I have heard tell that eschewing tampons and sposie pads can make a difference in your flow, but I didn't really believe it until I started using a Diva Cup and cloth pads and my last two cycles have lasted 2 days. Is this possible? Can it be? :loveeyes:

I haven't noticed a difference, but a LOT of women in my cup group have noticed a difference, and I've heard from a lot that it happens with cloth too.
Totaly normal and in all likelyhood you are NOT imagining it! :thumb

~Kelsie

I have used the Diva Cup now for well over a year and I have noticed a considerably lighter flow.

Really and here I am worried I bought enough of them. New user here switching over have to come back to this and tell you what the diffrence is for me. I heard that too I was wondering if thats true. So cool I will check back here for sure. Thanks for your honest replies.

hmm would using cloth make the Lochia phase shorter PP as well??

hmm would using cloth make the Lochia phase shorter PP as well??

Mine was actually longer with cloth...but I personally think that is skewed as I had an overly large placenta (leaving a larger "wound" to heal). So I don't know unless someone can answer for the placenta...:o

Give me about a year and I'll be able to give an answer on the AF question. :wink

Since using cloth, I have noticed a difference. My flow is much much lighter and is one day shorter. After having my son, my girly parts became ultra sensitive and I made the mistake of using an Always and I was bending over in pain. After my cloth had dried, I put it on and the pain immediately went away.....strange.

hmm would using cloth make the Lochia phase shorter PP as well??

My lochia was soo much lighter than my regular AF. I am not sure if it was due to my cloth or my drinking of Stinging Nettle infusion for whole of my 9th month of pregnancy. Stinging Nettle is very high in vitaim K, which just happens to be the vitamin that helps with blood clotting. Either way, I was happy.

Sumaiyah

My flow is lighter but AF is is the same length of time for me (7 days)

I used gerber diapers for PP bleeding - and I have to say I bled pretty constantly for 6 weeks. And at 8 weeks I was still wearing a pad.

Funny...I just posted a brand new Diva Cup for sale on the Trading Post. I use cloth pads.
Haven't noticed a difference in my flow yet.

I haven't noticed any changes, but my flow was never super-heavy to begin with. Before getting my divacup, I used pads and the VERY occasional tampon- a box of 20 would literally last me over a year.

I went from 'changing a super tampon every hour and still running down my leg for 7 days straight' to 'dumping the Diva Cup 3 times the first day and only twice the next 2 days (and it not being full, just dumping to be regular about it-3 days total'. So yes, remarkable difference for the better.

I think it is tough to tell because it is hard to gauge how much a tampon, etc, will absorb.

I do know that I've had periods that were heinous while using a keeper, but most of them were sail-through, just like before I figured everything out.

For me the main perk is the cleanliness factor. The keeper, plus on tough days an unbacked pad, is so much cleaner and more comfortable than tampons and plasticy pads.

I've noticed that I spot less at the end of a period if I've used the keeper and cloth pads. Like the end of a period is more defined; I'll empty blood from the keeper one go-round and later that day will remove it to find nothing, and the period is over. No day of spotting at the end. But I don't think that I bleed less overall.

My periods became shorter (4 days instead of 6) when I started using the Keeper, but my impression is that it's the same amount of flow coming out faster due to being encouraged by the slight suction rather than blocked by a tampon.

The first few months using the Diva cup, I had to use a pad with it for the first 2 days, now I don't. Mine has definately become better

Wow - this is so interesting! Does anyone know why it would be shorter/lighter with cloth/diva cup?

Wow - this is so interesting! Does anyone know why it would be shorter/lighter with cloth/diva cup?

I think when it comes to cloth, is has probably has something to do with the lack of chemicals that are in disposables. With a cup I think it might also be because of a lack of "blockage" that tampons might cause. I don't' I'm explaining very well though, so maybe someone else can do a better job (or share other ideas!).

~Kelsie

I've noticed that I spot less at the end of a period if I've used the keeper and cloth pads. Like the end of a period is more defined; I'll empty blood from the keeper one go-round and later that day will remove it to find nothing, and the period is over. No day of spotting at the end. But I don't think that I bleed less overall.

:yeah:
I just had my second pp period (didn't return until 14 months, woo woo!). With both cycles I used the keeper, and this last one is the shortest I've ever had without being on birth control. It was 6 days, and before it wasn't unusual for me to go 9 -- I have a monster of a flow.:irked: It is still very heavy, but shorter is great. And I don't miss spotting at the end!
~Betsy

Since I switched to cloth pads my periods have been a few days shorter, so much lighter and little to no cramping when before I had horrid cramps and super heavy flow.

Not sure it it's all related to the pads but it is a huge difference. Though I am comparing my recent periods to those before my last pregnancy. Maybe having babies changes all this as well but regardless I am so happy :D

I'm not sure what it is with pads, but somewhere I read that a menstrual cup creates a mild negative pressure that helps to pull the flow out. That also explains why I have less cramping using a cup than with any other method: the uterus doesn't have to work as hard to get the flow out.

When I changed from using disposable pads most of the time to using tampons all day long, when I was 14, my periods increased from 5 to 6 days, and I started to see more and larger clots. At the time I thought it was just that I was making thicker linings as I matured. Now I wonder if it might have been because the tampons blocked the flow, encouraging clots to form, which further blocked it.

It's strange: I loved tampons once I became adept at using them; I thought it was so cool to be able to "take control" of the flow and not have to feel that yucky dripping sensation. I was totally satisfied with my feminine hygiene method, and when I first heard about cloth pads, I thought, "That may be better for the environment, but I don't like pads." It wasn't until (a) Kotex stopped making their stick-applicator tampons, and I couldn't find any others I liked as well, and (b) my environmental sensitivity reached the point that watching the bathroom wastebasket fill with menstrual debris made me feel queasy, that I began wondering about other options and did a Websearch for "reusable tampons" and found the Keeper. Once I had my Keeper, I lost interest in tampons so completely that I STILL HAVE THE SAME BOX FROM 1997, HALF FULL! :rotflmao It blew my mind how many of the discomforts I'd assumed were inherent to menstruation actually were linked to disposable products! I still thought I didn't like pads, until I won a free cloth pad (by submitting my cramp-relief tip to a Website) and thought I might as well try it...and found that that yucky dripping sensation isn't nearly so noticeable with a pad that isn't engineered to suck every bit of moisture out of your genitals! :duh Now, when I think back to my menstruation experiences as a teenager, I feel sorry for myself!

I'm not sure what it is with pads, but somewhere I read that a menstrual cup creates a mild negative pressure that helps to pull the flow out. That also explains why I have less cramping using a cup than with any other method: the uterus doesn't have to work as hard to get the flow out.

When I changed from using disposable pads most of the time to using tampons all day long, when I was 14, my periods increased from 5 to 6 days, and I started to see more and larger clots. At the time I thought it was just that I was making thicker linings as I matured. Now I wonder if it might have been because the tampons blocked the flow, encouraging clots to form, which further blocked it.

It's strange: I loved tampons once I became adept at using them; I thought it was so cool to be able to "take control" of the flow and not have to feel that yucky dripping sensation. I was totally satisfied with my feminine hygiene method, and when I first heard about cloth pads, I thought, "That may be better for the environment, but I don't like pads." It wasn't until (a) Kotex stopped making their stick-applicator tampons, and I couldn't find any others I liked as well, and (b) my environmental sensitivity reached the point that watching the bathroom wastebasket fill with menstrual debris made me feel queasy, that I began wondering about other options and did a Websearch for "reusable tampons" and found the Keeper. Once I had my Keeper, I lost interest in tampons so completely that I STILL HAVE THE SAME BOX FROM 1997, HALF FULL! :rotflmao It blew my mind how many of the discomforts I'd assumed were inherent to menstruation actually were linked to disposable products! I still thought I didn't like pads, until I won a free cloth pad (by submitting my cramp-relief tip to a Website) and thought I might as well try it...and found that that yucky dripping sensation isn't nearly so noticeable with a pad that isn't engineered to suck every bit of moisture out of your genitals! :duh Now, when I think back to my menstruation experiences as a teenager, I feel sorry for myself!

This is very interesting! Thanks for sharing! I just received my Diva in the mail- I am very excited to try it with my upcoming cycle. I am also one that can't stand the dripping sensation and have been using tampons constantly for the first couple days of my cycle for many years. Then on my 3rd or 4th day I always have cramping and clotting and do not wear tampons- I am now wondering if that cramping/clotting has been due to the tampon use- I have assumed it is just how I am! I have only been having AF for a few months since my dd was born over 2 years ago- and really over the last 5 years it has been minimal. I finally got to the point recently where I was going to invest all in cloth pads, or try the Diva/Keeper. I decided to go with the Diva b/c I am still worried about the first couple days of heavy flow with pads only. I am so excited to try it and also wonder if this will alleviate that awful 3rd or 4th day of my cycle which is so miserable.

Anyway- I have enjoyed reading all the responses to this thread- it really gives me hope that there is something better than what I have been doing!

I just started AF today and this is my first time with using cloth pads and I am very suprised that my first day is so light. Normaly my first day is very bad. I put a cloth pad on last night expecting to wake up soaked because I knew it was due. Nope not at all infact their so comfy I forgot I had it on tell I went pee and I was in hurry had to get a few things from the store and then do my kids homeschool Needless to say I started sometime between point A and B and just noticed when I took a potty break after my girls school lessons. :lol So by afternoon in full bloom noticed wow thier is what on what. Ok I am a believer and its only been one day. I was worried that I would have to change a lot and they would leak through. :wink here I was probably bleeding the whole time and had no idea.:thumb Cloth Pads are much better. I am sure ordering a Diva Cup is in the works one of these days. I so know what my girls will be using come that time. I am going to try a Diva Cup so I know what it feels like. I would never use a product on my kids with out trying it out myself. I am not a tampon fan at all I hated those things because their uncomfy. I love my mamma pads so far.

This is so interesting. I've been debating a cup for a while, but thought it wouldn't be a good option since I have a super-heavy flow with lots of clotting.

Now I'm rethinking the whole thing and will order one. What could it hurt to try, right?

Thanks!

Will you please send me a link to the trading post? I'm having difficulty finding it on this site. Thanks so much!

You need 50 posts and be a memeber for a certain amount of time to get into the TP.
My period is SO much lighter with CPs, it really blows my mind. Amazing. I started using them my first period PP.
You know what, I didnt have any cramps any cycle when I was using CPs. I went out of town, got AF and has to use plastic pads. My next period, I was SOO crampy that I couldnt really move. And that period was so heavy and long, I felt horrible.
Never again will I use plastic. Ever.

I used Insteads for 10 years before becoming a Diva last month. I would never ever discredit Instead for so many years of providing an alternative to plugs and pads, but Diva leaves Instead in the dust. My quest for menstrual alternatives got desperate when I started the countdown to my daughter's first moon cycle. On day 2, she decided she hated pads, and after much research, and raving about Insteads, I was on the hunt for something more and greater and better. Her Diva came on day 2 of her period, but she was too unfamiliar w/ her body to succeed in getting it in it's place. After her cycle, she did a dry run w/ Instead and got it right, so she's now working on getting Diva to work for her before her next cycle in the week to come. I will NEVER EVER look back from Diva. The Keeper isn't an option for me due to latex allergy, but I purchased the silicone version of it, and plan also to order the original Mooncup. Cups are amaaaaaaaazing. I'm a Diva for life! I recommend them to every woman who feels imprisoned by her cycle! I am actually looking forward to my next cycle, as if it were my first one again! I've already had cycles for 20 years, and 2 kids later, I'm excited to be a woman w/ a cycle!

I want to add for the skeptist. TMI but I am so suprised in using cloth that their are no blood clots. No nasty chunks and I am so suprised by this I think I am in shock LOL but this has me convinced. Why could I have not heard about this before I was 30 years old. I am so grateful for the internet and the information about chemicals on disposable products.

To make a long story short:

With disposable products:
8 day long cycle
Taking 1,000 mg. of Motrin (literally) to take the edge off the cramps and Migraine headaches.
Laying on the couch for the first 2-3 days because I felt so awful.
Lots of "irritation" down below
Very heavy flow--we're talking going thru a super-plus pad every 2 hrs. for the first 2 days. After that, then maxi pads for the rest. I was sooo tired and anemic.
Tampons always felt like they were shredding me up. OUCH!

With Mama-cloth:
4 day long cycle! (cut cycle down by half!)
No Motrin or even Tylenol needed for cramps because they are rare and not so bad at all. No Migraines anymore!
No more laying on the couch because I really do feel fine.
No more irritation.
Wearing "regular"--not even super size cloth pads for first 2 days, then on to light pads.

I could never, ever go back to disposable pads! And the tampons got tossed out, never to return again. Some day I'll try out a Diva cup.

hmm would using cloth make the Lochia phase shorter PP as well??
I think so.
I had heavy bleeding for 2 days following ds2's (fantastic home) birth, medium for another 3-4 days, then pantiliner-type flow for another week or two. I'm pretty sure I bled more with ds1 and disposible pads.

Had horrific cramps and bleeding before I switched to cloth/diva cup. My old boss always knew when my period started because I had to call in sick.

For some people, the change in flow might be due to pregnancies and childbirth and/or nursing as well. My period became lighter and much shorter (from a week to 2-3 days) after baby #2. Also, my period cramps disappeared at that time and have never returned... maybe a handful of times I've felt slight pain but nothing like pre-kids. I've used tampons since I was 14. I am hoping to switch to the diva cup or cloth soon. That would be great if my period got even easier to deal with. Right now I have 24-48 hours of heavy flow and dribbles the rest of the time. Before baby #2, I had heavy painful flow for almost the whole week my period used to last. I always put the "improvements" down to childbirth and 8 years of nursing (including tandem nursing for two years) toning up my uterus, LOL.

My sis mentioned this product to me...I have yet to try it, but now I think its a must!! My periods are awful!!!! I cramp terribly , they are super HEAVY and last for over a week!! Any suggestions as to where to get this product?
((HUGS))

Places to shop for environmentally friendly feminine products. (http://www.earthlingshandbook.org/shopfem.html):thumb

I think I vote before but didn't post, becuase I wasn't exactly sure if it was just a fluke, but my flow pattern has def. changed and is lighter.

I would like to tell a couple people about this because- heck, who wouldnt' want lighter flows...

I do remember getting info on something like the diva cup when I was a teen. And I was interested- but didn't have the money or a credit card to buy them. But I do have some issues that may be related to diva cup use, so the jury's still out on that one for me.

BAck to cloth, the thing I'm thinking that if I tell this to others they are going to say that it must be because my cycle changed after having a child... and I really couldn't counter that. Or that it changed because I'm getting older?

Is there any truth that the change might just have happened on its own--- after childbirth or just because I'm older?

Thoughts on ways to spread the love to non-crunchy skeptical types?

Jessica