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Sunday, May 8, 2011

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Cloth Is For Mommies Too!

Before my son was even born, one of the very first reasons I ever considered cloth diapers was because I know just how uncomfortable the feminine hygiene equivalent to disposable diapers -- maxi pads -- are. As if all the other aspects of "that time of month" weren't enough, I have always dreaded wearing these things.

Imagine my surprise when, months later and finally making the switch to cloth diapers with my son, I discovered "mama cloth."

My thought process went something like this:
1) Ew, gross.
2) Well, actually, this might not be so bad.
3) OK, I am going to have to try this.

I bought six pads and a mini Planet Wise wet/dry bag and was actually looking forward to getting my period.


As for the gross factor, when you are doing dirty diaper laundry anyway, it's nothing to rinse out the pads and throw them in the wet bag, then wash with the diapers. There's no additional grossness at all, really. If anything, I find it a little less gross to wash them than have them piling up in the wastebasket in our bathroom. As for how it went, I can definitely say that cloth is much, much more comfortable and seems just as functional as whatever mystery material makes up disposable pads. Additionally, feminine hygiene products are expensive! So I like that by spending around $30 I have basically enough to get me through the foreseeable future.

A couple of years ago I never would have imagined I'd be here, using cloth diapers and "mama cloth" - something I hadn't even heard of before. But here I am, and it really isn't that big of a deal to me. Though I must admit, my husband was a little weirded out by the idea and because of his reactions, I haven't been bragging about the fact that I've made the switch for my baby and ME to people in our day-to-day life. But, when it all comes down to it, it isn't exactly something that comes up often in polite conversation anyway. I can be more comfortable, and it can be my little secret! It only helps that the cute, little Planet Wise bag is the perfect size to keep things discreet.

By Jessica W.

28 comments:

Monika said...

I remember years ago I had cloth pads, they were Luna pads I believe. I tried so hard to like them, but cleaning them was awful. They honestly looked so gross after a few months. Then I lost one and was so aggravated haha. We do cloth diaper but the cloth pads are so not for me. I wish I could love them!

Sincerely, Sara said...

Mama cloth was the same for me.. After I started cloth diapering my son I started hearing about this thing called "mama cloth" and was immediately turned off by the thought. However as I read more about it and took some time to wrap my brain around it, the pros definitely outweighed the seemingly cons of it. I bought my stash from a friend who makes them and haven't looked back. The cons are NON-EXISTENT. They are more comfortable, easy on the wallet, that yucky smell that happens with disposable pads is NOT there, environmentally friendly, I'm set for A LONG TIME. I would never go back to disposable.. well maybe for vacation if it would come to that, but otherwise I'm a devoted Mama Cloth user and have even made a few for myself (SIMPLE). Also.. DIVA CUPS make for an amazing combo. True story.

Jelli said...

I also love mama cloth. It is more comfortable, and your trash never stinks.

Carisa said...

I've been really considering this for a while! I mean, if I can handle poopy cloth diapers, this really can't be worse. I might go look into it again!

Becca said...

The more I've learned about cloth diapering, the more interested I've become in mama cloth. I've yet to try it, but this post may be just the thing to prompt me to make the change!

Jana said...

I completely agree with you. I wanted to do cloth diapers because I hated feminine pads. I always dried out, got ingrown hairs, and they stank. I convinced my husband to let me buy a stash of cloth pads because I was using panty liners every day while pregnant. I have always been horrified by the quantities of money I spent on plastic pads. I love my cloth pads.

Another Whiner said...

I'm planning on ditching the disposable pads in the near future. I'm a bit nervous, especially since I currently use tampons + pads, and I don't think I can go to just pads, and the washable tampons really scare me. But I have a large supply of OB tampons from when I stocked up during the recent supply issues, and I plan to continue using those until they are gone, so I have a while before I have to worry about a tampon replacement.

Anna said...

I could never stand pads in the first place, so I'm thinking the Diva Cup is the way to go for me!

Hannah said...

What kind of "Momma cloth" do you use??? I'm thinking about making the switch and wanted to get an opinion:):)

Catherine said...

I had a very similar experience. I went from grossed out to curious to convert. They are so much more comfortable than disposables, and I especially notice the difference when I work out. Personally, I use a diva cup and add a pad if I think I may be out and about and not have easy acess to a restroom without toting a toddler with me. I also sometimes go with just a pad to "air out". I have in my stash 3 fuzzibunz liners, 3 happy heiny normal pads, 2 knickernappies stackable pads and I just added 6 HH overnight pads to use postpartum. I would recommend all of those brands, especially HH and knickernappies because they are awesome brands made in the USA.

Nina said...

I started using the Diva Cup almost 2 years ago. I like it a lot! Not just the saving money part, but also the trash not being filled with menstrual messes. Though now that I'm pregnant and researching cloth diapers, I kinda want to try mama cloth as well!

Christine said...

When I came home from the hospital (after having my LO), I was super uncomfortable. I was a tampon-user forced to use pads, and I just couldn't find anything comfortable. That aside, I kept getting horribly swollen and sore (even looking raw), and finally just stopped using them (near the end, anyway... just opting for old undies that wouldn't matter if something leaked!) and the pain went away. I think I will get some cloth for next time around, and I'm looking into the diva cup for the future...

Tricia said...

I love my Diva cup. I switched after my first PP cycle. Once I began cloth diapering and had experienced child birth the Diva cup didn't seem so scary. I can't wait until I can afford to get some mama cloth liners to use with my diva cup. It never leaks, but I like to wear a liner just in case since I don't empty it at all during the work day or when out and about (which is the most awesome thing about the cup I must add!).

Miss-buggy said...

I made a few myself. They are thicker but I love them. They are so much more comfortable. I actually use them in conjunction with the Diva Cup. I won't put that crappy diaper stuff on my kid so why would I want it on my skin? DREADING the post partum stage after this pregnancy because of the lack of mommma cloths that I have but I know it will be temporary. LOVE cloth

AJU5's Mom said...

I bought three pads recently for accidents (thanks to being pregnant and having allergies). I plan on using them when my cycles return as panty liners, but I think I will stick to tampons most of the time. But, I do hate disposable pads/panty liners, so not having to deal with those is nice! (except post partum)

MamaRymes said...

I hated disposable pads, and switched to tampons. When I first learned about cloth pads, I too was grossed out. I revisited and researched as I got more frustrated with cost of disposables. I switched to cloth pads almost three years ago and I will never look back!

Brooke said...

I bought the Keeper back in 2004 and I've been using it ever since! (How's that for a money saver?) I'm intrigued by these Mama Cloths for lighter days - I think they'll be a great compliment to my handy rubber cup.

LuhvNation said...

I use the moon cup (similar to the Diva cup) and I love it! I actually started to notice my menstrual cycle getting shorter..I don't know if that happens to everyone but it made a huuuge difference. It took some time getting used to but I love it.

jessw said...

The ones I have are dark with a pattern on them so stains are non-existent. I think they're called Wasabi or Wasabi Works or something like that. I actually bought them from a local diaper shop.

Jena said...

I agree! I just use mama cloth as a backup for my diva cup, which I also love, but I actually look forward to my period now! It's crazy! Cloth is so much more comfortable.

Kelly said...

I too am a convert to "mama" products. I use the Diva Cup and LOVE it! Love that I don't have to empty it as often as tampons and it doesn't leave me dried out. Also I have to admit that I don't get as crampy before or during my period with the cup vs. tampons. I have some mama cloth for back ups and love them too.

EH said...

I'm looking forward to making the switch once I get AF back -- I have a 3mo old and she hasn't come to call yet. DH requested they be in some color unrelated to red though! XD He does the laundry most often. I think I'm even more excited about getting a small planet wise wet/dry bag for myself.

Natural Momma said...

I don't use pads and if I did, I still think this idea is really gross. I have tried to wrap my mind around it and I can't.

I am ALL for the Diva Cup and I am going to buy one when I get a period again. I used to use a throw away brand from WalMart but the Diva or Moon Cup is what I'll use next.

I love Cloth Diapers... just not there yet for menstrual pads...

seahorse said...

I still can't get use to the idea.

kharking said...

I am quite intrigued by the idea of "mama cloth" but can someone who uses it speak to the issue of slippage? Do the pads stay in place well? I don't mind the diaper laundry so I don't think that I would mind that part but having the pad slide around and leak is really holding me back.

Anonymous said...

I too had never heard of mama cloth until cloth diapering. I was immediately intrigued and began to look at various recommendations. Finally ordered some liners from etsy as back up to the Diva (love it, but there is a "learning curve". Finally, took the plunge for actual pads from domino pads & LOVE them. They are a little pricey, but I don't need too many b/c of using the cup. It really helps in not dreading that time of the month so much.

Lissydoll said...

I've been thinking about using mama cloth... worried about the whole taking it everywhere thing, but if I can do it with diapers I should be able to do it with pads, right?

Tricia said...

I subscribe to this blog.