Reusable Cloth Menstrual Pads

Reusable Cloth Menstrual Pads

I have been using reusables for about a year now.  It only took me a day or two to realize that I will never go back to the nasty disposable ones.  I think that every woman should try it at least once.

Why should I switch?

There are a number of reason to switch.  First comfort.  They are so comfortable, no rashes, blotches, bleeding sensitive skin from the chemicals in disposables.  They are not very thick and super absorbent naturally.   Second; I hate relying on big companies especially for a need that is natural and happens monthly.  It really seems like big businesses  are taking advantage of women when it comes to their cycle.  With reusables you wear, soak, wash, dry, reuse.  Nice? I think so.  For a third reason, no filling up landfills with disposables.  Help the environment, reduce, reuse, re-purpose, recycle. 

What about cost?

Yes, they are initially more expensive, but they last much longer.  The pads that I have are used every cycle, have no staining and no signs of ware.  If cost is of great concern for you, I have found many patterns online that are easy to make.  You can make all in ones, pockets, round, square, the possibilities are endless. 

What type should I get?

I have found this question to be about personal preference.  There are all in one pads (AIO) and pocket pads.  Some types have waterproof liners in them (great for heavy bleeders) and some are customizable for absorption.  I love pocket pads that have the pocket on the top, like lunapads.  I think that they are great because you can just change the top fabric during the day.  The pad itself has built in wings that snap around the gussets of your underwear.  Then you add a liner to the top (it tucks in under rick rack bands) and your set.  During the day you only need to change the top liner but the base pad stays put.  Your always fresh and you only have a small liner to care for.  The majority of pocket pads that I have scene are like Gladrags.  You put the liners inside for absorption.  You change them as you would a normal pad because the top part you cannot customize, but the insides you can.  If its a light day, you can put just one liner inside, or if its bed time you can put 3 liners inside.  The problem with this type of pad is that you cant just use it as is.  You have to decide how many liners to use.  AIO pads are great too.  You just wear and go.  Change the whole thing as needed. 

Care & Performance

It is very easy to care for cloth pads.  Mine don't have any staining on them at all.  All I do is soak them.  I wait until my cycle is over to wash them all at once.  I keep a bucket under the sink, toss them in it, change the water every day, put a big of oxy clean or a natural substitute ( I have bio kleen oxy something).  Then I wash them normally, dry them normally, and then use them again next month.  Many women don't soak them.  I am paranoid about staining, so mine get soaked.  So another option is just wear, wash, dry, repeat.  Its very easy.  In my own experience, cloth pads are just as dependable as disposables.  I have never had one leak (not true with disposables).  I have read many reviews from other women and they love them too.  Look up videos on youtube from women who have used them, they love them!  Also, I have had dry weave stuck to my skin before, it sucked, cloth doesn't do that!

Favorite Brand

I have tried so many brands, but my favorite, buy a mile, is Lunapads.  They are a bit more expensive than other brands but well worth it.  They carry panty liners in 4 sizes including a thong option, and pads in 4 size options.  Also they have Luna panties which are amazing.  They are super comfy, and have a built in lining for light days, and bands to hold top liners for heavier days or nights.  The great thing about Lunapads is that they are completely customizable.  If you are having a heavy day, add more liners, if you worry about leaking on the sides, add a winged liner.  If you are having a light day, or want a backup to a tampon or menstrual cup don't wear a liner.  Because they are cloth, they are extremely breathable, they don't cause sweating like disposables.  The great women at lunapads are extremely helpful.  They have a chat line to ask questions and customer reviews that are very helpful.  Rather than it being just an online store, they encourage conversation and comments.  They want there products to be the best, and they sincerely take pride in what they do and offer (they offer a free pantyliner sample).  Also they are very involved in charity work.  I was amazed when I read about Pads4girls.  I have family from rural parts of Africa and I never gave any thought to this issue.  I am so use to living in a country where every girl gets an education, and the thought of being shamed by my period and not being able to go to school just makes me sad and sick.  You can make donations through there website a few ways, financial or you can download a pattern and sew cloth pads to donate.  You can find the information at http://lunapads.com/pads4girls.html

Resources
http://lunapads.com/
http://www.gladrags.com/
http://www.diaperware.com/mooncare/mooncare.htm
http://www.sckoon.com/
http://partypantspads.com/

Embrace Nonconformity

For people out in cyberspace questioning what my blog is about, its about being a woman, embracing who we are, loving ourselves and our bodies.  My main motivation in creating this blog was to get more information out on the internet about menstrual options for women that are not what people would call “normal”. 

Last night, I was on youtube, and I saw a video from a woman complaining about how “nasty” she thought reusable menstrual products were.  She had never used one, but she wanted to tirade for 5 minutes about how unhygienic it was.  That prompted me to watch more videos about this subject.  I became truly irritated about how close minded some people are and decided to create this blog.

A little about me,

I am 30 years old, no children, married, not overly eco conscious (I should be, I know), I am just a normal blend in person, if you put 100 women in a room trying to figure out who I am, I am confidant you could not pick me out.  I am not crunchy, I am just a modern woman who does not mind tying new things, and being open to new ideas and options.  I also love being non dependent on big companies. 

Furthermore women should not be ashamed of who they are or what there body does.  I have known so many women who hate themselves once a month.  It is not fair that society makes us feel ashamed about something so natural and normal.  Lets face it, if women did not ovulate, or go through a cycle, there would be no reproduction in the world, no cute little babies and future generations to grow up and become the next group of modern adults.  Also its a lot of fun to “try” for a baby!  Who really wants to give that up.