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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:
CheeseSandwitch · 09/12/2019 17:35

Obviously not helpful to you now but when you have money again I'd really recommend reusable pads/a menstrual cup. I've been in your position many times and am disabled so find it impossible to go out some days. Buying reusable pads means that yesterday I came on, with 84p in the bank and no easy way to leave the house but my reusable pads were ready and waiting and I didn't have to panic. It's w huge relief and I've found it so worth having them.

I hope you find a solution soon and I'm always donating pads and tampons to food banks as I know how much I needed them.

ShannonShouts · 09/12/2019 17:38

Use a tea towel or flannel, an old t-shirt, do you have DC young enough to be in nappies, cut one up and use that.

Bringmewineandcake · 09/12/2019 17:39

Do your children have a money box? Not ideal but as a short term measure it's better to borrow the money from there than be so short of money.

Blingismything · 09/12/2019 17:40

Have you checked all bags/handbags washbag etc in case there is an odd one ln there?

Vellichor · 09/12/2019 17:41

As others have said, food banks can often provide this. The branch of Women’s Aid in my city also keep supplies.

Hanab · 09/12/2019 17:43

If you have a drop in centre for woman .. try the , they have plenty for free or at least the one’s in our area

Iamnotagoddess · 09/12/2019 17:43

I work got the LA and we have them in our toilets supplied by Unison and we all top it up, it’s s public building (part of it?).

ForeverFaff · 09/12/2019 17:53

I've been that skint. My actual advice for now is to look for money on the floor. I know it's literally scraping the barrel, but when 'salvation' is just pennies away, it's worth it.

Or, ask someone straight out. Maybe say it's to buy pain killers as you've forgotten your purse, it feels less like begging when it's for pain killers somehow.
Chin up. Xx

msmith501 · 09/12/2019 17:55

Cut up a tea towel

noworlater13 · 09/12/2019 17:59

Tesco own brand are very cheap, or use the toilet in Costa and take some loo roll with you. Needs must and all

Eloisedublin123 · 09/12/2019 17:59

Cut up face cloths xxx

Octopus37 · 09/12/2019 18:03

Are you in the Sutton area, can bring some round if you are

OlaEliza · 09/12/2019 18:03

You can get free serviettes in mcds if you run out of toilet roll before next week.

I second reusable pads for the future, I got a set on eBay with liners, light, med and heavy sizes for £17.99.

DowntonCrabby · 09/12/2019 18:05

Lots of community places now stock free to use san pro in their toilets. GP surgeries/ libraries/community centres.

Can you ask a friend? I’d be devastated to think a friend wouldn’t come to me and just ask. I don’t use disposables but always have a stash for teen DD and any guests.

Whattodoabout · 09/12/2019 18:06

If you have a dig around the house for change (under the sofa etc) any chance you could scrape together a quid? Towels are fairly cheap in supermarkets.

Failing that, food banks can help or I’d be inclined to bag a couple of loo rolls from a public toilet and use that if absolutely desperate.

JJSS123 · 09/12/2019 18:07

My local Tesco have a basket for women to take from. Maybe ring them and ask? I’m sure other places have them. Something like red basket or something. Failing that I can send you a couple of pounds, I’ve been there. Xx

DowntonCrabby · 09/12/2019 18:08

Where are you based OP? I know you’ve said it’s not a begging thread and I’m sure MNHQ will issue their usual advice re money be there will be a MNer nearby who could help out with some san pro to keep you going.

Chocolatemouse84 · 09/12/2019 18:10

Cut up towels or fleece blankets layed could work, with 2 pairs of knickers holding them in place.

But do speak to health visitor, they may be able to tell you where may give free products out, some foodbanks or churches have donated sanitary product schemes.

Watto1 · 09/12/2019 18:10

Any nectar points/Tesco club card points? I remember a few years ago a mumsnetter was in a dire situation food -wise and suddenly remembered a Marks and Spencer’s gift card in her purse that had been there since her birthday months previously so she used it for groceries. Boots Advantage points?

Ihatemyseleffordoingthis · 09/12/2019 18:11

Our library service, the local women's org and church hall playgroup, my workplace all have a basket full in the loos. None would begrudge you taking what you needed. It's what it is for.

Our foodbank also do them. They do little parcels with bubble bath and chocolate. It's a thing. Do ask.

Splenny · 09/12/2019 18:12

Where are you? One of us must be near? I’ll happily buy you some or transfer you over £5.

Lulualla · 09/12/2019 18:14

I use reusable ones which are basically just cotton. So if you've got flannels then just use those but dont wash them on a really hot wash at it can set blood stains into fabric.

Walkthroughthefire · 09/12/2019 18:15

In our area all council places have them in the toilets. So, libraries, community centres, town house etc too combat period poverty

Lulualla · 09/12/2019 18:16

Our council also has baskets of them for free in all council buildings (leisure centres, libraries etc). People really dont take advantage so there are loads and no one would care if someone who needed them just took them.
Check and see if you're council do this.

Helpimfalling · 09/12/2019 18:16

Grab a wad of tissue from your local McDonald's etc or a roll from somewhere they won't miss it

I've had to do it before

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