Mama Cloth

Anne - posted on 02/04/2009 ( 21 moms have responded )

24

9

Has anyone tried cloth menstrual pads? I'm on the verge, and am looking for opinions, thoughts, preferences. I used to think it was the worst thought in the world, but after a few years now and a desire to eliminate waste and chemicals, am rethinking. It's also a funny/ touchy/ strange subject to bring up sometimes, even with close friends. Any thoughts are appreciated!

Join Circle of Moms

Sign up for Circle of Moms and be a part of this community! Membership is just one click away.

Join Circle of Moms

21 Comments

View replies by

Anne - posted on 05/19/2009

24

9

I basically have a bunch of different kinds, as I was not sure what would work for me, so I might be able to give you some feedback. I haven't used them yet for a normal period, but did use them for about 6 weeks postpartum.

I have come to prefer the ones without the PUL. They seem more comfortable and breathable to me. Especially the pantyliners. Very soft cotton flannel prints are actually my favorite. Pretty to look at, comfy, hide stains. I really like the materials that New Moon Pads uses - I have found these to be the most comfortable, just as an example. I also have a few that my friend made me which are wonderful - flannel topped with bamboo velour - luxurious! My favorites.

Wings vs. no wings- I prefer the wings. I almost lost the wingless one in the toilet a few times (yuck). BUT the wingless is not bad. I just have limited memory lately and forgot about it :-)

Feel free to ask me anything specific, I would be happy to give my feedback...

Vilate - posted on 05/16/2009

806

57

So I have a few questions if I may add to your post.



I am going to start making and selling some mama cloth pads. How many does a person usually need per peiod? I know it is different for everyone, but an estimate would be great! Also what type do you like? Should I make them all with a waterproof layer like PUL? Or would some ladies like no waterproof layer? All with wings and snaps, if not how do you hold them in place? Any suggestions would be great!

Thanks for taking the time to help me out!

Also Rabaab you could always by them from a WAHM here in the states and have them mailed to you. I am making a set of diapers and wool covers for a lady in New Zealand! I could make you up some and mail them to you. --after I get them up on my etsy shop.

Rabaab - posted on 05/07/2009

291

57

well have not really tried cloth menstrual pads.. Here in switzerland you do not get them,, but i think they would be great..

Elizabeth - posted on 04/22/2009

152

31

Once you go cloth you'll never go back! :D

Emily - posted on 04/16/2009

1,163

13

I can't beleive I forgot! Congratulations on the baby!!!!!

Emily - posted on 04/16/2009

1,163

13

Hmmm. the average woman will use enough disposable menstrual products in her life to fill 17 shopping carts. That hits home sometimes.

Emily - posted on 04/16/2009

1,163

13

Hmmm. the average woman will use enough disposable menstrual products in her life to fill 17 shopping carts. That hits home sometimes.

Anne - posted on 04/07/2009

24

9

I haven't been on in awhile and was pleasantly suprised that so many people have replied! I had my daughter on the 26th :-) In the hospital I used the disposable pads they provide, but since coming home have switched to the cloth and I LOVE THEM! The pantyliners were great for pre-birth (sneezes and such), but I am now excited about all of them. The diva cup will probably be my next step (of course a few months down the line).



So now I'm trying to see how many people out there are receptive to the idea...what a shame that people are so "grossed out" by their own bodies. I find this with cloth diapering, too. Any thoughts on how to explain it to people without immediately turning them off?

Miranda - posted on 03/30/2009

29

32

I've never used cloth pads but have used the diva cup for 2 yrs & love it. I can't reccomend it enough!

Dawn - posted on 03/28/2009

7

11

I've used cloth pads for about 8 years now, love them. You can find some great ones over at Hyena cart, Pink Lemonade and Hillbilly Bunny both make awesome ones. I like velour topped with fleece backing and wings with snaps.

Emily - posted on 03/23/2009

1,163

13

I use Luna Pads and the Keeper (but I really want to switch to teh Diva Cup) and I love them. I started at a friends house and used one of her tampons recently and it almost burned, it was bizarre. So, I took it out and tried a disposable pad. I had the same reaction, but not as bad and on the outside of my body. So, I really notice a big difference in comfort!

Anne - posted on 03/14/2009

24

9

Oh my goodness- I would hardly think that you even SHOULD recognize me from the other group! I am happy that there are so many on the cloth diapering group. At last - something that is becoming "trendy" that is actually a very positive thing! When I cloth diapered my son, I got alot more "ick" and "ewww" comments. Now people just think it must be too time consuming. I am still shy about telling people that I am trying out cloth pads b/c the "ick" comments. 

Vilate - posted on 03/13/2009

806

57

yeah, glad to hear it.  I hope you aren't hurt that I didn't recognize you from our group, it is jsut so huge now, I can't beileve over 10,000+ members.  Imagine all those diapers we aren't throwing away!  Yeah for us!

Anne - posted on 03/12/2009

24

9

Oh - absolutely! My now 3 1/2 yo son was a cloth baby, and the new one will be too. That's actually how I found out about the cloth pads. I joined the other group awhile ago, too - thanks! I have actually invited my sister, who is expecting her 1st, and is planning to use cloth. This time around, though, my stash looks alittle different, as we figured out what works best for us through trial and error with my son. I'm looking forward to cloth diapering my daughter!

Vilate - posted on 03/12/2009

806

57

I hope you plan to use cloth for your new little baby too.  I am the administrator of the Cloth Diapered Munchkins group.  Pleas join us!  i have a web page with tons of info.  http://www.vilatesniftynook.etsy.com     if you get cloth they shoudl too!  :)

Shana - posted on 03/05/2009

5

24

I have some Luna Pads. They are nice looking and mostly comfortable. I like the idea of not buying and wasting all those disposable ones so cloth was a really easy choice for me. I have a very light flow so I'm not sure what my opinion would be if I had a heavy period.

Michele - posted on 02/19/2009

8

1

I have a Diva Cup, and I love it, although I haven't used it much as I'm nursing and haven't had a period in quite a while. I absolutely plan on getting some cloth pads for post-partum use next time, though!



Oh, and congrats on your impending arrival, Anne. :)

Anne - posted on 02/16/2009

24

9

Thanks for the feedback! I have a few now and really like them, but have been using them as panty liners, as I am due in a few weeks w/  baby #2. I will definately try the diva cup after a few months, though. Everyone seems to love them! 

Amanda - posted on 02/10/2009

10

3

I've used cloth pads for years now and I love them! I started out with Glad Rags because a local store carried them and still use them. They are an outer shell that snaps around your underware with inserts (you can add one to three depending on how much absorancy you need). I've also added some one peices that I got post partum but still use on heavy days and overnights because I just love them. They are very comfortable, leak less than paper pads, and are easy to clean. I soak them in a tupperware type bucket with a snap on lid then wash them on cold with a capful of Ecover laundry soap along with whatever other dark colored clothes I have to wash. I've found the soaking step is crucial. You can't take one off and throw it right in the wash. It doesn't come as clean as a soaked pad.

Jennifer - posted on 02/09/2009

26

5

I have some cloth menstrual pads, but have only used them as panty liners, they are much more comfortable than regular pads. The reason I haven't used them much is because I bought a diva cup- a reusable menstrual cup. It's AWESOME! You might look into that. I love mine, much better than tampons. And eco-friendly and saves you money!

Jennifer - posted on 02/09/2009

26

5

I have some cloth menstrual pads, but have only used them as panty liners, they are much more comfortable than regular pads. The reason I haven't used them much is because I bought a diva cup- a reusable menstrual cup. It's AWESOME! You might look into that. I love mine, much better than tampons. And eco-friendly and saves you money!