Ladies Only! Archives - A Girl's Prep Guide

5 Tips for Camping while Breastfeeding

“You’re going camping with a baby, AND you’re breastfeeding? Are you crazy?!”

This has probably been the response from your non-outdoorsy friends and relatives when you’ve told them you’re going camping. Society perhaps has gotten a little cushy, with electricity and all — but moms have been breastfeeding babies outdoors for thousands of years.

Besides, camping is a tranquil escape from the busy-ness of our modern lives. Camping reminds me what’s important, and no electronic gadget can provide the same relief or joy as waking up to the rushing water of a nearby river, or the morning songs of birds high above in the trees.

But, there are a few additional steps necessary if you’re planning on camping and breastfeeding.

1. Stick to the previously established nursing and napping schedule.

Depending on the age of your baby, you’ve likely established a nursing routine that coincide with nap time. As best you can, try to keep this schedule as much as possible whenever you travel, including camping.

2. Keep your baby in layers and, if breastfeeding, bring a nursing poncho.

Layering is one of the major tricks to camping comfortably, and keeping baby snug in layers is vital. For you, as a breastfeeding mother, nursing ponchos are a godsend for those chilly camping nights when you’re not going to want to “bare all”.

3. Store any food, trash (including dirty diapers!) in your car OR hang from a tree limb.

This is a standard rule of thumb for camping: Always, always hang your food 10 feet in the air to prevent bears from snooping — and at a good distance from your tent. (Try a counterbalance method for bear-bag tricks.)

Some camping mothers have reported that they also tie off their baby’s dirty diapers as well. The bottom line: Don’t keep anything that could at all smell like food anywhere near your tent or your baby.

For storing my food while camping, I tie off one waterproof dry bag with paracord and use a general shopping bag for trash. (I’ve also recently discovered there are also bear bag hanging kits!)

4. Mimic sleeping as you do at home.

If you practice cosleeping at home, then the transition to sleeping in a tent will be similar. Depending on the size of your baby, a travel bassinet can keep your baby cozy and protected from the cold, hard ground.

5. Pumping/Storing Breast Milk while Camping

This is an issue that keeps several moms away from camping while they’re breastfeeding. Several opt to “pump and dump”, but if you’d rather store your milk, you’ll need a way to keep it cool.

Two must-have storage options for breastfeeding while camping: An insulated storage bag and ice packs will help keep your milk cool. If you have a baby shower coming up, Medela has an incredible on-the-go breastfeeding kit that includes a backpack, cooler, battery-powered breast pumps, and plenty of bottles and ice packs.

If you would like to prepare for a survival scenario and/or don’t want to deal with a breast pump while camping, learn how to express milk by hand.

Have you gone camping while breastfeeding? Do you have any additional tips?

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Prepper’s Guide to Sex: Birth Control Methods that Won’t Expire

Note: These are options that can help in preventing unwanted pregnancy, but nothing is 100% guaranteed… except abstinence, of course. None of this is meant to substitute for professional medical advice, but all information was obtained through reliable websites.

If the world’s ending, getting it on should be the least of your concerns, right? Or maybe you just want to get it on because you’ve got nothing else to lose?

If SHTF, or the digital era ends due to an EMP, access to a lot of today’s birth control options will be one of the things to fall by the wayside. And, we’re human, inevitably we’ll have the opportunity or desire to have sex. Historically, times of uncertainty or crises usually lead to a rise in intimate moments- reflected in a surge in the number of births 9 months later.

If the world around me is uncertain and unstable, I don’t want to bring another person into it, much less deal with the birthing process without the guarantee of medical attention.

Contemporary Birth Control Methods

The pill, diaphragms, condoms, female condoms, spermicides are the standard forms of birth control, but no amount of hoarding can prevent the inevitable expiration date (with can be months or a few years depending on the environmental conditions). Effectiveness drops off drastically after the expiration date passes. So, it’s probably a good idea to keep a box of condoms around, but if there’s extreme cold or heat – or if it’s the item you have to leave behind when you bug out – it’s good to know natural birth control techniques.

So – what are the natural birth control options to lessen the chances of conception?

Natural Birth Control / Fertility Awareness-Based Methods

Fertility awareness-based methods are great because the only thing it requires is a little bit of common sense. However, they do require a strict attention to detail – you will notice the failure rating for these methods are far higher than the average condom (which is somewhere 5%). If you’re easily tempted and unrelenting when it comes to the world of passion, these methods will likely be a little more difficult to implement.

Calendar Method / Rhythm Method

If you’ve got a reliable cycle, this method could be for you. It also requires a bit of preparation and forethought. Note: If your cycle is shorter than 27 days, Planned Parenthood advises against this method.

The rhythm method is determining which days during your cycle you are the most fertile, and abstaining from unprotected sex during those days. Planned Parenthood provides this method of calculation:

To predict the first fertile day in your current cycle

Find the shortest cycle in your record. (For example, 26 days)

Subtract 18 from the total number of days. (26-18 = 8)

Count that number of days from day one of your current cycle, and mark that day with an X. Include day one when you count.

The day marked X is your first fertile day. (If your period started on the 4th, counting 8 days after means the 11th is your first fertile day)

To predict the last fertile day in your current cycle

Find the longest cycle in your record. (For example, 30 days)

Subtract 11 days from the total number of days. (30 – 11 = 19 days)

Count that number of days from day one of your current cycle, and mark that day with an X. Include day one when you count.

The day marked X is the last fertile day. (If your period started on the 4th, counting 19 days after the 4th is the 22nd)

Perks: Good option if you have a predictable cycle, and if you’ve been keeping track of your cycle for the last 8 months.

Drawbacks: It’s a little confusing to figure out. Plus, stressful situations, and a sudden change in physical activity can alter a woman’s cycle – SHTF certainly falls into these categories. Doctors recommend combining the calendar method along with the temperature method or the mucus method for maximum effectiveness.

Effectiveness: Depends on your source – PP says 9 out of 100 women will become pregnant using the calendar method; the Mayo Clinic says 13-25 out of 100 will.

NOTE: There are specialty beads made for just this purpose to help you keep track – they’re called CycleBeads.

Cervical Mucus Method

This one is more like a biology experiment, as it requires understanding the cervical mucus and being able to recognize changes in color and consistency that reflects your peak times of fertility. The majority of women have a cloudy discharge. On days close to ovulation, that discharge becomes stretchy and clear, resembling raw egg white. This is considered “cervical mucus”. Once the cloudy discharge resumes, ovulation has passed.

Planned Parenthood sums it up by asking yourself two questions:

Did I have cervical mucus today?

Did I have cervical mucus yesterday?

If the answer is No to both questions, it is considered a “Safe” day.

Perks: When used along with the calendar method, you’re reading your own body to gauge your fertility – nothing additional needed.

Drawbacks: Every woman’s cycle is different

Effectiveness: PP is again optimistic, citing that there are only 4-5 pregnancies per 100 women who use the cervical mucus method.

Withdrawal Method (Coitus Interruptus)

Basically, before the man ejaculates, he withdraws – which requires knowledge of timing AND a good amount of self control.

Perks: This is a good method if you have an unpredictable cycle.

Drawbacks: If there’s any preliminary leakage, it could contain sperm. Also, this puts birth control in the hands of your partner, so I’d only recommend this one if it’s your life-long spouse and not a random fling!

Effectiveness: According to the Mayo Clinic, this one has a 22% failure rate, so about 22 out of 100 women will become pregnant.

Summary

I would keep a box of condoms with my gear since they last for quite awhile, but keeping these natural techniques in mind just in case condoms become unavailable, or, they all expire.

Sources: webmd, Planned Parenthood and the Mayo Clinic.

Disclaimer: This is just suggestions based on online research, and every form of birth control has a failure rate, with the exception of abstinence. Please consult a doctor for more information.

Survival Gear Review: Why You Should Add the Diva Cup to Your Bug Out Bag

To my fellow lady preppers and survivalists, have you heard of the Diva Cup?

If you haven’t, I’m telling you… it’s a must-add to your survival kit. Surviving the end of the world is one thing… surviving the end of the world while on your period is something else.

What Is the Diva Cup?

The Diva Cup is a reusable menstrual cup, made of high quality silicone to guarantee the best comfort and fit. Instead of swapping out pads or tampons every few hours, a menstrual cup offers protection for 10-12 hours – and since it sits inside the vaginal canal, collecting your flow rather than absorbing, it also boasts leak-free protection.

Why the Diva Cup is Ideal for Survivalists

Goodbye Tampons- Isn’t it nerve-wracking to think about how many tampons you may need if society collapsed? And surely you don’t want to return to the Biblical days of just sitting on a hole in the ground! Instead of chugging along 40 tampons in your bug-out bag, you can replace it with just one small and reusable Diva Cup.

Size- At about 3 inches long, the Diva Cup comes with a nice little discreet pocket for easy storage. Since it’s made of flexible silicone, it can easily be crammed into your bugout bag.

Cost- A box of tampons is around $5. The Diva Cup is $25-29 on Amazon. After 5-6 months of use, it will have paid for itself.

Using the Diva Cup

Without getting too awkward or personal here, I will admit, it does take some getting used to. You will become more familiar with your body. At first, placement can get a little strange and uncomfortable, and although the Diva Cup comes with a recommendation for easiest insertion, but there are alternative methods available on their website.

Which Diva Cup is For You?

There are two different kinds/sizes of Diva Cups for girls and ladies at different stages in their lives. (You may also want to pick up the DivaWash as well — as you can imagine, these need to be more than just rinsed after each cycle!)

1. Pre-childbirth (View on Amazon)

2. Post-childbirth (View on Amazon)

Using Reusable Pantyliners with the Diva Cup

The Diva Cup will catch the majority of flow, but leaks can happen, especially in the beginning as you’re getting used to using the cup. Reusable pantyliners — or even better, period underwear — can do the trick and provide long-term sustainability.

Note: I was not perked to write this review – I just love this product!

How to Make Dry Shampoo from Everyday Items

Using a handy water usage calculator, the average shower utilizes 2.5 gallons of water per minute. Yikes! And while sponge baths are great for maintaing daily cleanliness without wasting a ton of water, the thought of going more that 2-3 days without washing our hair is appalling….especially for us ladies!

Once you’ve gotten the bare essential survival items down – food, shelter, fire – it’s time to think about cleanliness that won’t sacrifice your drinking water. One of the perks of dry shampoo is that it can be made from household items.

What is Dry Shampoo?

Instead of creating soap suds, dry shampoo (or powdered shampoo) is an alternative to clean your hair without the use of water. It’s a great way to remove the oils (“sebum”) collected at your roots, minimizing that overall “greasy” look. The powder is rubbed into your roots, and then brushed out.

How to Make Dry Shampoo

All you’ll need are a few household ingredients, a bowl to mix it in, and a jar/container to store it (for example – an empty Parmesan cheese container). You can either mix together your ingredients now to put in your survival kit, or just purchase the ingredients for your “bug-in pantry” and add a few dry shampoo recipes to your survival binder.

Dry Shampoo Recipes

Baking soda is one of the main cornerstones for a lot of great dry shampoo recipes (I’m a huge fan of Bob’s Red Mill Organic Baking Soda – there’s over a dozen uses for the stuff, including medicinal).

Baking Soda and Ground Oatmeal: One cup of oatmeal and one cup of baking soda makes for a terrific, quick and easy dry shampoo recipe.

Baking Soda and Flour: A strong combination, as both absorb liquids exceptionally well. Use on your grimiest days.

Baby Powder: It’s the easiest and simplest as it’s just one ingredient. Just sprinkle it on, massage into your scalp and brush it out! Can also double as a deodorant.

Cornstarch: An oldie, but a goodie. Apply to your scalp, and brush away the residue!

Essential Oils (Optional): If you’ve got a little lavender around, add a few drops to your dry shampoo mixture to give it an aroma.

How to Make Dry Shampoo for Dark Hair

The problem with a lot of these recipes is that they’re comprised of white powders, and if they’re not brushed out of dark hair well enough, can leave a “greying” or “dusty” impression. (Just because SHTF doesn’t mean we should completely abandon pride in our appearance as ladies.)

Wheat-Based Flour: Try wheat-based flour in place of regular flour – it’s obviously a few shades darker than blinding white, and won’t be as noticeable in your brunette locks.

Cocoa Powder: Cocoa powder with a little baking soda is a good, dark dry shampoo alternative that won’t leave your roots looking dusty.

Using Dry Shampoo

Once you’ve concocted the ideal mixture, sprinkle the powder onto your roots, massaging gently with your fingertips. Allow to set 2-3 minutes. Then, with a sexy tousle, remove the access powder – or, for a more straightforward approach, remove by brushing. For finer powdered shampoos, cheesecloth may come in handy.

Do you have a recipe for waterless shampoo? Share in the comments below!

5 Tips for Camping On Your Period

It’s time for the camping trip you’ve been planning for weeks. Oh – but now it’s THAT time of the month, too. And no running water? Just the thought of camping on your period sucks! Among your questions may be – Do I bring tampons? What do I do with used tampons if I’m camping? Will I get attacked by a bear on my period? Can I even have fun?!

(Also, if you’re building a basic survival kit, figuring out what you’d do about your period without indoor plumbing or an abundance of tampons is something to think about.)

Tips for Camping on Your Period

1. You Will NOT Get Eaten By a Bear (because of your period).

This is an urban legend, that like sharks, if bears smell/see blood, they will attack. The truth is, bears are far more likely to disrupt your campsite if they smell food (which is why you should ALWAYS hang your food on a tree at least 30 yards from where you’ll be sleeping). Studies have been performed over the years, and according to surveys on the National Park Service website, there have been NO instances or correlation between bear attacks and menstruation.

Despite this, if you’re still concerned about menstrual odors attracting wildlife, consider using a Diva Cup or Softcups, which eliminate odor on your body since your flow will never come into contact with the air. (More on menstrual cups in a bit.)

2. Bring Biodegradable Baby Wipes.

Baby wipes are a must for maintaining cleanliness, and it will be the only source of “freshness” you can experience away from indoor plumbing. Plus, if they’re biodegradable/compostable, you can bury them after use.

3. Use Ziploc bags.

Bring ziploc bags for storing used tampons/pads. I like to double-bag mine PLUS put into a grocery bag so the other folks I’m camping with don’t see the contents of my ziploc bag, because that would be rather gross and embarrassing.

4. Wear dark clothing.

Since squatting in the woods in the dark is asking for trouble even without worrying about your period, there’s always the likelihood you could end up with a bloody mess….on your clothing. Yikes! But, if this happens, it will be less obvious on darker colors, such as black or navy blue.

5. Use an alternative to tampons/pads, such as a menstrual cup: Diva Cup, or Moon Cup. If you’re building a survival kit, you probably won’t want to take up a ton of space in your bugout bag for tampons and pads. Voila – the Diva Cup. It’s a bell-shaped reusable cup that sits inside, catching menstrual flow. It’s cleaner than most other methods of coping with your period. Read our Diva Cup review here.

Additional Advice

If you’re primitive camping, sleeping on the cold, hard ground may add to your discomfort. My back aches already at that time of the month, and it aches even more so after camping. To help alleviate this, a lightweight self-inflating sleeping pad will help you get a good night’s sleep.

image from flickr.