You know it's bad when..

[alfieandmummy]

..You can't even afford sanitary products

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?

Hello everyone,

We've had a number of reports from people concerned about this thread so, as we usually do in these circs, we're putting our heads round the door with some important reminders.

Right now we can't see any evidence to indicate that the OP isn't above board – if we did, we'd remove the thread straight away. But the truth is that, sadly, we at MNHQ can't know with 100% certainty that any poster is genuine, no matter who they are or how long they have been here. As frustrating as it is, we're not able to vouch for anyone here.

So we always ask users to remember that not everyone on the internet is who they say they are – and remind folk not to give more to another poster, either financially (in cash or gifts) or emotionally (in time or care and support) than they'd be prepared to lose if things went wrong. We strongly advise against parting with any cash or giving away your personal details, and if you receive a PM which makes you uneasy - report it to us and we’ll take a look.

Sorry to hijack your thread briefly there, OP – we really hope you get it all sorted soon. In the meantime, you might find some useful information on our guide for dealing with financial difficulty.

Where are you OP if your near me I have some they are open packs but have quite a few tampons and pads. I made the switch to reusable pads with my birthday money this year as I've been worried about this happening to me. Hope things improve for you soon

Can’t you ask friends to lend you some?

Where are you op? If not local, I will buy you some tomorrow morning and send them 1st class if you PM me your address.

People will give them out for free.

But if you don’t want to ask I have often used old rags/tissue/a sock when I’ve been caught short (unreliable cycle)

I am in east coast Scotland (Tayside area) if I can help at all

Buy cotton wool on top of the pads. A pack cost £1 and lasts a while, I fold it and put ot over the pads.

A pack of sanitary pads in the supermarket is less than a £1. If she could afford £1 I’m sure she wouldn’t be on here

This is what I hate most about mumsnet. Someone posts, clearly in desperate need, and asking for advice. The constant comments of ‘they’re only pennies in x shop’ just dont help. If you have no money AT ALL then 74 pence might as well be 74 pounds - it’s out of your reach.

Quite a few of you have clearly never been in that awful situation where having no money literally means that, opening your purse makes your heart sink when it still only has the few coppers in it had in yesterday.

I’m really glad there are some helpful suggestions too and hope you get sorted quickly OP.

A pack of sanitary pads in the supermarket is less than a £1. If she could afford £1 I’m sure she wouldn’t be on here

Then her best bet is to make some from old material.

All the websites about cloth pads list the best way to clean them. I just soak in cold water and then wash in the machine, but there's no reason why you can't handwash them. In fact, I think some say they are better if you do.

There's nothing wrong or inferior with handmade pads. It's what was used for years before disposables were marketed.

Is there anyone you could ask? I mean I know it's shit having to, but if a neighbour turned up and said "have you got tampons/milk/teabags/baby wipes?" I would happily help

I can also drop some round if I'm close by

Where are you @alfieandmummy? I am sure that someone is nearby and can help. I would be happy to provide some if you're near me.
If you can't afford less than a £ for san pro, what will you live off until next week?

If you’re in the Bristol / south glos area pm me and I’ll gladly get some to you

Hi Op, been there! Roll up or fold a pair of kikckers, thats what i used to do x

Try and invest in some fabric ones going forward - even if you only have 2 then at least you have the minimum needed.

For now if you need them now and can't afford travel or a small outlay, you could find an onlt t shirt or socks are commonly used and put some together.

Maybe though you could do with a general helping hand and get yourself a referral to a food bank for a bit to ease things so you can get things back together

I've got some here I was going to donate anyway so if you're happy to PM your address I'll gladly post them?

I know you're not asking but will be more than happy. They'll not arrive quick enough but there'll be a stash for you for next month?

Years ago women used to use rags (cotton material) ... how on earth they coped I have no idea.

I used old muslins when bleeding very heavily post partum. Surprisingly easy to wash out the blood. But make sure you do a cold wash/rinse first.

@Marmablade

Have you tried a mooncup?

I have some pads I can drop around to you if you're in NP44, OP.

Neighbour, colleague, friend, mum of one of your children’s friends? (obviously delete as applicable).

Going forward have you thought of a reusable cup? Much cheaper in the long run xx

m.facebook.com/thehygienebank/

Contact your local hygiene bank
This is the sort of situation they are there to help with