How much backup for my new LadyCup?

[milkmamamerina]

I've never had a menstrual cup before. I haven't even used reusables of any sort, but I've developed an allergy to disposable pads and tampons are now totally uncomfortable, soo...

I've got a sewing maching, but pad patterns and material options are overwhelming, plus I don't even know how many pads or what absorbancy I might need with the cup as primary and the inevitable learning curve.

I've looked at a bunch of links, but there is so much info I don't know what is best.

Also, I would love to use materials we have around the house or can purchase at Joanne's. I don't want to have to order and pay shipping.

Suggestions?

[Zoesmama]

The cups take some time to adjust to but its wonderful once you do. There is one or maybe two days on some cycles where I have some leaking. They are my heavy days. I currently have been using the thin overnight pads as backup but for same reason as you I'm wanting to switch.

Curious to see what you get in replies to patterns. I don't have a sewing machine but want one really bad.

[milkmamamerina]

Oh, my flow varies widely if that matters. At my heaviest I need to change a super tampon on the hour but some periods are more like longterm spotting (the variety is probably due to my PCOS)