family cloth question

[sosurreal09]

we just switched to FC!!! yay love it already but do you all use TP or FC when AF rolls around? if you use FC does it come out in the wash well?

[scottishmommy]

I only use fc for pee pee wipes, not af or poop. I don't know how easily blood comes out, but bet if you soak the wipes in some oxygen bleach it would work just great.

[IntuitiveJamie]

I use it for everything but poo. And (TMI) I particularly love it for AF. It's much softer and more comfortable. Also I use only one or two FC wipes instead of half a roll of TP.

Is that enough abbreviations? LOL

[sosurreal09]

haha i know right. well the ones we have have a black microfiber side and a print side. so i use the black side to wipe with so there isnt any staining. I use it for #2 as long as its not diarrhea and DH is terrified of them altogether (not very crunchy haha) so the blood comes out in the wash alright? i was planning on rinsing them in hot water before putting them in the pail

[Magelet]

I have red FC. so yeah, I use it for AF. plus, I'm the only one who uses it. If other folks used it, I'd probably keep some red ones for AF, cause you know, it's one thing to have a basket of cloth scraps but another if they're bloodstained. And my pads get bloodstained, I'm sure they would as well.

(they're just squares of red flannel I cut. It's holding up really well given I didn't finish the edges at all.)

[Essie]

What does AF stand for???

[limabean]

Originally Posted by Essie

What does AF stand for???

Aunt Flow.

[Essie]

Originally Posted by limabean

Aunt Flow.

Oh!!!!!! LOL Thanks

[sosurreal09]

duh how did i not think of havng speical AF ones lol

[Magelet]

they aren't really special ones... I just only had red ones until this afternoon when I cut up some cream fabric as well. now they're special ones, but I'll use them regularly, just reserving some red ones for AF.

[Essie]

So, can I ask...how does the AF not soak through the cloth and into your clothes? I don't get it.

[Ola_]

Originally Posted by Essie

So, can I ask...how does the AF not soak through the cloth and into your clothes? I don't get it.

Do you mean when it comes to cloth pads or family cloth (i.e. cloth TP)? I think on this thread it's the latter that is being discussed. But if you are asking about cloth menstrual pads, they typically have a waterproofing layer at the back that prevents the blood from getting through to your undies.

[Purple*Lotus]

Originally Posted by Ola_

Do you mean when it comes to cloth pads or family cloth (i.e. cloth TP)? I think on this thread it's the latter that is being discussed. But if you are asking about cloth menstrual pads, they typically have a waterproofing layer at the back that prevents the blood from getting through to your undies.

My cloth pads are not waterproof. They are just cloth. I have two inserts usually in mine and the blood does not soak through. Eventually you learn how heavy your flow is and can adjust. I use GladRags.

[Magelet]

with cloth tp (aka fc), your just wiping, so it doesn't have time to soak through. most of my cloth pads aren't waterproofed either (some sort of are). most of them are just absorbant enough and I know when to change them. I love the ones with a wool backing for a little waterresistance though. I also have several with fleece backing for water resistance which is great for heavy days.

[Essie]

Thanks for the answers on the af pads. Now I get it! So I guess that means you really do have to avoid certain things like swimming in a pool?????????? what if you just really need a tampon? do you give in or?

[sosurreal09]

have you tried a diva cup?

[Purple*Lotus]

There are some months where I use disposable because it is easier than rinsing, washing, etc. I tend to get yeast infections those times, though, so I try to only use cloth.

Cloth pads are way more comfortable for me. I think I am allergic to disposables. If I want to swim, then, yes, I would wear a tampon. I keep some tampons and pads on hand. But mostly, I love my cloth.

[Ola_]

Originally Posted by Essie

Thanks for the answers on the af pads. Now I get it! So I guess that means you really do have to avoid certain things like swimming in a pool?????????? what if you just really need a tampon? do you give in or?

I actually am not that big on pads in general so I mostly use a Diva Cup with cloth pads for the light days and backup protection. It's even better than tampons IMO.

And some times disposable products (of whatever kind) are just so much easier in a certain situation. There's no rule that you have to use 100% reusables, but every bit helps.

[Magelet]

I only use disposables if I'm out somewhere and am caught by surprise and don't have a pad on me, or bleed heavier than I expect and run out. I prefer not to though.

Yes, I don't swim on my period. I can't use tampons, and haven't been able to set aside money to try a mooncup yet. I used to swim, using tampons, but I can't use them anymore. cloth pads are no different than sposies in that regard.

[Essie]

Originally Posted by sosurreal09

have you tried a diva cup?

No. I've heard of it. What is it made of? I imagine something like a diaphragm. Is that what it's like?