Eco-Friendly Options for Your Menstrual Cycle
We’ve talked nutrition and health. We’ve chatted up pregnancy and birth, and the various intimate details therein. I’ve shared about breastfeeding my toddler. We’ve even ventured into the subject of placentophagy (the act of consuming one’s placenta after birth – and yup, I did it).
Today I want to talk about another subject that has become near and dear to my (crunchy-mama) heart: cloth pads and alternative solutions for your menstrual cycle.
(Side note: I couldn’t decide what to title this post. Eco-friendly? Frugal? Healthier? Yes, yes, and yes. The great thing about this whole natural living journey is that those things often go hand-in-hand, which I love).
All of my life I’ve used the typical necessities for “that time of the month”: disposable pads and tampons. Then I started my natural living journey a few years ago, and began hearing bits and pieces about women using cloth pads. Being the crazy and natural crunchy mama that I am, my interest was immediately piqued.
Shortly after our first child was born in 2008, before my monthly cycle returned, I bought a diva cup on a bit of a whim. I used it and liked it, but was still using a fair amount of disposable pads for extra protection in case of leaks, for over nights, and for when I was out of the house for extended periods of time.
I looked into cloth pads a bit more and decided I’d really like to try them. However, the budget was too tight at the time, and I’ve only had a handful of cycles in the last 5 years due to breastfeeding and pregnancy, so it was never a financial priority. Then at my blessing way a couple months ago I was gifted with 6 homemade cloth pads from a very dear friend.
When our third child was born nearly 6 weeks ago, I got to try them out for the first time. In the earlier weeks when my flow was heavier, I would soak them within a few hours. These particular pads don’t have a waterproof layer, so I didn’t wear them out of the house in those weeks, just in case. Then as my flow lightened considerably, I was eventually able to wear one all day and not have any issues.
Oh. My. Goodness. I just have to say: comfort and period are no longer banned from the same sentence (I know, the post-partum bleeding is not a period, exactly, but you know what I mean). Rather than having plastic and petroleum-based materials filled with all kinds of toxic chemicals in *that* area, I can have soft flannel and cotton.
I have heard many women say that not using disposable pads and tampons actually makes a significant difference in cramping, as well as how long and heavy the period is. The claim is that the nasty chemicals and synthetic materials actually cause significant increases in those things, which I find quite plausible, given the harsh ingredients. There is loads of anecdotal evidence for cramps that were debilitatingly severe and then all but disappeared after switching to cloth.
Things like disposable pads and tampons (and disposable diapers, too!) contain dioxins, which are chemicals that “are toxic and are usually a by-product of plastics and chlorinated products. Dioxin is the most deadly man made chemical, second in line to radioactive waste“. Tampons have also been linked to increased rates of endometriosis and other fertility problems (source).
Washing is simple – I drop it into the diaper pail and it washes with the cloth diapers. Done. If I were to use them while out of the house I’d just take a little wet bag along. Once I no longer have kids in diapers, I’m not sure how I’ll handle it. I’ll probably have to have a much larger stash so that I can go longer between washing, and just do a little mini-load. It seems pretty easy to me.
Cloth pads are available in so many places now – there are entire companies devoted to making them, and there are scores of like-minded mamas making and selling them on places like etsy. Check out this excellent article from Keeper of the Home where one of the contributors reviews 4 different brands to see which one she likes best.
Some women also use a natural sea sponge intended for menstrual care. Between that, the Diva Cup (plus other brands of the same idea), and all kinds of cloth pads, there are more than enough options that are healthier, more frugal, and more environmentally friendly.
Have you ever tried a healthier option for menstrual care? Would you ever consider it?
{Linked up this week with Your Green Resource}
check out yurtcraft.com my friend makes incredible pads in fun patterns, she has fb
There’s no need to wash pads in a separate load if you’re not washing diapers! Just rinse them and then wash with your clothes. I spelled out my washing method in my article on reusable cups and cloth pads.
good to know, thanks becca!!
I did this (rinsed real well and washed with normal clothes cycles) and it works just fine.
They ARE much more comfortable than plastic disposables. for the same reason I’d want my future baby’s bum on some material instead of plastic is the reason I switched to cloth pads. I wish I knew of these (and the Diva cup) 15 yrs ago.
I have to say, my period pain is TERRIBLE. It’s gotten better over the years (I’m 23, and last year made it 10 years since it started
) but the idea that I could buy cloth pads and potentially lessen the pain? I’m definitely going to give these a try! Also, I’ve had disposable pads go through the wash with my clothes (not so good at checking pockets and things when I’m half awake), and they came out clean, so I fail to see why I couldn’t stick these in – they’d need their own space until it was time to wash to avoid stains on other clothes, though!
Just saw your post recently…..read that article from keeper of the home and loved her reviews. Tried and tested is what i like to see…..i have been thinking about cloth pads for a while now but hadn’t committed to anything as i was wondering what kind to get, what brand etc…….and today, i made the leap into the world of cloth pads!!! I ordered 6 pads (3 light, 3 heavy) just to try it out and see if those sizes work for me. I am so excited (weird to be excited about pads….but i am!!) and it will compliment my Diva Cup usage nicely. I’ve been using a Diva Cup for a year now and I love it….no more leaks at night (before i would wear an overnight pad and a super tampon and stil leak sometimes!)….this is great timing as we are preparing for Chad…..the less I need to rely on ‘western products’ the better…..oh and the Red Tent….AMAZING book! Hope you enjoyed it.
Hey, so exciting!! I’m sure you’re going to love it, especially with living in Africa… I experienced needing to use disposable stuff there (in a fairly rural setting) and we had to bury the “garbage” every single time… no curbside pick-up, hard-sided garbage cans, etc. etc. It was a hassle.
When I first heard about cloth pads my thought was, “Gross – I could never do that!” Well, the idea slowly grew on me, and I’ve been using cloth pads for a couple of years now and I will never go back. I absolutely love them! I, too, have experienced easier, lighter periods. I made my own pads, from this site: https://sites.google.com/site/shewhorunsintheforest/ There are several different options there, and they’re great! For going out and about, I made a mini wet bag that I keep in my purse, along with a spare pad kept in a cute little zippered pouch.
Wow, I’m so impressed that you made your own. I’m hoping to learn to sew, and maybe that’ll be one of my first projects!
I’d love to make pads for a friend. Is there any way to find out how your friend made them? I’m guessing flannel?
Hi Addy Rae,
Beth asked if I could respond to you because the pattern in her photo is mine. I like to use a cotton and flannel with a wool inner core for my pad. Fleece also works well too, just not a natural fiber. There are tons of patterns out there but this pattern I came up with is basic and very simple to make. http://thismama.wordpress.com/2011/03/19/pad-pattern-and-making/
That is the link for the pattern and sewing instructions. If you have any questions, you can ask right on my blog post or you can also email me chickadeeswing (at) gmail (dot) com. Hope that helps!
Thank you so much! It was really kind of you to write back, and I’m looking forward to making your pattern! We’ll make a girl’s day of it.
I switched to The Diva Cup last year, and I haven’t looked back. It’s amazing, and my debilitating cramps that lasted a few days have been whittled down to 12 hours of being slightly uncomfortable. So much better! I know the idea seems really weird and kind of icky to people at first, but really — aren’t products with all of those chemicals more icky? :-) The Diva Cup and cloth liners have changed my LIFE.
That’s awesome! I love hearing so many stories about cramps decreasing and all that. If only more people knew about that part! (And I agree – the chemicals are way ickier!)
Have talked about trying these many times… Need to just do it! You’ve inspired me to go for it.
Hurray!
I switched to cloth pads a couple of cycles ago and would never, ever go back. I buy mine from different sellers on Etsy.com and have been thrilled with them. They don’t need to be a huge investment, just buy them from someone who makes them in their home. A win win situation!
Beth – Etsy is where I get mine too. I believe it cost me $32 for 5 heavy overnight ones. So very inexpensive =)
That’s awesome – I think buying from Etsy is the way to go! I love supporting small businesses
Cool! I recognize the pattern and the fabric!
. Wouldn’t use anything else now and I need to make myself some more soon. It’s great that you are finding them so helpful and easy
You know I love cloth pads and the diva cup
They are awesome! I can’t wait to expand my stash… love them!
I have wanted cloth pads for SOOOOOOO long now…but like you the budget doesn’t allow for it. :/
One thing I did to build my supply of cloth pads is I simply purchased one per month via ebay or etsy whenever someone had one for sale. That was about 4 years ago and I have a hefty supply to get me thru my entire week without washing. I wash them all together in one load now.
That’s a great idea! I suck at waiting, but I suppose it makes sense!
I used birthday money to buy a bunch of lunapads more than 7 years ago. (wow, that was a long time ago) I once got stuck away from home and had to buy some disposable something, and I couldn’t believe the difference! Cloth for me, all the way! Glad you found some you like. I know they go on sale periodically – I’ll send a link your way if I see some.
I also launder with regular loads. Well, I did before I had kids in diapers. I always did them with my towels, but I have, on occasion, dropped a few in with regular clothes and had no trouble, like other people have said.
A friend of mine keeps a big tuperware container in her bathroom filled with water and puts the pads in there before she washes them. Then she uses the water to fertilize her plants. Her plants do look remarkably healthy!
What size diva cup do you have? I haven’t tried mine since having children, but I’ve had a few people tell me they still wear the pre-childbirth size post-having children, and have no trouble…
Good to know that you laundered them with regular stuff. Did you rinse them first? I have the post-childbirth diva cup, but I need to fiddle with it more – I haven’t quite gotten the hang of it (haven’t had enough cycles with the pregnant/nursing cycle!)
i really like these ones (with the wings — look in her clearance section for cheaper prints!) so much more comfy and i find i dont leak in them (unless i wear them for a ridiculous period of time – when i would leak in disp — i actually pp w my second put on a disp and leaked within 2 hrs i was bleeding so heavy. put on cloth and could go 4 hrs — im talking date of birth here!!) http://www.newmoonpads.com/home.html i got the sleepers with wings. i just wash with my regular laundry and ive had no issues
Wow, that’s awesome! Thanks for the recommendation
I started on the diva cup some months ago, and I love it. It took some getting used to, but now I’m able to get it to seal properly and I have almost no leaks. Cloth pads sound interesting, but I really struggled with being grossed out by cloth diapers (+ my husband wasn’t supportive of the idea) so I don’t know how I’d take to cloth pads.
Well using something other than conventional pads and tampons is the most important thing, I think. Glad you enjoy the diva cup!
http://acquiringbalance.blogspot.ca/2011/02/natural-sensual-menstruation-yes-i-am.html
I wrote about it last year in the above link. I LOVE my natural pads. LOVE. They also cut down on cramping and odours. Great post!
Loved your blog post! And, by the way, I am in the midst of reading The Red Tent, and LOVING it!
I use GladRags cloth pads, and I love them! I wrote a review of them here…
http://wifelife2011.blogspot.ca/2011/09/healthy-homemaking-series-for-women.html
I’ve been using a menstrual cup from Lunette (much shorter than the Diva Cup, though I had to order it online rather than buying it in a a store—menstrual cups are NOT “one size fits all”) for a couple of months and have been loving it! At first I had some issues with leaking, but the gals in the menstrual cup forums (yes, they exist) helped me figure out how to fix all of the issues I’d been having and now I don’t even have to use pantyliners anymore. I’ve had way fewer issues with leaks than I did with disposable pads (I don’t know if it’s that my mom always bought me cruddy pads or just that I sat oddly, but I had to save my old underwear for use on my period) and I don’t have to deal with the sweat or odor that was a problem with the disposable pads either.
I have never heard of the diva cup and don’t think I would try it, however I started using cloth pads in the months before I got pregnant with Caleb, I didnt want any of those chemicals in that area while trying. I noticed right away an improvement in my cycle. It was way shorter and easier. I continued to wear them during my pregnancy as I leaked amniotic fluid from 22 weeks on. I did however use depends during my hospital stay and the 3 weeks after I had Caleb lol, I bled very heavily and didn’t want to deal with leaking.
I love the Diva Cup! Like Laura, I rarely need to use any backup protection with it. However, I haven’t used it since giving birth, I need to buy the larger one still but I’ve only had a few periods since my girl was born. My next cycle will be back to the cup. Using disposable for the last few cycles renewed my love for the Diva Cup.
I haven’t tried cloth pads yet. Our apartment doesn’t have laundry in suite and I’m not sure I can justify $2+ for a load of 6-7 “just in case” cloth pads. But if I could wash them with something else (knickers?) I would probably buy them as liners for leaks.
-Frances Nojd
I’ve always wanted to try these, Beth. What great timing and thorough choices to consider. Thanks!
I went to using a Diva Cup a few months before getting pregnant with Cameron. I really like it. Rarely do I need to use any backup protection with it. It takes some getting used to, but so does a lot of new things.
I have some cloth pads but need to buy more cause I LOVE them & 6 just isn’t enough! Although I’m still weary to use them at night but once I finally buy myself a Diva Cup then I don’t think it will be a problem.
I think that this is a natural step from cloth diapers (as many other things are) & once you make it you notice the comfort factor along with the fact that it isn’t full of nasty chemicals. Besides during your period having pretty pads to choose from makes it a little more ‘enjoyable’
I went to a menstrual cup with major doubts and an ick factor , and was very wrong. I saves me work and money. My bits arent always sloppy and wet and messy.
Hey Beth. I’ve used Fuzzibunz Mama Pads (cloth pads) for a couple years now. Love, love, love, love, love. Made ”p’s” (as periods are called here in east africa) so much better. Since I’m not cloth diapering at the moment I just rinse them out and put them in the wash with everything else. Works fine for me. Take care, congrats on Canaan!