Something funny happens once you start cloth diapering…you begin to look at other items that you throw away and wonder if you can find a reusable option. Like baby wipes. Or paper towels. Or cloth napkins.
Or *gasp* menstrual pads.
Yep. I know it’s kind of weird. It took me a while to get used to the idea too.
So. Let’s talk mama cloth. Cloth menstrual pads. They are seriously awesome.
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At some point along the way of my crunchy mommy journey I started to hear about mama cloth. It kept coming up in the mommy groups I belong to and in conversation with other moms so I got curious and I began to look a little further. They are super popular for postpartum (in lieu of those humongous diapers pads you probably used) but I didn’t learn about them until after I was past that point. But by the time my first postpartum period arrived when Hudson was almost 10 months old I knew I wanted to give them a try.
I LOVE them!
They are so, SO soft and much more comfortable than the disposable ones. The wings snap around your underwear so no sticky papers that get folded up under themselves or stick to your skin. And they are super easy, much easier than I expected.
Here’s the run down:
Why might you want to use mama cloth?
Like with cloth diapers, getting a stash of mama cloth is expensive up front but will likely save you money on your feminine products since they are reusable. I have not run the numbers on that though so feel free to do some number crunching on your own and report back. For me it wasn’t the money savings this time (although that is a nice perk), it was for comfort. Conventional menstrual pads are so uncomfortable. I think I’m sensitive to the chemicals in those products and I just feel really yucky and almost diaper rash-y when I use them.
Minimizing waste and being environmentally friendly might be another big reason why you’d choose mama cloth.
I have not yet experienced this myself (I think it’s too soon to tell) or looked for any scientific evidence but I have heard many people say that after switching to mama cloth their periods became much lighter and their cramping decreased significantly. I’m probably not explaining this correctly but the theory I’ve heard about this is that the chemicals in disposable pads and tampons pull the blood from your body (since absorbing liquid is what it is designed to do) and that actually makes your period worse. Letting the body bleed at it’s own pace (by not using those chemicals) results in an easier period.
Like I said, that’s just what I’ve heard. But it’s worth a try!
What about the gross factor?
Just about every time I used regular pads I would end up with some blood on my panties that I had to rinse and stain treat, so honestly I wasn’t concerned about that…I figured if I’m already dealing with blood it wouldn’t really matter. And so far I’ve had no issues with it. It’s much less gross than dealing with baby poop!
How do I wash them?
I include them with my diapers. I run the diapers through a rinse cycle first on their own, and then add the mama cloth in for the wash cycle. If you don’t have cloth diapers then you could just add them to a regular load of laundry that you will be washing with hot water. Your mama cloth will come with more specific instructions, I’m sure, but it’s really not difficult at all.
What all do I need?
A stash of mama cloth, of course. Plus a few wet bags.
Because it had been over a year and a half since I’d had a period (pregnancy and then breastfeeding) I really couldn’t remember how heavy my cycles were plus I wasn’t sure if that would change after having a baby. Since I wasn’t totally sure what all I needed I got out some of my old disposable pads and panty liners, measured them and bought pads that were about that size.
What I started with:
– one 11 inch overnight pad
– two 10 inch heavy pads
– four 9 inch day pads
– two 7.5 inch pantyliners
This was a good amount to try but was definitely not enough for what I would consider a full stash. I was having to wash every day or day and a half and while it’s only for a week that is still a lot to keep up with. I’d much prefer to be able to make it about two days so I’ll continue adding to my stash in the future.
There are different fabrics and materials. I chose some that have a minky top with a fleece back. The minky is incredibly soft and the best part is that it does not stain. I know! So great! In fact all the pictures that go along with this post are of my mama cloth that has been used several times – no blood stains! One of the other options is raw silk; I haven’t tried it but it’s supposed to be wonderful for anyone who deals with yeast infections because it is anti-fungal.
backs of some of my mama cloth – all are fleece; the brown has pilled just a little but is still totally functional of course
You’ll also need a wetbag to use to store your used mama cloth in until you wash them. My favorite wetbags are the small size of these Bummis bags. The small one is the perfect size and has a little loop with a snap that you could hang over a door handle or even on a hook on the side of the toilet.
What about on the go?
I use a Planetwise travel wet/dry bag for on the go. I put a pad or two in the “dry” side (the dry side is for clean items) and then I’m out I put the dirty one in the “wet” side of the wet bag. It’s no more difficult then with a disposable pad and actually it’s easier because you don’t have to hunt down a trash can.
a 9 inch day pad laid flat fits perfectly in the dry pocket
two 9 inch day pads rolled up can also fit in the dry pocket
So what do you think? Are you intrigued? Totally disgusted? Planning to try one or two? Ready to make the switch completely?
P.S. If you are more of a tampon user then you might want to look into a reusable menstrual cup like the Diva Cup. I have not tried these and to be honest, while mama cloth doesn’t gross me out this kinda does, but I know tons of women who adore theirs so it’s definitely worth a look!
Teehee, I knew you would cave eventually!! ;) I LOVE my mama cloth. I used postpartum with my second and, unlike the first time, my bleeding stopped quickly with no cramping. I think the way I put it to you was that the pads felt like a cloud on my bum!! Also, I have a Lunette cup and I LOVE it. I have never liked using tampons, but the Lunette is absolutely amazing! Plus, you get all day wear from it! It’s fantastic! (Given, I only got to use it 1-2 before I pregnant with #2.) Another side note: I have that same Planet Wise wet bag!! Just the bigger one for cloth diapers. Hubby liked it because he said it reminded him of Mario. ;)
Yay! I’m glad you’ve found the comfort of cloth! When I first heard about cloth pads, in college, I was grossed out because I found disposable pads unbearable and figured that reusing them would be even worse. A few years later I won a free sample and was completely converted.
At this time last year, I was 5 months pregnant and had bronchitis, so I was having bladder leakage every time I coughed. Cloth pads were fabulous for that, too.
I have tried many brands over the years but not Pink Lemonade. My favorites that are still being made are New Moon and Mimi’s Dreams.
Here’s my article on the joys of menstrual cups, which also has details on how I wash my cloth pads–I put them in with my regular laundry.
So I thought menstrual cups were super gross (still a little freaked out, not going to lie) but your article was super helpful and maybe, MAYBE I might be changing my mind just a wee bit. Thanks for sharing the icky stuff that no one likes to talk about :). I may become a convert yet!
Huh. Well, this IS why I love Works for Me Wednesday – I’m always learning new things! I can’t say I’ll be trying these, but I am glad to have learned something today. :) Thanks for linking up to WFMW!
My husband just informed me that he would think I was gross if I used these. I’m still pondering. Less chemicals? Yes please! Having to wash things I am happily accustomed to throwing away? Not so excited about that.
Lol! You should get just one or two and give them a try to see how you like them. I bet you’d love them :). I don’t think the washing is all that bad, but I also was already cloth diapering and that’s much grosser so one more thing was just like “ehh, who cares?”.
I just saw this a year later, but in case anyone is reading after following the link from Caitlin’s new article… Tell your husband it is not any grosser than washing and reusing underwear; cloth pads are simply specialized underwear. Also, does he do the laundry? If not, no problem. If he does: I have had my partner, his mother, and my brother wash my pads at times when I was postpartum or injured, and what I do is put them in a zippered mesh bag before putting them in with the laundry. Actually, I use this bag all the time because it keeps the pads together (being small, they can wander up a pants leg, etc., during washing) but normally I line-dry everything so I take them out of the bag to hang them up. When someone else is doing my laundry, they can toss the bag in the washer and then the dryer and never handle the pads at all, only the bag. Nobody minded!