Just say "dad, I need a box of micro maxipads”. Ideally, you should specify a brand name, version, and a store name. Fathers realize that any product ending in “pad" that is not preceded by the word "brake” or “sandpaper" is not available at the auto parts store.
You may be embarrassed to let, say, a teacher or the school nurse know you need to buy pads or get them from the office. You can try writing the request down on a slip of paper if you're not comfortable saying it out loud. Write something like, "I had my period and I need a pad. Can I please go to the office?"
You can start the conversation off by saying something like, “Hey dad, I'm having really bad cramps today, can you write a note to excuse me from PE?” or if you're channeling more of that teenager attitude,”Hey dad, I've started my monthly menstruation cycle…so you might see blood on the sheets on the rare occasion ...
Tell her that you're on your period. She would supply you with everything you need so that problem can be taken care of. There is no need to feel embarrassed. It's normal.
Sanitary pads are classified as Day or Night, with Day pads being shorter (ranging from 17cm to 25cm) and Night pads going all the way to 35cm or more. The longer the pad, the more fluids it can absorb.
Your child will probably need to use 3-6 sanitary pads or tampons a day, although it might be fewer on lighter days. In the first couple of days and at night, longer, thicker pads or pads with wings can be good.
Many tweens worry that people will notice that they are wearing a pad. Explain that pads (even super absorbent or long versions) are designed so they aren't visible through clothing. Therefore, nobody needs to know someone is wearing a pad or is having their period unless they decide to tell them.
Officially, flow of more than 80 ml (or 16 soaked sanitary products) per menstrual period is considered menorrhagia . Most women bleeding this heavily will have a low blood count ( anemia ) or evidence of iron deficiency (1).
The most important thing is to be honest about how you both feel. Tell them you're on your period, ask if they're cool (or not) and take it from there. No pressure. No drama.
It doesn't have to be awkward
It is important for dads to be aware of what is going on in their daughters' lives, whether we're talking school, friendships or health—and that includes periods. Don't let the first day of your daughter's period be the first time you ever talk about anything personal with her.
Fathers can and should talk periods
Be a positive part of it. Don't shy away, be supportive. That little girl you held in your arms is becoming a woman, it's scary (for both of you), hold onto each other. Help her grow into the confident woman she will become and you want her to be.
You might feel a little shy about asking, but just say, "I started my period today and I don't have my supplies." If you don't want to talk to a male teacher or counselor, you can just say, "It's a girl thing." He'll get the message and find you a woman who can help.
Some options include: Using toilet paper or paper towels: Paper towels can be more absorbent so they won't have to be changed as often. Fold and stock them (or toilet paper) so it's at least half an inch thick and approximately the length and width of a standard sanitary pad.
When you wear a tampon, you shouldn't be able to feel anything coming out, regardless of how heavy the flow is. When you wear a pad or a liner, you may be able to feel the blood as it exits your body, but this typically only happens when your flow is fairly heavy. Either way, it should be painless!
It's not a good idea to go an entire school day without changing pads, pantiliners, or tampons. No matter how light your flow is, or even if there is no flow, bacteria can build up. Changing your pad every 3 or 4 hours (more if your period is heavy) is good hygiene and helps prevent bad odors.
The simple answer is, it's not hygienic to wear a pad for 12 hours even if you have a light flow. Bacteria can build up in this duration and cause odour or lead to infections. So, how often should you change your pad? After every 3-4 hours is a good time frame.
DO PADS OR TAMPONS EXPIRE? Unlike food products or medicines, tampons and pads aren't perishable – though they do expire, eventually – most often due to being kept in moist environments like bathrooms.
Asking for a pad can seem intimidating but I can guarantee that the girl you are asking understands your situation. You can go up to the person and just ask “Hey, could I talk to you for a moment” and tell her that you have started your periods and if she could lend you a pad or a tampon if she has one.
Typically not, because jeans are made of such thick cotton that any outline beneath them would be obscured by the fabric. Therefore, the fabric of the jeans is thick enough to obscure even the biggest maxi pad.
Food banks, diaper banks, and shelters typically offer free menstrual products. Alliance for Period Supplies is an organization sponsored by U by Kotex. If you or someone you know needs period supplies, text 211 or visit 211.org to find a location near you that offers free tampons and pads.
It is hard to define normalcy of number of pads per day. On total, one to seven normal sized pads or tampons per period are normal.