Alternative Menstrual Solutions - Help!

[JewelsRae]

I'm on pp AF #2 and I finally did what I swore I would NEVER do! I'm wearing mama cloth! (I've been cloth diapering my babes since birth though- 2.5 yrs) I just didn't want to mess with what worked for me- one very particular brand of pads- Super Natural Prima- well, in short there is absolutely nothing natural about them anymore. They have added a VERY strong perfume to their entire line of pads that is so powerful you can smell it fully clothed and walking around- plus it was irritating! So my sis, mom and I all called and complained and said we wouldn't be buying them anymore. They were the ONLY pad I could wear comfortably, I wanted to use tampons since I was a teen but I have a low cervix and find they all just feel so uncomfy and they feel like they are falling out! : So I ordered the DIVA CUP. And I was quite dismayed when I opened it up and saw how BIG it was! I'm gonna give it a try later, but I just know it will not fit (yet I find pushing out 8+ lb babies a breeze! ) Also tried the Instead Cup a couple years ago- what a joke, wouldn't fit! One other thing I tried was small piece of rolled up cotton (a baby sock!) and use it as a tampon- my friend from one of my natural buddies group suggested it. Didn't work, wouldn't fit, and I felt like I couldn't move, bend over, cough etc.

WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME!!?? Am I the only one with these issues!? It's so frustrating, I have enough trouble dealing with AF as it is (endo, but thankfully it's not a problem while breastfeeding so far) and I would love to be one of those women with reliable protection and just forget about it. Instead I am always readjusting the pad, fixing this or that, fearing I would leak, etc.

WTH is it with companies and PERFUMES anyways!!!?? Women and Baby products are soaked in the stuff- we are not dirty or smelly Thank you very much!! SO, onto mama cloth as it is the only thing left to try! I'm just using some of my dd's diaper liners today since I'm just around the house. But I'm going to make some of my own soon for around the house.

Where can I find cheap reliable cloth pads that are nice looking and comfy? I like trim, and waterproof since these will be for out and about- I need to feel assurance!

Also, if you have any other suggestions I'll gladly take them! Is anyone else out there in the same boat!? Sorry this is so long, I just needed to vent!

[acrathbun]

Not sure I'll be much help here, but I just wanted to share my experience.

When I first opened the Diva package it looked enormous to me too. And when I first inserted it, I could feel the "stem" and it really annoyed me.

Then I read that you could trim the stem, I did and it worked much better, was much more comfortable.

I guess it's meant to be large because the vaginal wall muscles hold it in, it doesn't really go around the cervix.

My favorite cloth pads are from Many Moons.

I hope you can figure out something that works well for you.

[Viriditas]

I second the Diva cup looking huge but working great. My first thought was, "I'll never get it in there," but I can't even feel it when it's in. And like the pp said, it's worn low, so your low cervix shouldn't be a problem. Give it a try if you haven't already. You just might like it.

[JewelsRae]

Wow, okay so I decided to give it a try and fiddled for a bit with it, got it in fine, though it does feel a bit quirky and I definately need to trim the stem, maybe I'll try that later, it's only been in an hour and it's so so. I wanna wait for a bit to see if it leaks. It's actually not as bad as I thought.... But it does feel like it is just a bit too low, feels quite weird when I sit down.... I'll update later. But thanks!!!!

[calebsmama03]

I really like my DIVA, but ITA that it seems HUGE! If it's a problem you could try a moon cup instead. It s the same material as the DIva but a different bowl shape that might be more comfy?

FWIW, it took me 3 cycles to feel really comfortable using the Diva. I use Luna pads liners as backup jist in case, but really don't need it. If you have a hard time inserting, try lubing it a little.
Good luck!

[Pattyla]

Hi Jewels!

I use cloth. I got mine at Wild oats. www.gladrags.com is the brand. I also got some organic cotton ones from a wahm in canada whose name is completely forgotten.

I usually use them as back up for my cup (used to use a keeper now have a diva) I had to trim the entire stem off of the diva for it to feel comfy btw. Don't be shy, it has ridges so you will be able to get it out.

I have a very heavy flow and was always nervous about leaking too. I can't remember ever having any bleed through issues with my pads, and they don't have any waterproof layer. So different from paper. Just no way to compare.

I hope you find a solution that works for you.

[EnviroBecca]

TLC Pads are not all that expensive, and they are very well-made. I've only used the panty liners so far (ordered during pregnancy) but they are great, and I'm looking forward to trying the maxis when the time comes.

[pageta]

Inge at www.diaperware.com has a great assortment of many different brands under Moon Care.

[Ellien C]

My favorite pads come from sweetcheeksdiapers.com and have NO wings. They have fleece on the bottom (if that doesn't bother you - not 100% natural) and flannel on top. I've found that the fleece keeps them just right in my panties. I don't even need wings. I've tried 2 other kinds of momma pads (with snaps and wings) and I really like the simple ones from sweetcheeks. Friction really does keep them in place. I must change them EVERY 2 hours - can't go longer. But I bleed for like 7 days - 3 heavy and 4 lights. I love momma pads. Just bought 3 to send to my sister to try it out.
They cost about $5 a piece, less on sale. I started with 3, but now have 9. I think 12 could be an ideal number.

PS. I've ordered a lot from Inge at diaperware, but went to sweetcheeks for the pads.

[NatalieS]

Have you tried the sea sponges? I'm so anxious to try them with my next cycle. I'm going to hit my HFS (now that my pg test is negative, PTL!) and see if they have them and the diva cup or keeper to try out. I've been using cloth pads, half the time DS's diaper doublers! and liking them but would like some other options besides tampons.

[heytootsy]

I agree with the Diaper Ware suggestion. They have a wonderful sampler package. She is wonderful to do business with. I also heard good things about http://www.sweetcheeksdiapers.com/ I haven't tried them, but they are very reasonable.

Sorry, I cannot help you with the Diva Cup. Good luck.

[slkmile]

I've not tried the Diva Cup but have used Instead which irritated me for some reason. MY cheap solution is to use terry cloth rags trifolded and laid in my panties. They are very absorbant (to me....I know every woman's flow is different). Also, look around for some hemp baby wipes and try them out...a friend recommended http://pagekitty.com/cyndiegran/Menstrual.htm she said the winged ones are fabulous. Good luck figuring it all out!

[Pynki]

I bought a Diva Cup for my 1st pp AF.. I'm on my 2nd cycle.. And I really do love it.. I can feel it, but not bothersome, and I can't feel the stem on mine at all..

Insertion takes a bit of practise sometimes.. I didn't have any issues with it though.. Good LUCK!!

Warm Squishy Feelings..

Dyan

[littleteapot]

I use the diva cup
I ADORE it.
I had a three-month-long period when I finally broke down and bought it. I've had problems with tightness before and I felt like I'd NEVER get that in me, but I did. It took me about three days to learn it, and after that I was sold. I used it for the rest of the MONTHS of period I got and loved every minute of it. I didn't feel it at all. If it's correctly inserted you shouldn't feel it, either. I adore it!!!

And the best part is that it really helped me be aware of, and learn to control my muscles better, and helped with a lot of other related issues.

[iris0110]

I am very interested in this post. I am new to Cding and to this mamacloth thing. So I am very ignorant about it all. A friend sent me four mama pads and sea sponge tampons. I tried the tampons and really liked the way they feel, or should I say the way I couldn't feel them. But I did have a hard time removing them. I haven't tried the mama pads yet. I think I would like to get some more but don't know what kind. i was looking at the Harleyz (ds loves her wio diapers) but I am still not sure. Doesn't matter right now as I am spending all of my money trying to get diapers that Ds is actually willing to wear. I would love to hear more suggestions on the mamapads, and also some more info on the Diva cup. How do you use it? And how heavy of a flow can it handle? I bleed for about 7 days, and three of those are seriously heavy (super plus tampon every two hours). I dont know if any of that helps, but I thought I would throw in my 2c's.

[lmonter]

I think I would like to get some more but don't know what kind. i was looking at the Harleyz (ds loves her wio diapers) but I am still not sure.

I've seen more and more wahm's making mama cloth... I mine from Hidden Pearl Creations. But now I'm poor again, and need more mama cloth for me and my sister (she's promised to use whatever I get her). So I bought some preemie prefolds, will buy some windpro fleece and have some currently unused infant prefolds and will make our own pads. Then I just need to work out a deal with a local wahm for the snaps.


How do you use it {Diva Cup}? And how heavy of a flow can it handle? I bleed for about 7 days, and three of those are seriously heavy (super plus tampon every two hours).

You kinda fold it on itself (like in half) and insert it like you would a tampon without an applicator. I used to have to use tampons with an applicator because I thought it was icky... It really isn't a problem. I'm washable.

I think the Diva Cup could handle a heavy flow. I think some gals have even reported that their previously super-heavy flow started lightening up a little (lack of chemicals maybe? ). The Diva Cup can hold 1 ounce (well, to me it seems more like 3/4 ounce at a time before I start leaking a little). Typical periods are 3-4 ounces. I really love that I don't get dried out with the Diva Cup like I did using tampons - makes for a much happier me.

[Blackbird]

You MUST try the Diva or the Keeper and keep the baby socks on your little babe instead of taking on a supporting role as menstrual wear.

We are Diva wearers. You WILL be assimilated! Resistance is futile.

[oohlalabags]

ok this is new to me ... i've never heard of a DIVA .. where can i get them? how cost effective is it? ... i just had an iud inserted .. will that be a problem?

[slkmile]

We are Diva wearers. You WILL be assimilated! Resistance is futile.

:LOL

[homemademomma]

i second the sea sponge. . . .. i LOVE it! but since you have a shallow vagina, a diva cup might work better, but they are disposable, which isnt such a great thing.