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Tuesday, May 12, 2009

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Mama Diva!

Like most pre-teen and teenage girls I thought tampons were so gross. I remember my girlfriends and I would talk about how we would never use tampons because, “that’s just WRONG!”

Thankfully I grew up and became more experienced. Learning about my body, how and why it functions the way it does, helped me understand; regardless of what menstrual method you use, nothing is “wrong.”

I learned about the DivaCup a few years ago shortly after the birth of my first daughter. I was very involved with my local La Leche League group at the time a local sponsor had donated some DivaCup products for our fundraising benefits. I researched it and then, well, SURPRISE, I was pregnant again – only 6 months after giving birth. Since I no longer had a need for the DivaCup I simply forgot about it.

Now, a few years later I rediscovered this phenomenal contraption and I’m not looking back!

It’s truly astonishing how despite modernization and technology – some things that worked “way back when” are still better than what we have now. Cloth diapers are a prime example: someone modernized diapers and made them disposable; yet reusable cloth diapers are far better for our little ones and the environment than their disposable counterparts. Now, I concede – we have lovingly modernized cloth diapers from the days of old – but the point is what worked best for decades still works best now!

The same philosophy applies for the DivaCup. The menstrual cup was used for quite some time, dating as far back as the 1930’s. Yet, we’ve moved on from cloth menstrual pads and these nifty little menstrual cups to disposable pads and tampons which are full of chemicals (not to mention the significant amount of waste they create as well).

I ordered the DivaCup after my last menstrual fiasco last month. And, to be completely fair I did a test run of the DivaCup and some “natural tampons” to see which worked best and to be objective. The DivaCup outperformed the “natural tampons” hands-down (I had leaks with the natural tampons) whereas I had no leaks with the DivaCup. In order to prepare for the leaks that are associated with the adjustment period (no pun intended) while learning how to use the DivaCup I also bought some Swaddlebees Organic Cotton Velour Menstrual Pads from for backup (which are lusciously soft by the way) as well.

Thankfully, however, I was leak free (ok, so I had one itsy bitty leak on day 3 of using it, but that wasn’t because I didn’t quite turn it all the way to form the proper seal – so it was my fault). Since the DivaCup is made from a soft silicone material – these are hypoallergenic, soft and pliable, making them easy to insert and remove. I found this device comfortable from start to finish – and was better able to gauge when my cycle was almost finished so I could switch to cloth panty liners.

For those of you who’ve been on the fence about getting a DivaCup – here’s a something to help ease your mind: While it’s not as “simple” to insert as a tampon- it’s certainly far more comfortable than a tampon. Once you figure out how to get it in right, you won’t have to think twice.

The DivaCup is easily stored in your medicine cabinet or your purse (better yet, buy two and keep one as backup for those truly unexpected visits).

I can’t believe it’s taken me all these years to finally become a Diva! Now, I can say I’m a cloth diapering Mama Diva!

30 comments:

Upstatemamma said...

When my cycle returns I totally want one of these!! I never want to go back to disposable pads or tampons!! :)

Minnie said...

I deff. want to give it a try. Since having my DD, TP's never stay in place very well.

Amanda G.

Hyacynth said...

The Diva cup is awesome! I've told so many of my friends about it because I'm so impressed by its performance and sustainability. In my opinion, it's a must have for any menstrating woman.

Brittany said...

Thanks for sharing your experience becoming a Diva!

Jenny said...

i thought about getting one of these, but i don't really like shoving anything up there i know there's possibility of losing. LOL

Serena Michelle said...

Jenny: LOL - I can assure you there's no possibility of losing this! If you have seen one you would know what I mean!

Andrea said...

I'm nervous now about getting the next size up-- after my period came back earlier than expected (three months after birth even though I'm exclusively breastfeeding, gotta love that...) I used the size one and it hurt like a bear on my episiotomy scar. I so hope that in a few months I heal more, because otherwise this is the best thing ever and I've told so many people to try one.

Michelle - Blessed Mom of 5 said...

Thanks for sharing your experience, looks like a great product!

Suzy said...

I always wonder if it actually works, hearing you story is a nice insite

coconuts said...

Thanks for the info. I really want to try a Diva cup.

Alaina Frederick said...

I use a product similar and I have found that when I tell people about it there is a certain - EWW factor - well um nasty disposable pads in a landfill- serious EWWWWW!!

I live by the whole "Don't knock it till you try it" philosophy.

Sara in Seattle said...

I'm wondering if it's difficult to take out and empty without making a mess. Any mamas with experience care to comment?

dirtydiaperlaundry.com said...

Once my cycle comes back (hopefully never but of course it will) I am getting one. Is it weird that I am excited about it?

Becky said...

The more I hear about this product the more I want to try IT.

Ashley said...

I was different from you, I loved tampons! Now that I've had a baby, I'm afraid of "sticking it up there..." LOL. I'm getting a Diva Cup for sure!

Katrina said...

I'm with Sara in Seattle, I was wondering what it's like to remove and does it make a mess?

Serena Michelle said...

Sara in Seattle: It's not really messy at all - simply remove it while sitting on the commode and immediately empty there before rinsing it- VOILA! In order to rinse it I just have a little TP handy to place the cup on for "transport" -(ok, so my sink is just next to our commode so there's really no "transport" involved - but this ensures there's no potential mess getting it from one place to the next).

Ashely: When I was a young little teeny-bopper I thought tampons were gross - as I grew up I LOVED them (when compared to pads). Now, I would say the DivaCup definitely surpasses all the other options!

Katie said...

Ok, I was totally not interested in this, but now that I have read all of the comments and this post, I think I am going to try one!

Unknown said...

I might just take the plunge once I get my period post-baby!

Montana Mama said...

As soon as I'm all out of disposable products, I'm getting me one of these!

Talina said...

I remember learning about these cups back in high school. Love the idea but can't find my cervix...

Kelly said...

Thanks Serena for the awesome post! I was definitely intrigued by the Diva Cup when I first saw it on Kelly's site and now that there is such a great post about it I think I might have to give it a try when my period comes back. Hopefully that won't be for 6 mo. or so since I am 1 week from #3 arriving.

Sara said...

What do you do when you are out?

Serena Michelle said...

Sara: I've never had the need to empty/clean it while I was not home - I'm home most of the time anyhow. So perhaps there is someone on the list who happens to have more experience with this "on the go."

However, for average cycles you only need to empty it 2 times a day (I'd say 3 times a day if you have a super duper flow). So unless you're out of the home ALL day, then you may potentially get away with not having to empty it while out at all.

Here's what the DivaCup website says: The DivaCup really only needs to be washed well twice a day. If you need to remove it in a public place, just wipe it with tissue and replace. At the next convenient time, simply wash the cup with warm, soapy water. The most important thing to remember is to make sure your hands are clean before you insert or remove the cup.

Anna said...

Thanks for the info...I'd seen the diva cup, but didn't know anything about it.

tracylee said...

I've been using mine for a few years now. I use a panty liner to catch anything leftover between dumping and rinsing it.

Honestly, it's the most fantastic thing for travelling, no need to stock up and pack bulky supplies.

Over the years, I can't imagine how much money I've saved on disposable supplies.

Personally, I never was able to use tampons comfortably, but as an adult who is comfortable with her body, I love my DivaCup, and have been making a point of discussing it with the women in medical offices I've been in lately.

Anonymous said...

This is awesome! I got one when my period came back at 2 months after having DD even though I exclusively breastfed on demand, coslept, etc. Ugh. Well, I have been so happy with this! I can't believe I've never heard of it until recently. I successfully went through an entire period pad or tampon free! I felt so proud! For those who are interested, there are sites out there that will instruct in various folding techniques (for insertion), I am still learning what's best for me, but it's so nice I have options of how to use even this.

Renee said...

I love my Diva Cup. One helpful hint is to rinse it in really hot water before inserting it. It makes it more pliable and much much easier to get it in place properly. Not that it's that difficult to begin with.

Attila & Tamara said...

I have a friend who is using this and LOVES it. Hmmmm..... I am seriously considering it!!!!
This post was one more encouragement to go for it! Thanks!

Jess said...

Thanks for the info.My first reaction when I saw the Diva cup was eww. But after reading more about it, I cant wait to try this.After having kids tampons just dont work the same anymore, and disposable pads are starting to irritate my skin, not fun! Im also switching to cloth pads.