Period Kit: Original Instagram Post

A couple years ago I shared this post on instagram. While my period kit has since evolved (I’ve now discovered the period disc and other useful items), I thought I would publish the information from the original post here:

While I’m on a ‘sharing spree’ since being back in service I thought I’d share some of my kit.

It can be a bit tricky to find the information for “dealing with periods during field work” if you’re not sure where to look. If you look for camping or backpacking with your period, you’ll usually find the most relevant info, most of it in blogs. It’s a topic some people are quite embarrassed to talk about but it’s a really important one to be confident and comfortable with going into the field.

Over the years I’ve been constantly working to create the right “period kit” to bring along on shoots- an easy grab and go bag that’s got anything I need to stay healthy and have it all covered. It’s evolved and continuously evolves (even last shoot I’ve improved it) but I thought I’d share:

• 2-3 cups (an extra in case I drop one in an unfortunate place)

• Cup wash

• Wet wipes (specifically sensitive ones)

• Tampons and pads

• 3 pairs period underwear

• Yeast infection medication

• UTI medication (consult with your doctor)

• Ural satchels

• Cranberry tablets

• Pain medication for cramps

• Hot water bottle for cramps

• Field bidet or water bladder for cleaning and washing

• Soap for washing your hands before and after (especially with cups)

• Some spare sandwich bags (or even a roll of dog bags)

• Kula cloth

• Field trowel

• Field med book (tiny travel one in my med kit)

If anyone who deals with periods has any questions about dealing with them in the field, please feel free to comment on here or if you’re more comfortable, just DM. I am obviously not a doctor, this is just what works for me. Talk to your doctor about any medical issues related to pain, UTIs etc. Everyone is different and different products work for different people. I’ve learned from my own mistakes (and a bloody lot of them at that 🤷🏼‍♀️😂).

I’m adding some notes in the comments

Some notes:

• This kit is a bit excessive however I’ve found that it’s been really useful for not just me but others on location as well (be the over prepared 👸🏼)

• I’ve switched almost completely to the cup but I think it’s important to bring extra supplies for anyone else in need. You never know what’s going to happen (especially with no access to stores for months). I’ve had it where I tried to take my BC through and instead had it for a month.

• Most med kits I’ve seen on location lack medication for yeast infections and UTIs (which are painful and can be very dangerous leading to kidney infections and infection in your blood stream). UTIs can happen to anyone, people with uteruses are more susceptible to them due to the anatomy.

• Almost everything is in waterproof bags, which then the green sack will also go into a waterproof bag. I’m all about waterproofing, I’ve spent too much time in the rain.

• A lot of things a break down into smaller bottles or bags but also keep ingredients and instructions with them

• I’m going to trial the pee funnels (will report back).