Warning: guys, please skip this post. It may gross you out.
Okay, I am hoping that warned off any male readers. Ladies, I am gonna talk about Luna cloths, also known as Momma Pads. Yeah, I will go THERE and talk about cloth maxi pads.
This one is pretty green, and freaks a lot of mainstream people out. Using cloth maxi pads instead of disposable ones. But, ladies, how do you think your grandmother dealt with her period (or "time of the month")? She used fabric strips, and then washed them.
I've been using cloth pads now for over 6 months, and they work really well. The cloth is much softer than the crunchy plastic, the sticky doesn't stick to ME (most purchased luna pads have wings that snap in the back), and it seems to be better for my health overall.
Most purchased pads are made with flannel, very soft on the tender bits, and cotton padding. The more they are washed, the softer they get. You can purchase (or make!) them in cool fabrics that reflect your own personality, like frogs, or pirates, or hearts and stars. It's kinda fun to pick out a colorful pad to use---one of the rare things that might make you smile and make your period a bit more bearable.
When washing, use cold water. Do not use fabric softener, because fabric softeners have ingredients that repel stains (and you want the fabric to absorb the flow, not repel it!). I wash mine in a small load, not completely separate from the rest of my laundry, but I selectively pick what I wash with them.
I realize that initially thinking of using cloth pads instead of disposables seems gross. But, historically, this is what women have done. Plus, many mom's use cloth on their babies because of sensitive skin or environmental issues. Why not take the same care for yourself?
If you wish to purchase any for yourself, I suggest going to Esty.com to look them up. No, I don't have a shop there, and no, I don't make my own. But I have purchased them there twice and recommend supporting a in-home artisan who is working in small batches. Plus, you can ask for specific styles of fabric that reflect who you are! Many sellers also make "wet bags" for their pads, but I have never needed to use one.
So, there is your alternative green tip for the day. Green for the environment, and a bit kinder for your tender bits. Just think about it.
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I did make some of my own pads, and I liked them much much better than the alternative, but must have been a design flaw - the inner layers bunched up terribly when washed, even when I sewed them down. I am going back to the drawing board though! I am going to try a more basic design with removable inner layers. Great post!
ReplyDeleteThe ones I've used have a seam down the center as well as sewn around all the edges. See, I wonder how well I could make them and not have bunching or other issues! Love the idea of removable layers. That would be great.
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