births are actually pretty straightforward and most people could do it if necessary. I personally have a woman in my immediate family that is a physician - she is the one I will contact if I need to. So networking is another good idea.
Birth is hard and scary and often fatal - even with modern medicine. Therefore I think books on trauma and natural hormone management will be extremely helpful for the postpartum period.
unknownaccount1814@reddit
Supposedly goats milk is as close to human breast milk as possible, if you have access to lactating goats, it can be used if breast feeding isn't possible and the formula has run out.
I don't know if it is 100 percent true, but I believe I read it in a diary goat book written by a guy with tons of experience with them.
lol_coo@reddit
It is absolutely not true, stop spreading misinformation that can kill children.
unknownaccount1814@reddit
I suggested it as an emergency measure if breast feeding isn't possible and the formula has run out. It was what was used in the past. It lacks folate for one thing, and so ot can't be used long term, but in a pinch it's better than letting your little one starve.
Street-Owl6812@reddit
Good to know, although that truly would be my last resort. I've heard so many horror stories about DIY formula. But when its life or death you gotta do what you gotta do
Top_Collection6240@reddit
I got absolutely lit when went into labor, both times.
wolpertingersunite@reddit
Read the books by Ina May Gaskins and practice self hypnosis relaxation techniques. These will keep you calm and confident even in a modern labor and delivery ward, help to minimize interventions. Or you can use the strategies to have a natural birth and avoid interventions altogether.
For maternal safety, it’s especially important to understand about delivery of the placenta and the importance of uterine pressure/massage to induce clotting and shutdown to prevent hemorrhage. My midwives did that but it didn’t require any special equipment, just understanding.
Street-Owl6812@reddit
It really is! I think we’ll see the return of the old fashioned midwife and wet nurse in a prolonged collapse.
wolpertingersunite@reddit
I recently learned that goats were traditionally valued because the milk is better when necessary to feed babies.
Having and caring for babies is a huge part of family survival in real premodern living. Well actually in modern living too, when you’re in the thick of those baby years…
Another key prep for toddlers is a simple playpen. Keep them out of danger wherever you are.
Winter_Package6393@reddit
You can now get hormonal birth control OTC without a prescription if anyone wanted to stick up!
Top_Collection6240@reddit
Chemical warfare against women.
Winter_Package6393@reddit
?
Top_Collection6240@reddit
Hormonal contraception is designed to screw up a woman's entire endocrine system. Lack of pregnancy is a side effect.
Winter_Package6393@reddit
Do people not know this? The dumbed down version of how hormonal birth control works is that the elevated hormones mimic pregnancy in the body, stopping ovulation. No ovulation=no babies. Which is why you can get off birth control and get pregnant the next month when you ovulate again.
Top_Collection6240@reddit
Yep. Screwing with our precarious hormone balance. How is that not mysogynistic?
lol_coo@reddit
Considering most people are not taught about how dangerous pregnancy and delivery are, I'd say it's weird this is the hill you're dying on.
Winter_Package6393@reddit
I don’t disagree that most of our world and things in it are misogynistic, but anyone taking any sort of medication should thoroughly educate themselves, weigh the pros and cons, and make the decision that is best for their body, life, and goals. Women deserve that right.
Top_Collection6240@reddit
That's fair. But what is not fair is failing to educate us about how dangerous hormone contraceptive pills are for the human body. (Just in case anyone wondered, my stance is not religiously motivated.)
No-Ideal-6662@reddit (OP)
Oh wow you’re totally right. My wife and I are currently trying for our first kid and I didn’t even think about if the grid went down or we got snowed in close to her potential due date
CatchMeIfYouCan09@reddit
It's not comfy but a good alternative is a menstral cup; washable and reusable pads and period underwear.
For babies The 3 sizes in 1 washable diapers.... you buy like 12 inserts and then 3 each of each size.
Neat_Caregiver9654@reddit
I've never tried the cup, but the period underwear is definitely my choice in the matter. We also use cloth diapers & wipes as well as breastfeeding.
Hypnales@reddit
I much prefer cups, though even better is the disc (personally). Reusable, and the best part: no Toxic Shock Syndrome risk! I highly recommend trying them to all menstruating people.
UnableFortune@reddit
Another option are period underwear. I had cups and didn't like them. I tended to have problems with UTI's with them. Yes, I got all sorts of advice but they're not for everyone, nothing is. Period underwear is another option.
Hypnales@reddit
It’s definitely great to have on hand and I hear good things from most people who use em :)
Southern_Water_Vibe@reddit
I think there have been a couple of TSS cases from cups, but the risk is still way lower
CatchMeIfYouCan09@reddit
I would say I'll try it but I did the ultimate prep and got a hysterectomy last month.
(I did it for medical reasons and I was done having kids anyways)
Hypnales@reddit
Congrats!! That’s my end goal, but bc I’m trans. One of my biggest SHTF fears is if I couldn’t access HRT after ovary removal. Bodies obviously need some kind of hormone, and if I couldn’t make my own anymore… 😬I know that part is optional for hysto, so hopefully it won’t be an issue.
QueerEldritchPlant@reddit
It is also an option to leave just one ovary and take the rest out including fallopian tubes, which can significantly reduce ovarian cancer risk, too. It's actually not that uncommon. That's what I'm considering, out of an abundance of caution about access to healthcare in the future.
Hypnales@reddit
Oh wow, thank you for the information!! I’ll definitely look into it :)
CatchMeIfYouCan09@reddit
Yeah I'm on a whole ass pharmacy so if the world ends I'll definitely be feeling it.
My meds are critical to my functionality....
Hypnales@reddit
I don’t have many I need for survival, but there are a few meds I’d really struggle without. I’ve been trying to start a stash of those to get me by for a while, I hope you’re able to do something similar. I saw a post some time ago on here where people discussed this exact topic, what they planned to do for life-sustaining medication. It’s definitely scary to be chronically ill in unstable times. Maybe that post would have helpful information for you :)
ap0r@reddit
My girlfriend started using a cup and she says it's the best thing ever, can't even feel it when correctly installed and zero spills even while moving about. Plus reusable.
Southern_Water_Vibe@reddit
Wait do normal products leak if you move??
UnableFortune@reddit
On heavy periods? All the freaking time!
Top_Collection6240@reddit
I can't feel my menstrual cup when I wear it. I paid $10 for 4 in 2021. Yes. 2.50 each. My daughter and I each use the smaller ones. The 2 large size ones have never been used. They paid for themselves in 2 months. I am not sure what the bs about "period justice" is, but I never need to pay for menstrual products anymore. Rant over.
MeowKat85@reddit
The really good reusable diapers are size adjustable. One purchase is all you need. Also, those little camp washing machines are ACE for keeping them clean.
uzupocky@reddit
I love the cup, but I still keep some pads around. They don't expire and I need clean water to rinse the cup out every day. It's easier for me to keep one box of disposables in the house instead of using more water that I might need to drink. Plus I have them on hand if a house guest gets a surprise guest and needs some.
theswan89@reddit
They do also make cloth pads that come in various sizes and could be a good alternative or back up.
AddingAnOtter@reddit
I actually going back to old school flat diapers and newer snap covers is the way to go for babies. The covers adjust in size and you can just plop the fabric in the cover if you have enough to wash between poops! More modern diapers have too many layers to easily get clean without a washer/dryer and natural fabrics hold up better.
CatchMeIfYouCan09@reddit
Very true
smellswhenwet@reddit
When my wife was menstruating, she converted to the cup and preferred over tampons
CatchMeIfYouCan09@reddit
That's fair, some women don't mind it
Sar_of_NorthIsland@reddit
Getting the right brand and size is game-changing.
Street-Owl6812@reddit
Good luck! 🍀I wish there was a parenting prepper sub. There's so much to consider when prepping for babies and young children, but its just not talked about enough in our community. We are very focused on immediate SHTF (guns, ammo, rations) which is important but not all there is.
Particular-Try5584@reddit
There is r/TwoXPreppers :)
CatchMeIfYouCan09@reddit
Each one of my family members has their own BOB including the dog. Each bag has items specific to that person/ age/ animal.
MagnoliaProse@reddit
Get Susan weed’s book Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year!
Make sure you have shepherd’s purse on hand for birth bleeding, as well as suture supplies and something to numb with.
Radiant_Lychee_7477@reddit
Please, nothing Susun Weed. For so many reasons.
Free: April Graham/She is of the Woods on YouTube.
Top_Collection6240@reddit
Lol why? She was super influential when I was pregnant with my daughter in 2010.
MagnoliaProse@reddit
While I don’t recommend her as a human, unfortunately that book is the most useful I’ve found. If you have another book reference, I’d love to check it out.
Radiant_Lychee_7477@reddit
There are some really specific books on that, some by people who intentionally delivered way off grid. I don't know current titles.
There's probably a subreddit as well.
AAAAHaSPIDER@reddit
The grid doesn't even have to be down. My cousin recently had a surprise home birth when her labor progressed faster than expected. Her husband was on his way home from work to bring her to the hospital. She presented him with his son when he walked through the door.
localdisastergay@reddit
Another prep to consider is formula, even if you’re planning to breastfeed. Your wife might struggle with producing, or you might find yourself in a situation where she’s unable to feed the baby (sick, injured enough to need painkillers etc) and you wouldn’t want to have to worry about acquiring formula on top of that stress. Probably wouldn’t stock up too much in advance of birth though, some babies have allergies and can only have specific brands so it would suck to spend a bunch of money on formula you ultimately can’t use.
IDFKSomeGuyIGuess@reddit
This is really the problem here. Of all the things we try to prepare for, we can only prepare our families so much for when we're not there. My wife was a recurring victim of sexual violence during her childhood and has attempted suicide multiple times. As a result she insists that I not tell her the code to our gun safe, and that she avoid all contactwith firearms. As you can imagine this stresses me out considerably.
She was raped again by a friend's husband while I was deployed earlier this year, while our daughter was asleep in the other room. She was half his size and unarmed, and if she fought back and lost, our daughter would've been alone with him. Since not resisting seemed to work well enough, her stance on self defense hasn't changed.
She insists that allowing herself to be made a victim is a more reliable way to keep our daughter safe than fighting back. No matter how much I express my concern, she insists that she knows what she's doing, and I'm only worried because I have no faith in her to protect herself or our daughter. And honestly, I don't anymore. She believes that if there's an emergency and I'm not there, people will help her because she's vulnerable and has a child. She sees no need for a backup plan.
It's incredibly difficult to keep your loved ones safe if they don't consider themselves to be worth protecting, or they're more afraid of standing up for themselves than they are of being a victim. After almost three decades of the people she trusts taking advantage of her, she thinks I'm paranoid for worrying about people taking advantage of her, and she doesn't think total strangers will do the same thing.
So now it terrifies me to leave her alone since all I can do is lock the door and hope nothing happens. I'm about to move to an area with a much higher crime rate, too, so I'm sure we're gonna have that conversation a few dozen more times.
Top_Collection6240@reddit
I'll never understand how so many women I know are like your wife. I am reasonably attractive. Have lived on the streets with strange men. Drugs were involved. I have NEVER been SA'ed except once by a cop (in front of my now deceased husband, no less, before I ever used drugs or was homeless.)
Street-Owl6812@reddit
Hey man I’m so sorry that happened to your wife. And to you since it indirectly hurts you as well. It is a heavy burden to carry the emotional load of a mentally suffering person. If I may offer some unsolicited advice, as someone who's been receiving mental illness treatment for years - look up “cognitive distortion,” and “emdr therapy.”
When people experience trauma (especially such serious trauma!) it changes the brain. You are coming from a place of logic, of reason. She is probably not. She is acting out of pain. Her brain is probably tangled into a pretzel of confusion and grief - not the best state to be making life or death decisions.
Have you ever seen the tv show “Hoarders?” That is a really good example of people with cognitive distortions. They can be looking at literal shit and genuinely think its valuable. No amount of rational discussion will help in this situation.
It may also be denial. I mean something terrible already happened while you were gone - it may be too upsetting and bring up all this past pain to even think about planning for an emergency. People with trauma can be retraumatized by reliving an event. That's why in CSA cases they only interview the child a maximum of 3 times by law (in my state at least.) So she may just be unable to think about that stuff without severe mental suffering.
Finally, please read “Complex CPTSD: From Surviving to Thriving.” That book explains SO MUCH about trauma, childhood trauma, and most importantly - how to heal. One thing that would be really beneficial is for you to read the portions about the “freeze” trauma response. Your wife probably isn't a fool, she's just a person that freezes in a crisis. Which is totally normal and instinctual.
I don't know if you are a praying person, but I am, and I’ll be remembering your family tonight.
Southern_Water_Vibe@reddit
Also, a deep part of her brain knows that not defending herself has not gotten her killed. Fighting back is a big unknown. That's got to be pretty powerful too.
IDFKSomeGuyIGuess@reddit
She actually has a diagnosis of CPTSD already, along with possible Bipolar 2. Were stationed in rural Nevada right now, so there's minimal access to treatment. Part of the reason we're moving to a higher crime area despite our wishes is that DC is the only navy duty station where my specialty applies that also has sufficient treatment options for her.
Since the incident happened in January and we aren't moving to DC until December, she's been getting telehealth counseling, but there's no EMDR facilities within about 75 miles of us. She used to have a better counselor and regular EMDR sessions before we got married, but our last two duty stations have had jack shit for mental health.
Street-Owl6812@reddit
How awful. It’s terrible that you guys aren't better supported. I have done self-guided emdr on youtube, though its not as impactful as doing it with a therapist. Its something at least.
Southern_Water_Vibe@reddit
I recently found the sub r/secondary_survivors ... might be helpful to you. I'm so sorry she and you have had to go through this.
kirbygay@reddit
I'm a prepper that believes in collapse. I got bc arm implant. If my doctor would allow it, I'd just get my tube's tied. Too young apparently! 😪
Interesting-Mix-1689@reddit
My partner has that. She's on her second one. She hasn't liked the side effects which were supposed to get better but never really did. I'm looking into getting a vasectomy so she can get it removed. Men need to take more of the burden for BC
Top_Collection6240@reddit
Agreed; BC pills are chemical warfare against women.
uzupocky@reddit
The r/childfree sub has a list of doctors that will do the procedure no questions asked. In the US any adult is allowed to get it, it's just up to the doctor's discretion. Sorry you had trouble, it's a common theme. Some men even get pushback if they don't have kids already.
kirbygay@reddit
I'm in Canada and my doctor wouldn't even entertain the idea. There's a woman's clinic in my city that might do it. Thanks, I needed a push to keep trying
glockshorty@reddit
Dude this is spot on.
reddit_username_yo@reddit
If you're wondering what to prep for the ladies in your life: ask them what they use. If some dude showed up with a menstrual cup and informed me that's what I would be using in a SHTF situation, that's what he would be eating for dinner (if for some reason I didn't have access to my preps, toilet paper is fine in a pinch).
joelnicity@reddit
I used to buy extra tampons for my wife. She has since decided to move out so I have a bunch of extra tampons haha
Okietokiehomie@reddit
I’m a lady, I’m making sure I get an iud that lasts for atleast ten years. I don’t get periods on iuds but we have bought some pads for multiple purpose use, being able to trade them and can double if an accident happens to help with blood lost. I’ve ordered multiple rounds of plan B just incase of rapes or getting pregnant when there’s no hospital around ( I’ll have an iud ) I’ve ordered medicines for down there bc they are cheap and easy to stock up on and most can be used multiple ways. Like yeast medications and boric acid suppositories. Every month I’m going to continue to buy pads and stock up. Probably will grab some tampons and diva cups for trading. I am prepping as the only female in my family but within reproductive age.
I also have two whole boxes of cloth diapers and inserts and “ wipes “ and female cloth pads From when my kids were younger that could be useful with trading. I can also sew and can make female pads.
Yes I have plan B on hand in case of rape tbh. It has to be used within 48 of contact and best used immediately and doesn’t 100% guarantee anything but I would rather try.
Awesome, I didn’t know about plan C, I just read if they are over 150 they can double the dose but I will see if my pharmacist will sell it to me. I’m 120 so idk if that will cause pushback but I would like to have some on hand incase.
There are websites online that offer the other drugs needed to abort, they ship in a safe way but i would still recommend having someone order it for you in a blue state if you’re in a red state. I’m in a red state.
Update* I have bought 3 boxes of plan C for trading.
Hopes this helps!
UnableFortune@reddit
What's the shelf life for this stuff? I looked up the shelf life for misoprostol and it was 2 years.
Okietokiehomie@reddit
I’m still half asleep but, medications can go past their shelf life. If it was the end of the world then I would give double douses and honestly research what my medical books say. We have a pharmacist in our group so he will come in handy. I would still rather have it than not.
What I do with my woman’s stuff/ medicine is the year it expires I donate it to the woman’s homeless shelter in town and then just restock slowly again.
flanman917@reddit
Tampons are a good item but they do expire. I recommend menstrual cups and a portable bidet (assuming you can get clean water).
No-Ideal-6662@reddit (OP)
Honest question, should one be using their potable water for a bidet? Would rain water or something like that be acceptable? I know for men it probably would be fine but a potential UTI in a SHTF scenario would suck
SunnySummerFarm@reddit
UTIs are actually manageable with herbals, but you have to know your shit & have access/skills ahead of time. Again, and no offense, if it didn’t occur to you to stock tampons you probably aren’t taking advanced herbalism classes for that either though.
Wouldn’t hurt to find a good clinical herbalist or medicine maker though. (Usually they’re not the same, due to the way herbal medicine works regarding laws.)
No-Ideal-6662@reddit (OP)
I’m definitely not lol no offense taken. I know cranberry juice for UTIs, lime and honey for a cough, and chewed up marijuana and tequila spit on and massaged into the body for everything else (at least according to my abuela but I’m skeptical about that last one lol). I’ll definitely buy some books
SunnySummerFarm@reddit
The image of abuela’s just spitting that on grandkids cracks me up.
My mother suffered me through garlic, thyme, honey & cinnamon with like half a lemon. A cure for a cold that I’m convinced fixed a cold half by making you not want to suffer through a second cup. 🥴
No-Ideal-6662@reddit (OP)
Yeah it burns your skin so think your mom and my abuela are on the same wavelength. Hurts so bad you forget your stomach ache haha
Then my abuela would give us “limpias” or cleansing. She rubs a whole egg on you to absorb all the bad energy, then cracks it in salt water to “read” the lines. Idk why but that always makes me feel better. Whether it’s the energy cleaning, Santa Maria, or placebo I do enjoy that part haha
UnableFortune@reddit
Whiskey. My British mother was always convinced whiskey fixed coughs, colds, sore throats etc... Hated it as a kid. Learned not to complain early on unless it was bad enough for me to want to stay home. Might be Stockholm Syndrome because by my teens, I liked whiskey. Probably the same discourage complaints wavelength.
Radiant_Lychee_7477@reddit
April Graham/She is of the Woods shares a LOT of detailed, thorough herbalism and natural health information. For free.
flanman917@reddit
Yes, potable only. I wouldn't want to deal with any issues in a body region where I would be using a bidet lol
UnderwaterParadise@reddit
Absolutely. Two things to add as a woman using menstrual cups on a regular basis:
(1) practice with them now. Your first couple periods using them, it will not be easy. There will be pain and leakage as you figure it out. After you learn it’s SO much easier than pads and tampons, though. I personally wouldn’t want to be dealing with that learning curve if I’m prioritizing other safety and survival stuff. (2) they need to be sanitized between each period. Boiling in a clean pot is the standard method. Make sure you have a way to do this, and then a clean container to put it in for the next period.
Electrical_Concept20@reddit
I don't boil my cup every month, I just wash it with washing liquid. But in unsanitary conditions I would boil it every month
apoletta@reddit
Yup. I was planning on saying the cups. In multiple sizes.
StuffInABowl@reddit
More on feminine hygiene, you might want to get washable cloth pads… in case the tampons run out
dianacakes@reddit
Also, tampons would have to be disposed of somehow.. People don't often think about trash pickup not being a thing any more. I definitely second the cloth pad options AND the plan for how to wash them properly.
Backsight-Foreskin@reddit
r/TwoXPreppers
knitwasabi@reddit
Now I'm hoping people remember why that sub was created. That was not a pretty time in this group.
SexButt@reddit
I don't think I was around then. What happened?
knitwasabi@reddit
I have a bad time judging time, but I think right before Covid maybe, a thread like this popped up. And it was just... not the greatest answers. Some "why would you care to do that?". A good chunk of misogyny. Some lovely people started up /r/TwoXPreppers and it's been a calm place of knowledge and respect. More than a few of us were on the fence about leaving this group at the time, I think the creation of the other helped us stay here too. At least for me.
SexButt@reddit
Thank you for answering my question.
wtfredditacct@reddit
Came to say there's a whole dedicated subreddit. Glad I checked the comments first lol
Aquaisces@reddit
It might be prudent for preppers who menstruate to learn to make the kinds of belts they used before sticky-back pads were invented.
OldStudentChaplain@reddit
If you ask any woman(age 60 plus) who ever used a “sanitary belt” they will tell you the items were neither sanitary nor were they belts. Please learn from my trauma and stop reading.
Once my education (see below if you MUST) was completed, a decision was made to allow the women in my circle to attend to their own needs without the helpful guidance of “mansplaining .“
In other words, if the women among you feel they need Goddess Cups, you will have Goddess Cups. If our preppers need single use products, we will have single use products. If the women in our group need period panties, we will have period panties. If our wise preppers want reusable sanitary products, they will have reusable sanitary products.
If you, my friend are a slow learner, which you must be if you’re still reading here, I will share the horror with you. Imagine a 1cm elastic that is basically designed as a g string. This elastic g string is designed to be worn at all times. The disposable napkins are attached to very small metal or hard plastic pieces that not only will keep the sanitary napkin (that are neither sanitary nor useable as table napkins) tightly in place against the labia. The very small hard plastic or metal pieces are frequently tightly wedged against the anus, making unpleasant bacteria 🦠 transfers, UTIs and worse a monthly occurrence.
However, I am told the the unspeakable heath problems pale in comparison to the inescapable pain that happens when the ”sanitary belt” happened to catch inoffensive pubic hair(s) while the woman is performing mundane tasks such as bending over to tend to a child, stretching to gather an item from storage. I am told that at times, even a sneeze or cough would be enough for the aforementioned “sanitary belt” to immediately cause unimaginable pain that must addressed in the privacy of the bath room/water closet.
Please learn from my experience and mistakes. Always, always s, always let subject matter experts lead in every situation. And get the f out of the way!
The end, Amen
RealTeaToe@reddit
This has always been at the forefront of my mind. I BEGGED and pleaded for my wife to try the menstrual cups to see which ones she liked and which size to get. I stocked enough of them to last her and both of our daughters for about a decade of life apiece (if each one lasts about 6 months like they claim)
sleepybitchface@reddit
What kind of menstrual cup only lasts for 6 months? That does not sound sustainable at all. A silicone menstrual cup should be good for at least 5 years
RealTeaToe@reddit
Is that how long they're good for? I thought something about what I had typed didn't seem right as I did the math. I should've realized that I don't have 60+ menstrual cups.
sleepybitchface@reddit
I have no idea if that goes for all of them, I'm familiar with two different brands and those both should be good for at least 5 years. They're medical grade silicone that can be boiled prior/after each period and washed with water and mild soap after emptying during the period. It would be rather inefficient (cost and material wise) if they only lasted 6 months. Most important to just read the packaging/description and don't buy potential toxic crap from sketchy places like amazon or aliexpress.
Radiant_Lychee_7477@reddit
Maybe add a box of discs. They're sold as disposable but are reusable in practice.
Any-Delay-7188@reddit
my wife has prepping built into her, everytime we're about to go somewhere she has to move all of her bag kit into one of the 40 purses she has.
Woodcutter-7@reddit
Yes good point. We also stock female hygiene products in our storage, including razors and shaving cream for her. Also one thing overlooked I see is contraceptives.
No-Ideal-6662@reddit (OP)
Bugging in would get boring lol lots of time for “bonding” so I probably should head out and have a stash of condoms and things like that.
kneedeepballsack-@reddit
And plan b pill if the condom fails
No-Ideal-6662@reddit (OP)
Yeah for us we don’t use contraceptives like that, just personal convictions. That said for those with no qualms it would be wise!
kneedeepballsack-@reddit
This is what plan b does. It is not abortive. “by preventing or delaying ovulation, which is when an egg is released from the ovaries. This makes it harder for sperm to live long enough to fertilize an egg.”
No-Ideal-6662@reddit (OP)
Wth… I distinctly remember researching this product a few years back to look at contraception options with my wife and it said Plan B stopped implantation. Now everything says it delays ovulation and won’t work after the woman has started ovulation. I can only find one study that says it MAY stop implantation but that’s not the main mechanism. My head hurts
Wobbleshoom@reddit
You wouldn't use Plan B if someone got raped? I would have some around for my daughter.
No-Ideal-6662@reddit (OP)
It’s not something my wife would use as of right now at least though I respect her decision either way. And we don’t even have one kid let alone a daughter so it’s just not something on our radar. Over all it just goes against our morals but other ppl have different morals and that’s okay. I don’t think it should be illegal or anything, it’s just not something my wife would ever use nor is it something that agrees with our personal convictions.
Wobbleshoom@reddit
Cool. Just wondering as I try to have things for others, even if we wouldn't need them. If SHTF, then sometimes the moral calculus changes for some people as well.
No-Ideal-6662@reddit (OP)
That is very true. If childbirth is a 50% mortality rate in a SHTF scenario that definitely changes things than the current <1% mortality rate. Something to consider
UnderwaterParadise@reddit
Of course it’s your wife’s prerogative whatever she wants to prioritize with her own body hair… but I could not imagine giving a rat’s behind about shaving in a shtf scenario. If we’re talking months or years, I’ll start trimming with the scissors we already have for other purposes, lol.
Woodcutter-7@reddit
Yeah I get that point. Our home supply is for “shelter in place” scenarios, not a never coming home kinda scenario. We’ve set up our meager home preparedness supply to allow us to live somewhat normally in an otherwise abnormal scenario.
Electrical_Concept20@reddit
If my armpit hair gets too long it gets uncomfortable. I shave it like once a month or so. But I guess I could just trim with scissors lol
NotALawyerButt@reddit
Shaving my armpits would help me feel “normal.” That psychological feeling is worth prioritizing even if the hair itself is inconsequential.
BackRowRumour@reddit
You got me thinking, and I did cover off the hygeine angle, I probably should go over the food and make sure there's more stuff she likes.
Jammer521@reddit
My wife isn't the camping prepper type, she's really girly, she lets me buy what I want and do my preps and doesn't complain, I buy stuff particularly for her but don't bother telling her, she isn't interested so I just do my thing and buy preps for both of us
misslatina510@reddit
As a woman and prepper, I hope my man is like you!
midtier_gardener@reddit
You don't need to just hope, make it a priority in your relationship! Take an active role. Make it known how important prepping is for you, and you can't force him to prioritise prepping like you do, but don't accept him stopping you, belittling you or saying you are paranoid for having common sense prepping items like stocked pantry, extra water and batteries.
I made damn sure of this before I got married that he doesn't need to always prep like me, but he can never stop me from prepping for Tuesday. It is a dealbreaker.
misslatina510@reddit
Amen!
No_Design5860@reddit
For the men with no clue were to start. OB brand tampons are cheap, packaged minimally so they store in small spaces, and widely available. As for sizes better to have a super when you don't need it than not have one when you do. This set up is far from ideal but in an emergency will beat going without!
uglypottery@reddit
They actually got kinda hard to find for awhile.
I hate tampon applicators generally and only use OB tampons in the regular or light versions. There was about a year and a half-ish ~2021-2022 where I couldn’t find anything but the “super” in stores, and even those were hit or miss. Ordering a box online was like $20 😑
m_m_m_m_m_toasty@reddit
I bought 2 menstrual cups for my old lady. She does not prefer them but they can be reused and last years, and are much more storage friendly compared to stocking boxes upon boxes of tampons.
Certified_Goth_Wife@reddit
If she’s not a fan of cups please stock her at least a weeks worth of period underwear (at least 14pairs depending on how often she changes them). Cups can be incredibly uncomfortable for some women especially if they’re the wrong size or shape. I would be pissed if my husband bought something he knew was uncomfortable for my vagina because it saved space. Period panties will take up no more space than regular underwear and they may save you from a rolling pin.
m_m_m_m_m_toasty@reddit
Agreed.
Just to clarify, I'm not shopping for her or telling her what she has to do, she doesn't prep at all so I grabbed them "just in case" and threw them in the box with extra medical / hygiene supplies.
Radiant_Lychee_7477@reddit
Add a box of "disposable" discs. They work for many people who find the cups uncomfortable.
Certified_Goth_Wife@reddit
I second this but they make reusable discs as well and you can actually sanitize them
No-Ideal-6662@reddit (OP)
That’s a good idea. Something like this? I guess I’d probably want to ask my wife which one she prefers but does the brand or material matter?
Ok-Ease-2312@reddit
This is a good post OP. There is a website called Put A Cup In It that has a quiz she can take to get some recommendations. Different bodies and stages of life can benefit from different size cups. Reusable pads can be handy too.
MagnoliaProse@reddit
To piggyback off that, once a woman has birth she may not find the same method or shape comfortable! It’s not uncommon a woman may prefer a different shape cup afterwards or switch to another option from tampons, etc.
Cool-Village-8208@reddit
Yes, practically all of them these days are silicone instead of natural rubber, but subtle differences in size, shape, and firmness softness can make a big difference in leakage and comfort.
I find that I prefer discs rather than cups, and this set has worked well for me and is quite inexpensive so it might be a good starting point if your wife is interested in trying reusable menstrual products. https://a.co/d/iLJYykT
m_m_m_m_m_toasty@reddit
Yeah thats one style. And definitely ask her what she would want since she would be the one who would have to wear it.
I figure if we are at the point where we are breaking into our stash of rice and beans then store bought tampons won't be readily available.
Somthin_Clever@reddit
Feminine hygiene and hygiene products overall can make a person feel so much better in hard times. Moral is important to consider.
gramma-space-marine@reddit
Azo Standard to help the pain of a UTI. I also have oral fluconazole for yeast infections (very common when taking antibiotics). A bidet or peri bottles are crucial for women.
Certified_Goth_Wife@reddit
Contraceptives, plan B, period underwear/ reusable menstrual cups or disks (figure out what’s the most comfortable/ effective before shtf), medication for yeast infections/ UTIs.
DobbiesSocks@reddit
Highly agree on the meds! I had a hellavu time just getting antibiotics prescribed towards the end of covid for a horrible UTI because everyone wanted antibiotics at the time so doctors were super hesitant about prescriptions... if antibiotics are out I will yell about D-mannose off the rooftops for UTIs. Great stuff. It is a natural type of sugar monomer (safe for diabetes it isn't absorbed by the body). Its not just essential oils treatment, studies show it binds to the UTI bacteria and makes the bladder able to excrete the nasties. Its also affordable. I stock up on the stuff. Haven't needed antibiotics for a uti specifically since I started using this. And of course its also better not to play around with antibiotic resistant bacteria especially when you might not have access to immediate healthcare.
midtier_gardener@reddit
Thanks for the rec on D-mannose, I'll be sure to pick it up.
Attheveryend@reddit
submit an empty response to this comment if you are under duress.
roc_mcgrumpy@reddit
Not only should you have some spare female hygiene products, but also give some serious thought as to a way to dispose of them. Depending on the situation, flushing then down the toilet like women do, may suddenly not be an option.... Then what? Also, what about childbirth? Refuge Medical sells a "birthing bucket" and a "post-partum" bucket. Even if you don't want to purchase their products, at least look at what they have in their buckets, and assemble your own "birthing kit" to have on hand. And even if you and/or any females in your family are not likely to get pregnant... what about the neighbors, or somebody passing through? Just further food for thought.
Own_Papaya7501@reddit
Just fyi, you shouldn't flush tampons. They should just be disposed of in the bathroom trash.
roc_mcgrumpy@reddit
Though that Should be the case, that is definitely not the norm. But my point was that in a grid down, or loss of services situation, sanitation will very quickly become one of the most dangerous issues, and most people that prep really aren't aware and haven't made plans. Think about things like that now, while life is still comfortable-ish.
Own_Papaya7501@reddit
...there won't be a need for tampon-specific prep, though?
roc_mcgrumpy@reddit
There absolutely will, which is my point. Plan that out Right Now. Not when it's already a mess.
roc_mcgrumpy@reddit
Example: My family has a bug out location, where we have several 40 acre parcels of formerly logged time acreage. We have a latrine dug at both ends of the property, away from the pond that is at the center, and away from the areas designated for crops. There is a burn pit close to each latrine, that is for sanitation, which is not near where we would be preparing or harvesting any food. We need to have these discussions and make these plans now, Right Now, because whether the grid goes down, the zombie hordes descend on us, or the storm hits hard and locks you in, if you haven't already thought about sanitation, disinfection, etc... then all the food and bullets in the world ain't gonna mean squat. Your family will get sick, and that is a far bigger issue, realistically, then bad guys.
Own_Papaya7501@reddit
Yeah, your entire family will die if you put used tampons in the trash during a week-long power outage. Great point.
Own_Papaya7501@reddit
What tampon-specific disposal needs are you anticipating?
roc_mcgrumpy@reddit
Needs? Or methods? Burn them. It's biohazard, and if you're out in the wilderness somewhere, blood will attract predators. I don't want bears, cougars, and wolves, oh my! to be showing up.
Own_Papaya7501@reddit
I don't even know how to respond to this.
Own-Marionberry-7578@reddit
I'm not even married and I keep condoms and tampons and maxi pads in the prep. Just in case I end up taking care of family or neighbors, but also it seems like great trade items. The maxi pads also double as bandages. I keep women's daily vitamins and prenatal supplements too. There's nothing particular to women's health where they can't be taken by men and they often include extra ingredients that a men's daily vitamin doesn't have.
I also enjoy the look on the cashier's face when I go through the line with bulk amounts of condoms and feminine hygiene products.
buildafirenotanaAC@reddit
Tampons are great for other uses as well. Wound care, filters, temporary plugs, clean cotton applicators when broken apart, etc
toomanyusernames4rl@reddit
Fire starter
Cormamin@reddit
For those stocking pads or cotton products, they can get gross over time even in storage - only plan to have a year or two worth in bulk.
chasonreddit@reddit
Depending on your age.
We are old enough that now I store skin cream for her. Wet wipes are a no brainer.
LearningDan@reddit
And the ladies sang, "Nothing sexier than a man with tampons during the end times...".
4r4nd0mninj4@reddit
I've been reading a few EMP collapse and pandemic books, and the one best thing the main characters have given young women was a handgun and boot knife. The 2nd best thing was hygiene products and clean underwear.
dracapis@reddit
I feel pads would be better - what if you’re in a pickle and you can’t change your tampax in a timely manner? It could get dangerous.
A couple of period panties could be a good idea too. Panties for when you have access to water and possibly soap, pads for the other times.
ConcreteGirl33@reddit
Skimmed thru these comments. This is a very good point and it always bothered me in tv/movies that women just never got their period lol. Prepping for anything kid related seems terrifying to me. I was a few months post partum and tried watching mad max. Just thinking about raising a baby in those conditions sent me on a downward spiral and we had to turn it off. Whew. This sub is so helpful
Ok-Faithlessness4067@reddit
Get reusable period products. There’s plenty on the market, and they are designed to last YEARS. Stock up a little bit just in case. But much cheaper and more affective in the long run. :)
vba7@reddit
Wait, you guys have girlfriends? Or wives even?
Myaseline@reddit
Check out washable period panties as a reusable option that will last until they wear out. My favorite brand is Saalt, they have the best customer service and no toxic materials. There are other brands also they seem expensive until you replaced tampons/pads with them.
Obviously this is taste specific for your wives and daughters but it is a great thing to consider.
FancyFlamingo208@reddit
Yep. Even lady preppers sometimes forget about all that.
Menstrual hygiene products, bonus points for reusable ones. Pain management. Birth control. Prenatal and postnatal vitamins. Even with regular cycles, some become anemic, especially with various things shedding nowadays.
Breast pads. Various sized bras or camisoles, bodies change regardless.
Birth kits (fairly easy for basic l&d; chux pads, clamp, scissors, paper measuring tape, baby hat, baby blanket, sitz bath herbs).
nothankyou928@reddit
I suggest a menstrual cup for this. I have and use one already, and cloth pads.
In a SHTF scenario, no worry of running out, cups and be dumped and rinsed, ready to use. The cloths are a bit more in the way of cleaning, but you can throw them in the washer, or hand wash (with just water if necessary) hang dry (or dryer) and they are ready to use again.
dustandchaos@reddit
Thank you! I no longer use these due to a hysterectomy but as a lady I appreciate you thinking about and preparing the lady things for yours.
Cute-Consequence-184@reddit
Ok, female here.
Menstrual cups are the way to go. Easy to empty and clean. Last at least 10 years. Mine outlasted my hormones.
There are also reusable pads if water isn't an issue. Most reusable pads will last 7 years with regular use. They also work for sneeze pees in older ladies. They have everything from thong daily liners up to "OMG when will this shit stop!" pads. I used to have a business where I made cloth pads on Etsy and they really do hold up to daily use.
And yes they have reusable cloth tampons. Not as popular as cloth pads but they are out there for sale.
MxLiss@reddit
With the recent revelation that tampons are generally contaminated with toxic heavy metals, reusables really are the way to go.
imkinagana@reddit
Agrée with that, my gf always says reusables pads and period panties are the best
mactheprint@reddit
Start one.
Disastrous_Agency669@reddit
I would definitely stock pile a bit of tampons and pads. I'd also have her get comfortable with using a menstrual cup if she would like to. The only thing with a cup is that you need clean water to rinse it out twice a day. I've been a regular cup user for 10 years and like it better than tampons, but I started my cycle the morning after hurricane Laura hit. We didn't have running water so I had to use bottled water. I keep a box of tampons in case we have another storm and don't have enough water but we've been through so many storms that I knew to stock up on filtered water. Another useful thing to have on hand is menstrual underwear or reusable pads. I think it'd be great to have both disposable and reusable items stocked. Stock up on tampons and pads and then have reusable items for when the stock pile runs out.
CompoteVegetable1984@reddit
I asked my wife about this, and her response was a "diva cup." Apparently, it's a silicone cup that is inserted instead of a tampon, and you would remove and clean as needed.
Rimworlds@reddit
I would highly recommend getting packs of 100% cotton wash cloths, the basic kind used in the shower. I just recently made the switch myself to stop one form of waste (tampons, pads) and it’s so much easier this way. Washable, reusable, etc. I know everyone’s flow is different but if you can, I’d recommend having some in your prepping items.
GenerativePotiron@reddit
As a side note, tampons can cause allergic reactions even if you’ve used them your entire life (toxic shock syndrome).
For any long term prep, I recommend making either washable, reusable pads, or menstrual underwear. In a situation with little to no access to health care, not putting something potentially harmful in your body is a good idea!
AllTimeRowdy@reddit
RoseRedHomestead on YouTube did a great video on this if anyone likes longform content. She's a mom and grandma and covered things that elderly, adult and young women might want to stock up on and pack in a bug out bag. One of the things she recommended were "coin tissues" which are tiny coin sized tissues you add water to that expand and would DEFINITELY save my sanity in a scenario where I really needed to pack light while dealing with periods!
Not sure if I can link but it should be easy enough to find, highly recommend her channel in general especially for canning content!
Mysterious-Emotion41@reddit
Love her!
HamRadio_73@reddit
She's a Ph.D, retired university science professor and retired academic officer at a community college. She's knows her stuff and can explain it to anyone.
spleencheesemonkey@reddit
Coincidentally I was just making a prep list and put panty liners on it. And coffee (which only she drinks).
No_Wonder_4997@reddit
Menstrual cups or discs with the sanitizer cup. I personally find discs to be best because they work best with an IUD and you don’t need to remove it to empty it (you can just clench), which would be practical if you’re on the run. But of course, every woman has her preference :)
unuser21@reddit
Don’t forget any meds she might use while on her period, like Maxidol or Midol, and heating pads or hot water bottle.
intjperspective@reddit
Menstrual cups or discs are best. Washable and reusable. There are different sizes for before and after childbirth, but it is usually pretty easy to get a multipack to cover it all. Medical grade silicone is long-lasting, most guaranteeing at least a decade of use.
I think cups are more secure feeling. I have a friend who prefers the discs that sit higher up. Those are harder to remove but are more comfortable to wear. Either of these are a buy once, use almost indefinitely as it's not a quick use consumable the way disposable pads or tampons would be. They should be sanitized in boiling water, but I have soaked them in hydrogen peroxide for cleaning and been happy with the result.
Unlucky-Idea-2968@reddit
I don't think they'll let me forget them.