Is anyone using cloth post-partum?

[todzwife]

If you are, how many are you getting? What are you going to get? I am making most of mine, but I love to buy other people's pads too. I'm setting a goal for 2 dz so I don't have to wash every day. :) I am not using disposable pads EVER again...it hurts just thinking about how sore I was last time and how much better it would have been had I known about cloth pads!

[beanbean]

I'm so glad you posted this! I have been meaning to get some before this baby arrives. I almost bought some a few months back, but everything seemed far too expensive.

Do you have a recommendation of a good etailer?

TIA!

[charmcitymama]

What kind of fabric do you use to make them? Can you buy it online or can you get it at Jo-Ann's?

I saw an ad somewhere for these and they were $18 each! WoW!

And for HBs do you still get those special mesh panties? I loved those from the hospital.

[CajunMama]

I use the MOE pads. They are awesome. The fleece is so comfy. I got them at MOE ( I live not to far from there ) but most retailers of FB have them.

HTH

[todzwife]

A good retailer...well, I prefer my own-but I've tried Daisy Girls www.daisygirldesigns.com but she's really busy w/ diaperpin mamas so you have to stalk her.

The pin actually is a great place to ask about cloth pads in their cloth talk forum...they have lots of links. But like I said, I prefer my own. $18 each- that's INSANE!

As for fabrics, I use everything from flannel to organic velour. I plan to have a mish mash of stuff because some are more comfortable than others (velours vs. flannel) but flannel is SO much easier to sew! I prefer fleece or wool backing. Joann's anti-pill fleece works great, and is nice and squishy. PUL is a PITA to sew, so I avoid it unless a customer insists...

A VERY cheap option is to use prefolds. Preemie PF's or even infant PF's for night time use. Cheap and double as diapers later!

And if you want an awesome pocket style pattern that is easy to follow and doesn't require a serger, try www.kristinsclothpads.com I just made myself some and they are very nice. :) Hope that helps!

[todzwife]

I use the MOE pads. They are awesome. The fleece is so comfy. I got them at MOE ( I live not to far from there ) but most retailers of FB have them.

HTH


I wanted to love these SO bad,but they slipped around so much they drove me NUTTY! I ended up throwing the one I had away :bag:because I couldn't stand it. :innocent

[charmcitymama]

Do you use these just for pp bleeding or for your periods, too? I can't imagine life with out tampons.

[todzwife]

After reading about the chemicals in tampons and disposable pads I use them for periods as well. I don't do well w/ internal products since having my son. If pads for your period aren't for you, you might consider a cup like a diva or keeper. Personally, I LOVE cloth pads, I will never go back.

[CajunMama]

I used to use tampons almost exclusively before Ds was born, and now I use cloth almost exclusively. My periods are so much heavier since his birth and I have to wear a backup pad with a tampon anyway, so it defeated the purpose, KWIM? Cloth pads are just so much more comfortable. They aren't all scratchy and itchy like paper ones. I just toss them in the diaper pail and they wash up like a dream.

I still use tampons occasionaly, like when at the beach( for some reason AF always visits when we go to the beach) or at the pool, but for the most part I use cloth. I can't get my head around using a keeper or diva cup for some reason.

[Sleepymama]

I have been using cloth since my miscarriage in sept '04--I have a prolapsed urethra as a result of it and I used to be a huge tampon person, and now can't use them. I started with some freshies (allnaturalmamas I think?) which are wool backers that have snap on pads. Then I made my own, similar style. I also have some that are "all in one" with windpro on the back, but those are quite warm (not that it will matter in february!) So yes, I will be using cloth, but mostly my own. I use flannel, sherpa, hemp, organic cotton, whatever I've got leftover from diaper making. Microfleece on top makes them "wick" just like diapers, and is a little more comfortable, less "wet" feeling. I have also heard that the kristen's cloth pads pattern is easy. I like the snap on pads because you don't have to change the whole pad, just the top, unless it really soaks through. But I know not everybody has a professional snap press :LOL

[Boobiemama]

I have a large cloth stash already, been using cloh for 6 years now.
But I will make a few more new ones, just because its always nice to have something new for a new baby! And I did get some Freshies awhile back, so I have a nice assortment.

[My Three Boys]

I use cloth pads too. I think right after the baby's born I'm just going to take some of the newborn prefolds and use those for me. Then as the flow gets lighter I'll just use the pads I already own. That's the plan anyway!!

[aguacates]

I use cloth too. It is funny, I remember when I was first introduced to the idea of cloth pads I was totally repelled, it just seemed like a diaper. Then I started using them. I love them now. I have a good friend who makes nice all in one types that snap on, and are really soft flannel, so I'll probably buy some in the extra large postpartum size.

And Charmcitymama, I had those mesh panties with my hb. My midwife listed them on the must have birth supply list. When dh and I opened the box I couldn't figure out what they were exactly, or why they might be necessary. But then after dd's birth they were awesome.

[greenmansions]

Does anyone know if hemp in mama pads gets stinky like the hemp in diapers does?

I need to get more mama pads, I do not have enough for post partum since I will not feel like doing laundry as often. I am using them now for that pesky bladder leakage problem... I also really like them and will never go back to disposable pads. I like the look of the daisy girl pads but none in stock.

Had to laugh at the mesh panties discussion, I actually took extra from the hospital - snuck them into my duffel bag, along with an extra peri bottle. I have a bunch of those undies saved that I will use again this time. They are so strange looking, but somehow so comfy during that time.

[Katykatt]

I'm doing this for the first time & I'm a Keeper devotee, can I use it post-partum or does it HAVE to be a pad?

[lilgsmommy]

I am planning on it, but have never been able to afford cloth pads. I break out from the sposie ones, and the last thing I want is another episode like after DS was born, that hurt like heck!

[Heavenly]

I use cloth pads. The ones I use are www.rhythmandbluespads.com. They are wonderful! I get mine topped with microfleece and they are so comfortable. I will be getting some more for the postpartum period.

[boycrazy]

:throb my keeper but have never heard of anyone using it posy partum.

[EmMomof6]

For postpartum, I used the Gladrags postpartum pads after my last 2 births and loved them. I also love those for overnight. No leaks with those! For normal periods I like the Mother of Eden Pads, very comfy.

[Katykatt]

I checked with my midwife today & she said the Keeper was a no-no post-partum :(

[aguacates]

I've always heard that you shouldn't use anything internal (tampons, keeper, sponge) until the lochia has completely stopped. With dd it lasted 6-7 wks, so I was really glad to have a good cloth stash. I also just threw them in w/diapers, since I was doing diaper laundry every day anyway.

[rachdoll]

I'll be using cloth. I need to get some more, I want to make a few to see how I do, but I am sure I'll buy a few, too. There ae so many cute ones out there! My 10 yo niece is freaking out about becomnig a woman (she's a few years away, still), so I want to convince her mom that cloth is cool, then make her some in fabrics that she'll love, to get her less anxious.

[russianthistle]

I think I'll be going with Glad Rags...they are not cheap, but in my area, they are what I can find most easily. I may try a variety based on the suggestions made here.

After post-partum...just for moons...you tampon lovers may find some interest in Sea Pearls. I love Sea Pearls. They are little sponges (actual sponges from the sea) that you can cut to shape and insert much like an OB tampon. You can clean them with tea tree or lavender in between uses, and they last for up to six months (I look for a change in color...you will know when it is time for a new one). I'm not sure where to find them online, but I found them at my local natural foods store.

[momma_andi]

I would like to use cloth, since i've always hated pads...and I know I probably won't be using tampons. I haven't bought any yet, but once I do i'll see how hard/easy they would be to make, and probably make a bunch myself.

[MelissaEvans]

A second vote for Rythm and Blues! I love those. I was thinking "wow, all I need for the new baby is diapers and maybe car seats if we want to be able to drive everyone around in both cars" and now I need to add mommy pads! I thought they were the $18 ones, but just saw they're "only" $8. Now to figure out how many I'll need...