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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

See all MNHQ comments on this thread

Original poster

You know it's bad when..

82 replies

alfieandmummy · 09/12/2019 12:59

..You can't even afford sanitary products Sad

This is absolutely not a begging post. I've been on Mumsnet long enough to know people become suspicious or MNHQ intervene and the thread gets shut down.

What I'm really asking for is if anybody could point me in the right direction for some help. My period is really heavy, I only have 2 sanitary pads left and I'm worried about leaking.

I don't have family that I can ask for money and I don't get child benefit until next Monday.

Does help even exist for these sorts of problems?

OP posts:
TheSerenDipitY · 09/12/2019 13:13

have you got a womens health type clinic? or maybe a food parcel place they sometimes have them, or use a folded flannel while at home and over night and save the pads for when you need to leave the house

PumpkinP · 09/12/2019 13:15

Just use tissue surely? I’ve had to do that in the past and mine are very heavy.

Bluntness100 · 09/12/2019 13:16

Just use some loo roll. Do you have some access to a food bank?

DonPablo · 09/12/2019 13:16

Amy old towels or t shirts you can cut up to use as pads?

MidsomerMum · 09/12/2019 13:17

Most libraries now offer free sanitary products - if you google your area you should find which ones near you do.

littleduckeggblue · 09/12/2019 13:18

I've seen the red boxes with sanitary products in in church toilets before

HowlsMovingBungalow · 09/12/2019 13:19

There is a charity that helps OP. The Hygiene Bank.

www.thehygienebank.com/locations

Original poster
alfieandmummy · 09/12/2019 13:19

Thanks everyone. I don't know if there's a women's clinic round here.

The flannel idea is good, thank you @TheSerenDipitY.

I would use loo roll but if I use too much I won't be able to replace it until next week so it's got to last me, otherwise I'd just use that

OP posts:
Bluebutterfly90 · 09/12/2019 13:19

Some food banks will provide non food items such as sanitary products. Try contacting one in your area.
I hope they're able to help, no one should have to go without.

Bluerussian · 09/12/2019 13:20

Oh bless you, that is really sad. If you have friends or family from whom you can beg this time, go for it. Otherwise cut up some old cloth/towels and pin into your pants, afterwards throw away (you could put in washing machine I suppose). Interesting about local libraries - that is so good, I didn't know about it.

When you get your next payment, prioritise buying san products.

All the best, wish you lived next to me I'd help, I expect everyone else on this thread feels the same.

BrewCake

Original poster
alfieandmummy · 09/12/2019 13:21

@HowlsMovingBungalow thank you; but none of those are local to me

OP posts:
BrioLover · 09/12/2019 13:23

If your little ones are under 5 then you can contact your HV who should be able to point you in the right direction. Our local children's centre give pads or tampons if needed. So does the food bank.

Also look in every single bag, coat pocket, drawer, under the sofa cushions etc. for any change. I think Tesco pads are still 66p ish from when I was in a similar position.

I really feel for you 💐

Original poster
alfieandmummy · 09/12/2019 13:24

@Bluerussian thank you, I will definitely stock up. I thought I had more than what i do actually have

OP posts:
HowlsMovingBungalow · 09/12/2019 13:24

Oh what a pain! Just shows that women NEED free sanitary goods.
Check with your food bank
I'd use flannels in the meantime - easier to 60/90 wash and dry

Hope you manage to get some pads

ChazsBrilliantAttitude · 09/12/2019 13:28

Sainsbury’s ST are 65p for a packet

Spam88 · 09/12/2019 13:35

Maybe try your GP surgery? I've been offered one after a smear before so they might have some they can give you.

ChazsBrilliantAttitude · 09/12/2019 13:36

These are the cheapest supermarket option I can find. 23p for 10.

www.tesco.com/groceries/en-GB/products/301179201

Fandoozle1 · 09/12/2019 13:40

MIL used to have to make her own in India many years ago. So I agree with posters who suggest using cloth /flannels to make some just to help you get through.
I’m sorry you are in this position though, it’s not fair.

user1483387154 · 09/12/2019 13:42

I've had to use one of my sons nappies before when out of money. is that an option for you?

BalsamicVin · 09/12/2019 13:45

@user1483387154 I was actually going to suggest that, I'm sure I read somewhere once that somebody had used some nappies, just cut them.

I think it might be lidl where I'm sure they're about 30/40p for a pack or in aldi

nespressowoo · 09/12/2019 14:20

I use Morrison's own for 66p - do you have any change in your car or at home?

Wattagoose90 · 09/12/2019 14:25

Have you thought about buying a cup (when you can afford one) they're reusable so you'll never have to panic about buying pads or tampons. I realise this is very little use to you right now, I'm just thinking longer term.