How I went from "Ewww" to Proud

As a young girl I saw my aunt using cloth diapers, long enough ago I don't even remember what style she used but I can only assume that she used flats and plastic pants. My reaction then to cloth diapers was an emphatic "eww, no way I'm EVER doing that!" (Never mind that I have literally been facefirst in... "mud" and jumped back up laughing to continue chasing the cow I was after! )

So, how did I go from "never ever" to #MakeClothMainstream ? It was a journey that actually started with mommycloth!

In the year before I got married I started seeing more and more information about the chemicals in disposable pads and tampons. I also saw a blog post (don't ask me now which blog) where she talked about having a lighter flow after switching to cloth because her body wasn't being irritated by the chemicals!

Well after getting married I finally made the leap. I grabbed some of Cowboy's cotton work socks out of the mending bag and made myself some mommycloth! LOL hey, I'm too frugal (sounds nicer than cheap) to buy something that I'm not sure I'll use! Come to find out, I love them! I change my pad less often, don't get the rash that I thought just came along with "Aunt Flo" and I don't have that embarrassing trip to the store every month! (You know the one, where you search for a checkout with a woman...and hope she doesn't say something about your purchase! )

Then I found out I was pregnant! By this time Cowboy and I were trying to be fairly "Crunchy" so I was researching natural baby stuff. Besides, if not putting those chemicals on MY bottom made such a difference, it only made sense that it would be better for my baby as well! (Never mind my pocket book, have you seen what diapers go for these days?!?) I saw that there were "real" diapers (read, no safety pins required) out there that you could reuse! My first thought was that I'd make the diapers, but then I saw the patterns and chickened out.... I'm not what you'd call very crafty. So I started haunting the preloved diaper pages, as well as buying all the flats (including receiving blankets), prefolds and floursack towels I could find at garage sales and thrift stores.

When Lil Buckaroo got here a friend gifted us with several covers to be used with flats and prefolds, that was pretty easy, "Hey! I think I can do this!" Unfortunately, what fits a 9 pound newborn perfectly doesn't fit for long! Thankfully I found what looked like an amazing deal on some bumGenius diapers! After researching BG (incidentally that's how I found Kelly's Closet! ) I bought what turned out to be a nice assortment, I now had pockets, and AIOs, snaps and velcro to play with! I was then gifted some new BG pockets! My stash was well on its way and I..... well lets just say my stash isnt finished ! (Addicted? Me?!? Neverrrrr! Besides, if Lil Buckaroo is ever a big brother we'll need more diapers, right? Right! LOL)

Cowgirl Mama is a new mom loving life in the country with her husband and son. You can follow her on her blog at: cowgirlmama14.blogspot.com


Would you like to be a contributor on The Cloth Diaper Whisperer? We're always looking for creative writers who would like to share their cloth diapering tips. To find out more Contact Us

How I went from "Ewww" to Proud

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Menstrual Cups

As many cloth diapering mamas will tell you, cloth diapering is often a gateway to other eco-conscious consumer choices. A mom like me, who felt pretty good just sorting recyclables before, is now curious about reusable lunch bags, unpaper towels, the practicality of a bidet, and, yes, eco-friendly menstrual solutions.

A few years ago, I probably wouldn't have considered a menstrual cup. The questions just seemed too overwhelming. Where would I buy one? How would it work? Is it sanitary? Where would I store it? How do I travel with it?

Over time, however, the menstrual cup has continued to crop up in cloth diapering groups. It seems that, once you try one, you can't help but tell everyone else about it! I would read about how menstrual cups were more comfortable, less wasteful, cost saving, and better experience each month and my curiosity grew.

I took a leap of faith a few months back and decided to try a menstrual cup for myself. My experience? I'll never go back to traditional tampons again. I've become one of those menstrual cup evangelists, telling my sisters to try one, bringing it up with friends, even mentioning them at parties. When I talk with women about the cup, two of the most persistent questions and biggest hurdles are how do I clean a menstrual cup and how do I travel with it? 

How Do I Clean a Menstrual Cup?

First off, before removing or inserting a menstrual cup, always wash your hands. You will need to empty the cup in the toilet, then rinse the cup between uses in warm water, which is easy to do at home. You should also use Lunette Feel Better Liquid or Diva Wash, both specifically formulated for menstrual cup care, or a mild, unscented, water-based soap to clean between uses.

Cleaning a menstrual cup between uses at home is fairly simple, but can a bit more complex away from home. This is where the Lunette Disinfecting Wipes are a life saver. These individually wrapped wipes can clean your cup when there is no comfortable access to clean water.

If you don't have the wipes on hand and are using a public restroom, you can wipe your empty cup down with a wet or dry tissue in a pinch and then clean it more thoroughly at the next available opportunity. If you prefer, you can always wipe down one cup and store it until you can clean it and insert a clean, dry cup you carry in a small, discreet wet bag.

At the end of your cycle, you can give it one last cleaning and boil when needed (follow product care instructions). Between uses, you can store your clean, dry menstrual cup in the drawstring bag that comes with it.

You should also always refer to your product manufacturer's specific cleaning instructions before following any recommendations.

How do I Travel with a Menstrual Cup? 

Traveling with a menstrual cup is as simple as carrying a discreet wet or wet/dry bag with your cup inside. You can even add Lunette Disinfecting Wipes to the inside of your wet/dry bag. Carrying your menstrual cup is no more noticeable than slipping other feminine hygiene products into your purse, gym bag, or diaper bag.

The wet bag will keep your cup clean and dry in between uses and allow you to store it safely until you can clean it thoroughly. If you're used to carrying cloth diapers and wet bags, this will feel natural to you already.

Do you use a menstrual cup? If not, what is holding you back? What questions do you have?

Bio: About Mindy Farmer, The Inquisitive Mom: I'm a gal from the Pacific Northwest, living in the Midwest, mom of 3, writer, optimist, striving to be eco-conscious and hoping to defy stereotypes. Visit me on my blog The Inquisitive Mom and you'll find musings on motherhood and life, mixed with enthusiastic cloth diaper posts, eco-friendly living ideas, as well as reviews and giveaways.


Would you like to be a contributor on The Cloth Diaper Whisperer? We're always looking for creative writers who would like to share their cloth diapering tips. To find out more Contact Us

Menstrual Cups

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Fluff Friday 195 WINNER!

This week's fluff friday winner is: Robin Jones!

She will receive:
1 Lunette Cup
1 Lunette Feel Better Liquid Wash
1 Lunette Wipes (box of 10)

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!! Please, contact us here ASAP so we can get your winnings out to you!!!

Fluff Friday 195 WINNER!

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Fluff Friday 167 WINNER

This week's Fluff Friday winner is Missy Konig!

She will receive:
1 bag Rockin' Green Femme Rock
1 pack(3) Pink Daisy feminine pads

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!! Please, contact us ASAP so we can get your winnings out to you!!!

Fluff Friday 167 WINNER

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Fluff Friday 167

Fluff Friday:
1 bag Rockin' Green Femme Rock
1 pack(3) Pink Daisy feminine pads a Rafflecopter giveaway

Fluff Friday 167

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You re-use those?!

It was a look I will never forget.  My mother's face was overwrought with terror, shame and disgust.  I thought she might threaten to send me straight to my room.  It was the day when I told her about my new purchase of cloth menstrual pads.

Now, my mother is about as eco-conscious as a Dixie Cup manufacturer on a bad hair day.  But I totally thought she would be proud of me for being so thrifty and trying re-usable, cloth pads.  Nope.  When I told her about them, and dared to suggest that she might want to order some cloth pantyliners - she gasped, as if I'd just invited her to engage in illegal and immoral activities. "Oh Amanda," she said, "we used things like that when I was growing up because we had to.  Regular maxi-pads didn't exist!  No, no - I wouldn't ever use them again."  My mom is nearly 70.  She cloth-diapered a couple of my brothers and was glad to switch to disposables with my sister and I.  However, she was really impressed by the modern cloth diapers I had chosen to use with my children.  She just wasn't ready to hear about my new purchase - and she wanted no part of it.

Admittedly, the apple hadn't fallen far from the tree.  Years earlier, an ex-hippie, co-worker of mine was telling me about the good old days she had lived in the sixties - and about another hippie friend of hers who had used cloth diapers and "even used cloth maxi-pads."  At that time, I had never even heard of such a thing.  I also shot down the idea with a sick look on my face.  "That's insane."  I replied.  We both agreed that the concept was just gross.

It wasn't until I got my first, postpartum period - when my firstborn was about 10 months old, that I thought of the concept of cloth menstrual care again.  My tune had changed so much by then - after saving so much money buying cloth diapers, after seeing how comfortable my daughter looked in her fluff, and after knowing that I didn't really want to dump so much trash in a landfill - I was ready to open my mind.  And I'm just so glad that I did.

I bought my first set of cloth pads and I was instantly hooked.  Here are some reasons to give cloth pads a try:

• They are SO soft against my skin.  I truly forget that I'm wearing a pad at all.
• Because of the superior absorbency, cloth pads don't need to be changed as often as paper ones. 
• NO ODOR.  You know that unfresh scent that can sometimes occur when you wear a regular maxi-pad?  Nonexistent with cloth pads.
• Savings - obviously none of us spend all that much on menstrual care - but wouldn't it be nice to never spend another penny on disposable pads or tampons?
• No adverse side effects.  The dry-weave layer of most pads can cause vaginal dryness and irritate hemorrhoids.  (I never thought I would write a blog post that included the word hemorrhoids.)

Kelly's Closet carries the Happy Heiny's Mama Pads - an excellent choice for menstrual care.  But take my advice, and don't tell your mom about them.

By Amanda W.

You re-use those?!

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Cloth: Not Just for Babies!

I had the luxury of 'test driving' the cloth pads that we offer through Kelly's Closet.

The Swaddlebees Mama Pads were by far my favorite. These cloth pads are well constructed; featuring top-stitching and the inside absorbent core sewn to the lining (so it doesn't shift around inside the pad while you're wearing it). The pads have a super soft bamboo velour top lining and fit perfectly for any need. The small size is great for light days, the medium and large size are wonderful for heavy or for overnight protection. I was amazed with the absorbency!

The Swaddlebees Mama Pads come in a wonderful variety of colors and they fold and snap into a small, clean package (with the inside lining concealed) - perfect for discreet carrying/storage on the go. When compared to disposable pads, these cloth pads ultimately provide a wonderful cost savings. They're not only great for the environment but they're far more comfortable making them worth the investment!

Your monthly visit doesn't have to mean complete discomfort; try cloth pads!

-- By Janet
Our DiaperShops.com Accounting/Bookkeeping Genius

Cloth: Not Just for Babies!

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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!

Mama Diva!

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Product Focus: Diva Cup

Are you a Diva? A mother and daughter with the vision and determination to revolutionize feminine hygiene!

The menstrual cup was first developed in the 1930’s. It was made from rubber latex (an allergen for many). Millions were sold in those first years by multiple companies. Because of management issues, the companies closed and menstrual cups were hard to find.

Meet DivaCup creators: Francine and Carinne
Then over 15 years ago, Francine recognized the need for an alternative to unreliable disposable tampons and pads and found a company offering menstrual cups. She and her daughter, Carinne, singlehandedly resurrected the 75 year old menstrual cup concept by reintroducing this product to the world market when it was virtually unknown. They sold this rubber/latex version for 10 years.

In 2003, drawing on their experience and expert knowledge about the menstrual cup category, they developed a modern redesign, made from soft, top-quality silicone, to meet the needs of today’s woman. They launched their own company, Diva International. Their revolutionary concept, The DivaCup, is patent-pending and ISO certified. Today, The DivaCup is the preferred choice.

The DivaCup Team has over 38 years of combined experience in natural feminine hygiene alternatives. Their passion is to provide women an environmentally responsible, convenient and reliable alternative to tampons and pads.

“Not every woman can afford a hybrid car nor easily convert their home to solar power. Yet, by choosing to use a menstrual cup instead of disposable tampons and pads, any woman is able to make an environmentally responsible choice each month. This is no small matter. In the U.S. alone, billions of tampons and pads are dumped into landfills and the environment each year.” Carinne Chambers

“With all the state-of-the-art conveniences Western society has developed, it baffles us why outdated feminine products are still being used. We believe that reusable menstrual cups are the next generation of feminine hygiene because they are the most environmentally responsible choice. They are also the most convenient and reliable option available and are not associated with an increased risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome.” Francine Chambers.

The DivaCup
*Latex-free, plastic-free and BPA-free
*No dyes, colors or additives
*Comfortable, reliable
*Worn for up to 12 hours
*Clean, convenient, easy-to-use

The DivaWash
*Naturally pH balanced
*Gentle: Ideal for sensitive skin
*Concentrated formula: reduces the eco-footprint
*100% plant-based ingredients
*No animal testing or animal ingredients
*No parabens, sulfates or petrochemicals

We Adhere to the Highest Quality Standards in the World!
*FDA, Health Canada, ISO certification

DivaCup is Environmentally Responsible
Women, on average, experience a lifetime menstruation span of 41 years (11-52). From use of disposable feminine hygiene, an estimated 12 billion sanitary pads and 7 billion tampons are dumped into the North American environment each year (1998). More than 170,000 tampon applicators were collected along U.S. coastal areas between 1998 and 1999. Our revolutionary, reusable product is a modern, viable alternative to disposable tampons and pads.

Most tampons and pads contain surfactants, adhesives and additives. In addition, most pads contain polyethylene plastic whose production is a pollutant. Also, dioxin, a known carcinogen, is a by-product of the bleaching process of tampons containing rayon. In landfills, many of these substances can leach into the environment (groundwater, streams and lakes) causing serious pollution and health concerns.

DivaCup is Economical!
Because many women have become accustom to purchasing disposable feminine hygiene products, they consider the expenditure “necessary”. Most women spend $150-200 U.S. a year on disposable tampons and pads. The purchase of The DivaCup results in significant savings. The cost of The DivaCup is equivalent to a moderately-priced blouse or dinner out, yet saves you money!

Calculate your own personal care savings:
1. Estimate your monthly total in disposable feminine hygiene products.
2. Multiply by 12 months.
3. Minus the cost of The DivaCup.
4. This total is what you will save each year by using The DivaCup.
5. Consider donating a small portion of your savings!

Become a Diva today!

Product Focus: Diva Cup

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