Cloth Pad & Menstrual Cup Discussion Thread

[DaintreeDream]

I managed to get through the whole MCN thing now I have to work my way through the best cloth pad... you really do learn something new everyday!

I have decided to try the moon cup, now I have to decide on pads, a couple of ladies have listed their fav's but I am still confused as to what will work for me. I have only ever used (regular) tampons until I had Matilda now I seem to have ridiculous heavy periods so I am a bit scared of leaking .

We are also TTC #2 - I would like some pads for after the birth, is there such thing as maternity pads in cloth? I assume that you have to wait until AF returns after birth to use the cup?

Thanks for all your help and info ladies

Deanne.

[NicoleTracy]

Right.... I think I need to get myself some fancy new pads... I want 15 too! It would be a luxury to have more than six! Could be a bit more lazy with washing...

[melbel]

ummmm....I think I must have way too many then...well over 2 dozen and thats just the pads not including the liners.....I have 3 that got washed and havent even had a wear yet! (hopefully not for a few more months either!!)

[~Leasha~]

Convert me! (to cloth pads, i'm not really interested in the cups...)

Actually, convert Shel, I'm converted already, I just need 'approval'! lol (I seem to have a reaction to the sticky glue on regular pads now... horrible allergic reaction/rash every time I wear them now! Yucky yuck yuck! And tampons just don't seem to go in like they used to (very ouchy, dry, and they just don't 'fit' properly).

The main factor for Shel are smells and stains. We soak our cloth nappies, would it be ok to just pop them in there to soak? What about the smell when you're wearing them? For a regular-heavy flow would you need to change them more often than with storebought pads?

Ok so how do they work... do you just buy the pad and its just there all in one or is there other paraphernalia? I see people talking about liners and stuff... so is there a pad and a liner... Anything else I should know?

What's the average price and where is the best place to buy from?

ETA: Oh and what about leaks? A normal (normal...? disposable is probably more appropriate right?) pad has the plastic that stop it leaking into your undies and beyond... what does a cloth pad have?

[Arimeh]

Hmm.. can't believe I am venturing in here.. but... here I am....

Has anyone tried the cloth pads off ebay? Recommend? Don't recommend? totally crap and should stay far far away?

[Kitt3n]

I am thinking if getting the swaddle bees ones.

So, can someone just confirm:

wear em

wrap em up

pop em in a plastic container, soaking in bi carb for one-two days

throw them in the wash........ with a little detergent, on a vigorous cycle....

does that sound right?!

ps - mel, i never though I would go here either, but it just makes sense. When I told DH I was thinking of this he says "ok - I am off to buy some brown strappy sandals and a full length poncho. Might grab some weed too" LOL

[maz]

I took mine to hospital when I had mateauz and jed bought them home and washed them for me ....although I just put them in a bag and when I had a shower I put them in the bottom of the shower with me to rinse off.

I use to soak mine but I couldnt handle the smell when I opened the lid of the container (to answer you question Leasha) so now I dry pail them just like nappies and it works fine for me.

I do have pads that have dark coloured tops on the just in case of staining..but the ones I mkae have minkee ahhh.

I cant wear sposies pads due to irritations..I end up red raw after AF if I do. I jsut wish I would have known about cloth pads longer ago.

I wouldnt pop my pads in with my nappys...ick factor for me..thats blood that comes out of you..you dont want to wash that with somethign that touches your baby's skin

As far as Iknow (and my knowledge is limited sorry) - cloth pads can be a bit like cloth cappies...you can get your AIO's and then you can get your PUL covers with inserts. Ive got both and honestly AIO's are much easier for me...I cant be arsed putting the insert into the cover. Also if you bigger in that region (as I am) you migh tneed to get alonger pad rather then a normal one. I just bought anioce normal one but its a bit short out the front for me. Also watch to see if you was a front flow or a back flow (were exactly AF builds up IFYKWIM) casue that will help with your pad choice. I tend to buy one's that are longer on one side so I can wear that side to the front.

ive never bought AIO's of ebay...but hey its worth a try...just buy one to see if you like it and then go ahead and buy more. Again, its bit like the MCN game....dont buy a heap of the same sort until you try one.

LIners are just a thin pad that is used for light flow or for when you O. (which reminds me I need some) cost wise can be from anything up to $20.

I hope Ive been helpful...you girls have yet again reminded me that I have to make some more

[Astrid]

Sorry this will be quick as the kids are, well, being kids.

I just soak mine in cold water and then chuck in with the rest of the washing, normally a towel wash if I can time it right. Don't use napisan etc as some of the pads have a PUL layer. Anyway as with cloth nappies the seller should give you a little instruction sheet with your purchase.

I mostly have Obsidian star pads with a couple of rainbow pads liners. Obsi has a fantastic site with heaps of info on cloth pads etc.

I do find some of them a bit bulky to wear when out and about, probably still a bit paranoid about having a visible pad line. Have not yet had to deal with changing them when out, as I don't need to spend ages away from home these days, also no AF for me at the moment.

Will come back, bubs needs me.

[maz]

Originally Posted by Astrid

Don't use napisan etc as some of the pads have a PUL layer.

I thought exactly the same as Ive had 2 go hay wire on me and leak. I put up a question about it in another forum place and spoke to obsi who said that washing in nappy san wouldnt matter as you dont do that with cloth nappies due to build up ext. It apparently doesnt effect the PUL..I'll have to find it now

Ive got Obsi pads...they are fantastic and she's so helpful.

[Astrid]

Originally Posted by maz

I thought exactly the same as Ive had 2 go hay wire on me and leak. I put up a question about it in another forum place and spoke to obsi who said that washing in nappy san wouldnt matter as you dont do that with cloth nappies due to build up ext. It apparently doesnt effect the PUL..I'll have to find it now

Ive got Obsi pads...they are fantastic and she's so helpful.

Ok, I wonder where I got it from then. I find I don't need to use napisan on them, but I would find it handy to be able chuck them in with my other soaking.

[beckles]

ok just bought a diva cup, just had my period so it should be here before the next one. oh had to buy some more pads while i was there, hehehe
beckles

[hoobley]

Hi, i'm joining in. I've been using some kind of cup (keeper and now diva) since 2001 or so, so i'm old hat with that, but this week i made myself some cloth pads for the first time ever.

I have a Mirena fitted, so i hardly bleed really. I just used an old brushed-cotton cot-sheet i'd cut into to make a new body for DD's baby-doll (used to be mine and after 26 years his stocking body was falling apart). I sewed 7 pads, some thin (3 thicknesses of fabric) and some thicker (5 and 6 thicknesses). I've used the thin ones for the last day. I am only really spotting (black undies would probably do it, but i sometimes do bleed through to my jeans) so i just wash them in the sink with cold water and soap while i'm in the loo and then stick them on the heater to dry. I would LOVE to sew myself cloth maternity pads for after #2, does anyone have a pattern? The bought ones just STANK when the lochia was on them - i know it was the pads because once or twice i ran out and used 3 washcloths (bought to be mcn liners) folded together and it was nowhere near as offensive... I can still smell it now, that sickly cloying warm smell...YUK.

So who else sews their own? And could anyone share patterns? (if you do share patterns i promise not to sell, but i can't promise not to gift...).

Bx

[maz]

I bought a pattern from the wee wuns and Ive been so lazy....more then happy to share with ya..its the winged one but will double check.

As I said ive been to lazy...i jsut bought 2 winged pads of a lady on ebay...they looked fairly good and you had the choice on inners, hemp, cotton or bamboo with PUL and quilters cotton backs. I also bought some from Bohimian rainbow...gorgeous panda bear one...im starting to get addicted to buying them since I only have one in cloth nappies now

I often wonder if Vy will use cloth pads with me? I hope so but I dont want her being embaressed over the whole thing.

[Kazbah]

Beckles - where did you get the diva cup from ? Aussie based?

There's a cup on ozebaby at the moment, don't recognise the brand but am thinking might try it.

[hoobley]

Want to email me the pattern Maz? I'll PM you my addy...

Bx

[maz]

its the old paper sort babe....i'll photocopy it (I'll do a few of them girls incase someone wants a copy)

so pm me your addy

[beckles]

kaz i bought it off an american company linked to the 'cloth pad shop' in australia.
beckles