My experience and tips with menstrual cup in the field
There is a lot of info about birdwatching and what could you need if you want to become a birder. You can find options for binoculars, clothing, cameras, boots, etc., but when i started birding I couldn't find anything about menstruation in the field.
Why don't we have the need to know what female birders need during menstruation? It's frustrating when we don't know our options and to think that's still a taboo talking about our periods. That's why I'm gonna share with you some stuff I've learned along this years as menstruating birder.
The first thing i was worried about was higiene in the outdoors, how could I be birding, out in nature without being worried about having blood stains and feeling comfortable and clean? Is not that easy!
I've been using menstrual cup for the last 10 years and it has been a journey getting to know my body during my period, the changes, the flow and pains, of course. When I started birding it was easier to use the cup and predict how my body was feeling, and if i'd need another thing besides my cup, like reusable menstrual pads.
When I go birding during my period I use this two methods, reusable menstrual pads and menstrual cup, specially on the days I know I have a heavy flow. When I know I don't need both things I only use the cup and I don't even remember I'm on my period!
My tips to stay clean and comfortable on the field
What you'll need
Antibacterial gel
Hypoallergenic wet wipes
A bottle of fresh water
Liquid neutral soap
Sanitizing cup (for your menstrual cup)
If you don't have access to go to the bathroom you could use the antibacterial gel and wet wipes to keep your hands clean, if you have to empty your cup you can rinse it with fresh water, it's really important to keep your hands clean if you're going to manage your business!
I strongly recomend to bring your neutral soap to wash your cup (On the list is liquid cause you can transportate it on small travel bottles). While you're making the manouvre of cleaning yourself you can put your cup on the thing you use to carry it (it can be your sanitizing cup).
I believe, as tour leaders, is important to be aware and open minded about this topics that shouldn't be taboo, specially if we want to respectfully communicate with the female birders that go birding with us, and make them know they can have this rush-free, comfortable and trustful spaces.
In this first entry I shared my experience and the things that work for me on the field, remember all bodies are diferent and everyone can have different menstruation experiences. I hope I can write more about this and get to know what do you think about it!
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