Tag Archives: menstrual cups

Out With the Old, In With the New

Here we sit on the brink of a new year filled with new opportunities and possibilities.

What does that mean to you period wise?

Here’s a quick list for consideration as you turn your back on the old and face the new.

try something new (product, attitude, activity)
learn something new (about yourself, your flow, your cycles, a product you’re curious about)
be curious (Infinity pads, menstrual cups, 100% organic cotton tampons, cloth pads, free bleeding)
be adventuresome (step outside of your menstrual comfort zone)
share (don’t keep your growth and discoveries to yourself)
prepare (the next generation to be period wise – you may be their only hope of a great start)
create change (first in yourself then in your world)
be period proud

Happy New Year!

So Small Yet So Significant

A few days ago I wrote about a girl who was in an abusive relationship. There was something about her that tugged at my heartstrings.

I hope she tugged at yours, too, as you read my account of her.

Are you able to put yourself in her place and feel a little of what she felt? I can, and I can tell you that none of it is good, healthy, wholesome – and not one bit of it moves her forward into who or what she can become.

A few days ago, I returned to the store and searched for this girl.

I did not find her. Her coworkers either did not know where she was or were not at liberty to tell me. All I know is that she was not at work that day.

Of course, my mind went wild with possibilities and I’ve prayed silent prayers on her behalf….

I want you to place yourself in the shoes of an abused woman. Perhaps you are there already. Perhaps you have been there. Perhaps you have no clue what it’s like.

Here are some questions to help you.

What do you do when you find yourself kicked out of your house with only the clothes on your back and your purse on your shoulder?
What do you do when all heck breaks loose and you must seek shelter…any shelter, anywhere in order to survive and all you have is what you have on you.
What do you do when you’re in an unfamiliar location and need something or someone and don’t know where to turn to find it – or the money to purchase it?
What do you do when you’re broke and have no one to borrow from until your next paycheck?
What do you do when you can’t get what you need unless you allow another to act out on you what he/she wishes or desires – even if it’s abusive?

Many women find themselves in situations like those listed above and must find a way to cope…to live…to carry on…to find a way to make do and a means to provide for their needs….

Now, take these questions and let’s put a spin on them, period wise.

Look back over the questions. What would you do? How would you manage your period (or that of your equally displaced daughter)? How would you cope period wise? Would there be a solution? Is there a way to be period prepared at all times?

Yes! There is.

Reusable menstrual cups are something far too few women are aware of and an answer to every question asked above.

A reusable menstrual cup is a bell shaped device – a silicone cup – that’s inserted into the vagina in anticipation of menstruation, or once it begins – or, it can be slipped into a purse or backpack until it’s needed. It’s reusable – can last YEARS.

Many call it a Lunette – lune, meaning moon, and ette, meaning small. And, “Lunette” is my favorite term for it – a lunette is a crescent – like a crescent moon…or a Cheshire cat smile. It symbolizes something hidden within, a secret smile, a power, a cycle wise and period wise means for being period prepared no matter where, what or when.

Lunette menstrual cup is indeed like the Cheshire cat’s smile – straightforward and long lasting.

its presence can have a direct influence and make a huge difference in the lives of women who need a safe and reliable method for dealing with menstruation in demanding and dangerous environments.
It’s a long lasting, problem solving, irritation resolving, solution providing, smile producing menstrual response for women who deal with uncertainty every day of their lunette.

“…of their lunette?” Yes! Women have lune (moon) cycles and each day of that cycle is a…lunette, of course! {Cycle Day (CD) = Lunette}

Do you know of someone who lives in a situation that is less than desirable, period wise? Would you be willing to provide them with a gift that would last them many years and provide peace and a sense of security, period wise, for many lunes (moons) to come?

Period Wise will be purchasing several Lunettes to give to women at the shelter for abused and battered women here in the city in which Period Wise is based. Will you join me in making a difference where you live – not just in the lune cycle as a whole, but in every lunette as well? Begin with yourself and work outward to women who need to know there is a menstrual solution that can be available wherever they go, whatever their situation, whatever their lune needs are, no matter where they happen to be on any lunette.

There’s something about her – and you may hold the answer.

Be the answer to someone’s menstrual freedom through providing the means for period preparedness.

Be period wise and pay it forward.

#ConfidentCarry – The Reactions of Others

I suppose the biggest concern about #confidentcarry and the reason most girls and women opt for concealed carry of menstrual supplies and other feminine hygiene needs is what others will say or think.

Pressure to conform to the norm is common in all areas of life. People want what they are comfortable with and are quick to speak up when something attempts to move them beyond their comfort zone.

Nonconformity kicks the norm to the curb, ends taboos and creates a new way of doing things, offers a new attitude, and provides new insight.

Why is it such a “no-no” for menstrual / feminine hygiene products to be visible? And, why is it a bad thing if others know we are menstruating? Why hide it? We act like menstruation is shameful. Did you know your attitude and behavior tells others who you are? More importantly it tells them how they should treat you as well as how they should think and feel about things that concern you.

Ending menstrual taboos begins with us – with you and with me.

Reaction to #ConfidentCarry was a concern as I stepped out of my front door and into a world that expects (dare I say demands?) concealed carry and uses embarrassment as a means to control those who don’t conform.

As you read the reactions below, keep in mind that I was out in public with a large overnight pad stuck to the back of my shirt with #confidentcarry written on it. 5 or 6 large tampons were sticking out of my back pocket and I carried a clear plastic bag with brightly colored pads, wipes, a purple reusable menstrual cup and a disposable cup. All were highly visible and often carried with “in your face” attitude – from 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Friday, May 9.)

Reactions to #ConfidentCarry:

From Daughter at various times before I left the house: You’re going to wear that on your shirt? All day? And, I’m going to be with you while you do? Does it have to be so big? I’m glad it’s you and not me. No way would I do something like that. This is crazy. Um…those tampons are going to show, you know. Do you think you got a big enough plastic bag, I mean, how are you going to carry it…in your hand?
From Husband before he left for work: I know this is #ConfidentCarry Day. Does that mean during our date this evening you will, um…#confidentcarry? You will? Oh, boy…that’s going to be embarrassing.
Next door neighbor: quizzical look, frown, then smile and wave as I greet him.
Daughter as we drive to Home Depot: You’re really going to walk into Home Depot with that pad on your back? Oh, this I’ve gotta see.
Daughter upon exiting the car in the Home Depot parking lot: Go ahead Period Wise, I’ve got the camera. Hey, you just had to take the path that lead through the most people, didn’t you.
Customer Service Rep at the return counter when I placed my clear bag containing supplies on the counter: quick glance and nothing more.
Two salesmen approached us with an offer to redo our kitchen. They conversed for about 60 seconds and then I dropped my plastic bag and turned to pick it up. Daughter said their reaction was priceless when they saw what was in my bag, the pad on my back and the tampons in my pocket: Immediate shock – eyes big, mouth open, stuttering, looked at each other and back at me, then at her, then at my products again. When I turned to face them again, it was evident they were flustered and embarrassed – faces red and they weren’t sure what to say. They excused themselves and we parted ways.
Two women talking in Home Depot’s green house – as I passed them I slowed, their conversation stopped abruptly and there was a silent pause for a count of 10 and then conversation resumed as though nothing had interrupted them.
A group of 3 young female teens, displaying ethnic pride through their choice of clothing, paused their conversation and watched me, then whispered quietly amongst themselves.
A white haired man intentionally walked past me, paused and turned to look at me, walked past me again, paused and looked back at me once more. For 5 minutes he wandered around with eyes turned my way, watching. When my eyes caught his, he smiled.
In Subway a woman took a picture of me from the rear.
While waiting in line at Subway a group of 4 young men seated at a table in view of me talked, pointed and snickered.
The man behind me in line at Subway took three steps backward when he saw what was on my back.
Two women followed me into the Subway parking lot and watched me get into the car.
At McDonald’s the only reaction I received was from a middle aged woman who seemed mesmerized by the pad on my back.
Several Walmart customers took notice – all women. No one commented. I received stares and smiles – not so much from the product I carried but from the pad on my back.
The cashier at Walmart saw my #confidentcarry clear bag when I placed it on the counter to count out $ to pay for my purchase. She looked at it long and hard, then at me, smiled and said, “Have a nice day!”
When I dropped by Mom’s house she asked, “What’s that stuck to the back of your shirt?” When I explained she said, “Well, it’s about time!” And, then, she said, “Are those tampons sticking out of your pocket? Let me see one. Wow, these are huge. I didn’t know they came this big!”
At Office Depot a man walked down the same aisle I was on, saw the pad on my back and wheeled around and exited quickly.
At Office Depot a tampon fell from my pocket and a worker said, “You dropped something.” I waited to see if she would pick it up for me and when she didn’t I thanked her, picked it up in such a way that I was sure she knew about #confidentcarry and then turned to look at her – eyes wide open…mouth, too.
At Kroger two people noted my #confidentcarry bag but said nothing and moved on.
At Kroger a girl noticed the sign on my back and asked the woman she was with what I had on my back and what it said.
At Zaxby’s four young women at a table began a #confidentcarry discussion upon seeing my #confidentcarry.

What was your reaction to #ConfidentCarry? What would have been your reaction if you’d seen me?

Concealed Carry

A day ago I posted Concealed Carry or Confident Carry? and suggested the girls at Galesburg High School confident carry until the rule banning purses was rescinded, and ended with a call for a day of confident carry for us all on May 9.

In some instances and settings, concealed carry is not possible and confident carry could generate negative and unwanted attention. So, in light of that, let me say this:

Menstrual cups rock concealed carry as well as confident carry.

Why? How?

Menstrual cups can be carried within even before your period starts. That’s concealed carry as well as confident carry!

What a difference it could have made for the Galesburg High School student, suspended for concealed carry of menstrual supplies, if someone had shared with her the wonders of menstrual cups.

Lunette, SoftCup, Keeper, DivaCup, and others offer a safe, discrete concealed carry option (internal) that other menstrual products can’t. Cups are a great option whether you are new to menstruation or have years, or even decades of experience.

For more information on menstrual cups, click on the links above / contact the companies via email or through social media, visit the Menstrual Cup Support forum, and read Why it’s time to give ’em a try.

Concealed carry shouldn’t put you in suspension at school or prevent you from doing what you love.

#ConfidentCarry #May9

Concealed Carry or Confident Carry?

The recent suspension of a 17 year old girl for carrying a purple clutch containing feminine hygiene supplies caught my attention. It reminded me of the “all clear” rule enacted last year by the NFL. However, this goes a step farther and bans everything that would allow students to conceal anything.

That anything includes feminine hygiene products. Apparently the Principal’s position is that teenage girls should feel confident enough to place their feminine hygiene needs in a clear bag for all the world to see and carry it with them to class throughout the days they are menstruating, or expect to become menstrual.

And, perhaps that’s what these girls should do until this rule is struck down. Perhaps the girls should band together and bring feminine hygiene products in a clear confident carry bag every day whether they are menstruating or not.

I wish all girls and women were so confident in themselves and with menstruation that they were comfortable doing just that. It would go a long way in ending the embarrassment that so often (and unnecessarily) accompanies things period wise.

And, it would also put an end to the idiotic assumption that menstruation requires a doctor’s permission slip because it’s a medical issue.

A medical issue? Um…the last time I checked the definition of “medical” it said the word related to the treatment of illness and/or injury.

Menstruation is NEITHER.

It’s a normal function of the female body. Treating it as anything otherwise is ignorant and sexist. It’s demeaning, degrading, indefensible, and, it smacks of sex-based discrimination.

I call for a day of confident carry on May 9 to raise awareness about the plight of menstruating girls and women everywhere. Let’s end these ridiculous menstrual taboos and stereotypical assumptions about those who menstruate. Let’s put a stop to the assassination of confident menstrual lifestyles by those who assure us they mean well and that it’s for our own good.

Girls at Galesburg High, and in schools across the land, are you willing to band together in support of your right to menstruate confidently, whether privately or publicly, as YOU choose and not as it’s chosen for you? Join me in carrying feminine hygiene products where all can see on May 9.

Period wise women buck the norm. What’s your norm and are you brave enough to step out of it for just one day for confident carry?

Concealed Carry Holster

What do you do when you’re out and about in a skirt and need to keep menstrual products handy, but don’t want to carry a purse?

What about a lace garter that could easily double as a tampon / pad / cup / wipe holster garter?

(Click here for more information.)

Most of us prefer concealed carry when it comes to feminine needs.

Thinking outside the box can open the door to intriguing ideas and provide simple solutions.

Be period wise. Be open to new ideas and solutions outside the ordinary.

Out With the Old

It’s sad to say goodbye to an old friend.

2013 was a constant companion these past 365 days but at midnight tomorrow, 2013 slips away and I’ll see it only in my memories and in the blog posts I wrote.

2013 continued the changes that 2012 brought, but it also stretched and grew me in ways I’d not imagined or planned on: spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally.

In some ways, I grew stronger. Muscles rippled as I threw myself into yard work and gardening. Health improved as I ate better (and less). I became a lean, mean, working machine.

In other ways, I grew weaker. I fretted and stressed over things I had no control over. And, I allowed things to discourage me and keep me from accomplishing my goals.

As I stand with 2013 at my back and 2014 facing me, I look at who I was this past year…who I am at this moment…and who I want to be this time next year.

It’s time to let go of the past and let my next step take me into the future, with each step thereafter leading me closer to the me I want to be.

Do I have it all figured out yet? No. But, I do know this:

I need to hang on to the things that push me forward toward the fulfillment of my dreams and lean all the harder into them.
And, I need to turn loose of all that sidelines me, distracts me, or drives me in a direction other than that which leads to the fruition of my goals.
I must be single-minded in my pursuit of making my dreams a reality.

What about you? It’s time to let go of the past. And, it’s time to embrace the new.

How does this apply to you period wise?

Are there attitudes about your menstrual experience that you need to discard?
Are there fears you need to address?
Are there products you need to dispose of?
Do you need answers to questions, or understanding about your own experience (or that of your daughter)?
Do you hate your cycle?
Are there taboos you want to break?
Do you want more from your menstrual experience than you have but are unsure how to make it happen?
Is there something you’ve always wanted to try…to do…but haven’t?

Let go of the old and embrace the new.

There’s a bright new world out there, period wise.

Let 2013 be the year that launches you into that new world of discovery, better health, peace of mind, menstruation appreciation, self awareness, and cycle embracing fulfillment.

The Hippy Gardener Trashes Sposies, Goes Cup Wild

I received an email from Heather O’Cain, The Hippy Gardener, in which she stated:

I am getting ready to review a number of menstrual cups and would love to get more followers and hope others will spread the word about my project. My blog has many other topics on it, but this project is my main focus at the moment and will continue over the next few months to a year.

Curious as to what brought about this interest in menstrual cups, I asked Heather.

Upon receipt of her reply, I asked for her permission to post it here for you to read. Heather has graciously permitted me to post it in entirety.

Hello Suzan,

What prompted me to start this project is three-fold.

1. I’m honestly disgusted by our modern disposable society. And I guess the natural progression towards kicking trash from coming into our lives to begin with led me to all the trash created just because of my cycle.

2. I don’t believe that life has to be so expensive! It’s gotten out of hand how many things “they” want us to spend our money on.

3. I’m concerned about what we are doing to our bodies. There are too many fake products (food included), that we are putting in and on ourselves, that is slowly killing us.

I purchased a DivaCup years ago and have struggled with it ever since not knowing there were other options out there. This past month we could barely afford to buy my “girlie things” so I pulled the cup out again. This time I really thought about what was going wrong and also started searching online. I found that there are so many brands of cups out there it’s mind-boggling. So I’ve made it a goal to help spread the word. Since I already have a blog I’ve been working on for years ~ I figured why not do some reviews and share what I learn with others. So, yeah I just started sending out emails almost before I thought too much about it.

Thanks for checking out my blog and all the mentions on Twitter. I greatly appreciate your interest in this project and your help talking about it. I think it’s going to be fun and hopefully I win some people over from disposables.

I checked out your Periodwise blog and I love what you have going on there! Part of me can barely believe I’m even bringing up such a subject on my blog. I grew up learning that we just don’t talk about our periods and it was very subtly hinted at that it was something to be ashamed of. I’m 41 years old and I am just now getting to the point where it doesn’t embarrass me for someone to know I’m bleeding. That’s ridiculous in my mind. Girls should not be taught to be ashamed of what their body does. It’s wonderful to find people like you who are reaching out. I’ve been following The Red Tent documentary happenings on Facebook for some time and I’ve seen Be Prepared Period’s website before. I think it’s definitely time for me to be a voice in this movement as well.

Thanks again!!! I’m so glad I met you Suzan!

Heather

If you would like to support Heather in this exciting venture, you can find her on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Pinterest and at Google+.