Cloth Pads - do you use them?

[blessedmommy119]

I'm thinking of converting and am a little scared. What was the switchover like for you? Did the whole cleaning up the "mess" yourself and not just throwing it away take some getting used to? Where did you get them? And, most importantly, what is your wash routine? Do you/can you put them in with cloth diapers? Or are you just supposed to put them in with regular laundry?

[angelachristin]

I've used them for 3 cycles now and I love them. I use lunapads. It took awhile getting used to it, but the weirdest part was getting used to the feeling of bleeding, if that makes sense, because I'm used to using tampons. I soak mine in a small bucket of cold water that I keep in a cabinet above my toilet, changing the water every day, and wash them with DS's diapers (I was diapers every other morning). I did just recently buy a diva cup, as well, because I am going to get back into running and exercising more again and don't want to use pads for those types of activities but all in all, I cloth pads!

[PNWmama]

I started using cloth pads about 6 months ago when I got my first postpartum period. I was nervous at first, but I got used to them right away, and love them now! I got mine through a Joyful Living Naturals co-op that was run on MDC. She's a WAHM and the pads are really soft and high quality. I wash diapers every other day, so I just throw my used pads in the diaper pail and wash them with the diapers. I have washed them with regular clothes before as well, though I rinsed them out first. I highly recommend it! I'll never buy disposable pads or tampons again!

[Jojo F.]

Use them and LOVE them!! I made my own using a tutorial online.

I use both the diva cup and the pads, but not anymore!! I will use my pads for postpartum though so they will come in handy I may make a few more that are a little thicker.

I do keep mine seperate from the dipes and use a dry pail but you can throw them in with the dipes and I have put them with *MY* laundry. First I rinse off in the sink and then place in the small bucket to wash later. I made enough that I don't need to wash until I'm done with AF. They are soooo much more comfortable and I get less cramping.

I just throw them in, do a cold rinse, then wash hot with soap nuts(I LOVE soap nuts!!!!) and dry in the dryer(we live right next to a business and I don't really want to line dry them so bunch of silly guys can see them)

[pajamajes]

I wanna start to. I think I will wait a little while until a more opportune time comes along, but I'm reading up also. Interesting.

[blessedmommy119]

Originally Posted by PNWmama

I started using cloth pads about 6 months ago when I got my first postpartum period. I was nervous at first, but I got used to them right away, and love them now! I got mine through a Joyful Living Naturals co-op that was run on MDC. She's a WAHM and the pads are really soft and high quality. I wash diapers every other day, so I just throw my used pads in the diaper pail and wash them with the diapers. I have washed them with regular clothes before as well, though I rinsed them out first. I highly recommend it! I'll never buy disposable pads or tampons again!

So, you don't do any rinsing or soaking first when you wash with diapers?

[PhantasyMama]

I've been using mine for 3 cycles as I just had my IUD removed in April.

I love them! I just figured since my babes were converted to using cloth diapers, mama could use cloth too.

I washed mine with diapers, but now that mine are potty trained I now wash mine with normal laundry. It's personal preference. I do a load of laundry a day or every other day and that's when my pads were washed.

I got mine in a trade with another mama. They were made using all sorts of scraps from diaper making materials. I love them!!

They are more comfortable, affordable and healthier not only for me, my family..but the enviroment.

If you can sew and you have scraps of fabric lying around you can make your own!!

Good Luck in your research and your decision to switch.

[starzz]

Love them love them love them. I switched over a few years ago and the difference was amazing. I wondered why I hadn't used them since I started my period. I use Imse Vimse Postpartum/overnight pads because I have a very heavy monthly flow. They are SO SOFT and so much more absorbant than plastic/disp. ones are. They are so much more comfortable and I don't dread my period any more. I havn't found washing to be a big deal either. I soak them then throw them in with my whites laundry w/o fabric softener as that takes away from the absorbancy. I use a Diva Cup some also. Just depends on how often I want to change things. The Diva Cup doesn't have to be changed for 8 hours or so, so if I am working/traveling/busy I use that with a back up Imse Vimse pad.

I am pregnant with my first baby right now and it is so weird not having a monthly flow. I just have to say I won't dread it coming back!

I say go for it...If you are into tampons get a Diva Cup as they work so well and are similar just use cloth as a back up...you may depending on your flow only need a light cloth pad underneath. I like a large one for the comfort and because then I don't have to worry about leaks. The best thing about cloth---is that you don't feel like you are wearing pads---they feel like your panties---cotton is great!

Oh, one more thing try a few different brands and styles and don't buy a ton of one. You will probably find your favorite brand that way and it can get expensive if you buy a lot and find you don't like them. I found that quality was worth the extra money and I don't have a lot of cloth pads only 5 which I wash frequently and it works fine for me esp. if you use a Diva Cup on some days.

[MeyersDVM]

I started using cloth mama pads after having my 1st DD. I developed a sensitivity to disposable pads post-partum. I think they are way more comfy. Before getting pg with our 2nd I did use tampons again, but reached for the cloth pads when at home. I never did anything special with the pads- just threw them in with my laundry. No problems with staining, etc.

[swell_mel]

I have been using them for about a year and really like them. When my youngest was in cloth diapers I washed them at the same time but now I just throw them in with the regular laundry. I was hesitant to do so at first but have had zero issues doing that. If I can I try and put them in with the towels as I wash them in hot water. Disposable pads always irritated my skin terribly but cloth pads are divine. I made all mine using various tutorials and trial and error because I had tons of scraps from sewing cloth diapers and couldn't justify spending money on them when I could make them for nothing. lol I either put mine in a small wetbag (I don't soak them or anything) or just fold them up and stick them in the laundry basket. DH never does the laundry so I'm not worried about him coming across one. lol I didn't really have to get used to the "mess" or anything as I was already accustomed to cloth diapers so it wasn't really a stretch. I think cloth pads are wonderful and encourage anyone thinking about switching to atleast give it a good try. Plus saving a few extra bucks each month is always nice.

[CalaRei]

Yes yes yes! I have a stack that I've made from whatever bits of flannel I can find in the remnant bin. Which usually means seasonal stuff. Valentines day, Christmas, etc. Lol.

I cut mine very similar to the "rag hag" style, only square-ish and rounded corners. I use a gladware container's lid as a template, zigzag tightly around the edge, and put some snaps on. The back is the same lapped deal, so that I can stuff with rags or washcloths, etc. I have a few stuffers that I made from an old towel and a layer of some kind of vinyl. Usually, though, I just wear them unstuffed, because they're backup for my divacup or just for spotting.

They're also nice for... erm, after sex. I don't like the leaky feeling, so I throw a pad on.

I was them with towels, without soaking or anything like that. Yeah, they're stained, but since I mostly use them for spotting, that's hard to avoid anyhow. No fabric softener, though. I'm not a mama yet, but I imagine I'd probably was them with diapers when the time came.

[MyOcean]

I loved them and was completely ready to use post partum. After my emercency c-section and hysterectomy I didn't need them. I ended up giving the whole stash to a friend and she loves them

[MyOcean]

I never thought of using them after sex! Sounds much better then scratchy washcloths. I do have some cloth minis left. Thanx!

[Koalamom]

I have been using cloth pads for about 8 years now. I was fed up with the disposable pads. I use Gladrags and love them!!!!!!!!

I keep a small bucket in the bathroom, and put the used pads in there without pre rinsing. When the bucket gets full, I fill it up with water to soak for an hour, and then rinse each piece out by hand. I keep rinsing until they run clean, and then throw in the wash with my darks.

Here is something I found from the clot pads. At night, the blood can drip past the pads, and that means mess. So I now pin a extra liner to extend the pad. Works great for heavy flows at night.

The best reason for using cloth pad I would say is the awareness I have developed of my cycle. Periods used to be gross and I would just chuck each used disposable out with hard feelings. I wanted to be as far away from my cycle as possible. It might sound strange, but since the switch, I feel good about rinsing my cloth pads out. It reminds me that I am a woman and my cycle is a gift. For those who haven't made the switch yet, just go for it. You will have a whole new feeling and appreciation towards your time of the month.

[jul511riv]

amazpadz.com. amazing. been using various cloth pads for over 10 yrs. LOVE them!

[covertlycrunchy]

This thread is so completely timely for me....I was just looking up this very thing earlier this week. I'm pregnant again, so no AF and since it took 18 months for my flow to return right now I'm focusing on the afterbirth period.

But the few cycles I've had since my flow returned and before I got pregnant again were just terrible, the tampons HURT and I think were really making me sick so I'm thinking of switching. The only thing I'm concerned about it is when I'm at work or seriously out and about. Mostly the work thing tho. What do I do if I can't soak them right away? Can I leave them to dry out? And I don't typically carry a purse so now what do I do with the used ones?? Has anyone had any success finding/making a discreet carrier, small enough to fit in the jean pocket? Will the blood squish out if I try sticking it in my pocket at least until I hit my desk? The thought of a slowly spreading blood stain coming out of my front pocket at work is not something I'm really comfy with, iykwim.

[DaMajha]

I've used them for about 4 cycles now. I LOVE them and wish I had switched years ago!

My flow is much lighter now than it was before. I have very few cramps, whereas before, I was in so much pain... I would have to take pain meds around the clock. The cramps would wake me up they were so bad!

I also have had a drastic reduction in PMS.

I don't know why these changes happened, but I know they happened when I switched pads.

[Tangled Hill]

I've been using them for several cycles now, and I wish I had switched years ago. Like previous posters, my flow has been significantly lighter, my cramps (which used to be so awful, I was out of commission for a day or two) have virtually disappeared, and my periods are shorter.

Those were some huge changes, none of which I was expecting!

I keep a pretty, vintage Pyrex bowl in a cabinet next to the sink and fill it with cold saltwater. Each day, I make sure to change the water, and I just rinse out and add pads until I'm ready to do a load of wash. My flow is so light, and my period so short, that I don't go through nearly as many cloth pads as I did disposables.

Easy schmeezy. And they're so much prettier! I always smile when I see such sweet, hand-dyed mama pads attached to my undies! Can't believe I ever used those scratchy, chemical-laden, medical-looking paper things. <shudder>

[PNWmama]

Originally Posted by blessedmommy119

So, you don't do any rinsing or soaking first when you wash with diapers?

No . I don't soak the diapers either (though I do spray the poop off!) and both always come out clean. I guess I'm lazy!

[Koalamom]

Originally Posted by covertlycrunchy

This thread is so completely timely for me....I was just looking up this very thing earlier this week. I'm pregnant again, so no AF and since it took 18 months for my flow to return right now I'm focusing on the afterbirth period.

But the few cycles I've had since my flow returned and before I got pregnant again were just terrible, the tampons HURT and I think were really making me sick so I'm thinking of switching. The only thing I'm concerned about it is when I'm at work or seriously out and about. Mostly the work thing tho. What do I do if I can't soak them right away? Can I leave them to dry out? And I don't typically carry a purse so now what do I do with the used ones?? Has anyone had any success finding/making a discreet carrier, small enough to fit in the jean pocket? Will the blood squish out if I try sticking it in my pocket at least until I hit my desk? The thought of a slowly spreading blood stain coming out of my front pocket at work is not something I'm really comfy with, iykwim.

I let all my pads dry until just before I launder. With the gladrag brand, the only one I have tried, The blood is pretty contained and you will never have a problem with blood squishing out.

So many people keep the pads soaking, but I never find it necessary.

Since the pads are cloth layers, they can never fit discreetly in a pocket. Perhaps you will have to carry a purse on those days, or wear cargo pants.