Question for the ladies...feminine hygeine.

Nina J wrote: I was just on a website, www.goinggreensolutions.com.au, looking at environmentally friendly stuff.

I saw they have re-usable pads that you wash yourself then use again, as well as environmentally friendly disposable pads.

Would you ever use re-usable pads? I don't think I could. It would be a little to much for me.

gr33n3y3z replied: Ummm No I failed at cloth diapers bc I thought it was gross
But it is a good idea for those who will. But at some point you have to throw those away also

Celestrina replied: Maybe, but I doubt it. Chances are I'd give up after a while. Depending on the cost I'd like to try the environmentally friendly disposables. Did it say anything about e. friendly disposable tampons?

mom21kid2dogs replied: Sorry, could NEVER go there. I can't even tolerate non green pads. feels like I'm wearing a diaper and they are so gross and messy. To each his own but none for me, thanks!

sparkys2boys replied: I am all for being e freindly but could NOT go there either. I dunno, there are some thngs in life that I can't adapt to and thats it. I agree though, to each there own.

PrairieMom replied: I think I could. Its gross yeah, but its MY grossness and I would be the one dealing with cleaning them, so For some reason it doesn't seem that bad. I guess I would have to see how they feel.

mommy~to~a~bunch replied: Me! I have a few, and plan on sewing more soon. I haven't had an AF since Abby was born, but I used a few postpartum, and they were great! I just soak them in a pail with cold water, and wash them with the cloth diapers. Easy! And they are comfortable too.

stella6979 replied: I am not a pad person so that's a big NO for me.

luvmykids replied:
Diito. If I was I could probably do it, but I'm not so....

mckayleesmom replied: Im not a pad person either...so nope

My3LilMonkeys replied: I can't stand the yuck and mess of pads, so no I don't think I could.

Danalana replied: Well, shoot, what about those cups you can wear on the inside? I forget what they're called, but they catch the blood and then you pour it out and clean and reuse the rubber cup. Then you can be REALLY environmentally friendly by not having to wash loads of pads Ummmmm, not sure how you know when it needs to be emptied....I'm gonna check and see if I can find out the name.

Danalana replied: Okay! They're called mooncups. Just go to mooncup.com I know of a few people who use them (from a message board), and they like them.

Crystalina replied:
Uh....that's too much for me. I'm all for helping the environment but I think I'll stick to the paper bags and recycling and that sort of thing.

And I can't STAND to wear pads so that's out also.

PrairieMom replied:
uh... no

Brias3 replied: No way, no how. Just couldn't do it. I can't stand to wear pads as it is, so it would never been a consideration for me.

Calimama replied: No no no.

CantWait replied: I switch between pads and tampons, so I could probably use the washable pads, but certainly not the mooncups.

Hillbilly Housewife replied: I've used clothe before...they're not nearly as uncomfortable as the regular ones.

A&A'smommy replied: I have seen Diva cups before but not the mooncups

and gross on both I hate pads SOO uncomfortable

MoonMama replied: Nope, I'm not a pad kind of girl anyway.

MommyToAshley replied: Nope... No way. I think there are other ways I could find to be more environmentally friendly.

Danalana replied: I'm not into pads either, so i would never consider it. That, and the idea of blood in a cup inside me....just sloshing around

My3LilMonkeys replied: Mollie, Rocky - or anyone else who may know - just out of curiosity, how do you get the cloth pads to stay in place?

Hillbilly Housewife replied:
Well most of mine had the tabs, with velcro that attached to each other... it was very thin soft velcro, stayed in place no problem. They do stay on just like any other pad...

Funny story - the first time I EVER wore a pad... i didn't realize it had the sticky tabs and spent the day trying to keep it in place. I was only 9 though, so there.

PrairieMom replied:
you were 9!?

jacobsmama replied:
Ditto..

My3LilMonkeys replied:
Velcro, DUH....my brain just isn't working this morning.

I was trying to figure out how you could make them stick without the sticky stuff......I thought of strings that you tied together but velcro never crossed my mind.

Hillbilly Housewife replied:
yeah, I was 9.

HuskerMom replied: No I couldn't.

luvbug00 replied: Yeahhhh NO. not for me but if you can and want to then good for you!

as for the cup there is no way whatsoever!

Maddie&EthansMom replied: Now this is actually something I have considered. I hate pads and tampons cause problems for me, so I considered the cup. I couldn't see myself using a cloth pad, but it's not unusual.

Cece00 replied: NO is not a strong enough word.

~Roo'sMama~ replied:
LOL I did that too the first time I wore a pad - and I was 14!


Oh and as for the cloth pads, I don't think so, but mostly because I don't like to wear pads at all. Of course I wouldn't like to have to wash them - ICK - but I really can't stand the mess that comes with wearing pads. I'd have to take like 5 showers a day to not feel absolutely disgusting. I hated PP bleeding because you can't use tampons.

Nina J replied: Well I have totally changed my mind and just ordered 3 cloth pads, 2 from one lady and another from a different site. I have read so many things saying they are comfortable and everything, plus I have sensitive skin. I always feel irritated for a couple of days after AF.

And I figured if I like them, it'll save money.

mommy~to~a~bunch replied:
Good for you! I've heard people say they help lessen the severity of their periods as well; the flow is lighter, and it doesn't last as long.

Hillbilly Housewife replied:
Good stuff.

You'll notice less mess too. Cloth absorbs really well, not like the synthetic plastic that just kinda moves the mess around and gets it caught everywhere, the pads stay kinda moist. It's one of the reasons tampons feel better... they absorb better.

I get really irritated with pads too...especially after, um, tmi, but a "clean-up" down there.

gr33n3y3z replied:
Please explain that one bc I dont get it and its not true
Weither you wear pads or tampons you Expel the same maybe some days lighter then others but what product you wear down there doest determin how much you expel.

grapfruit replied:
How's that work??

grapfruit replied: Hmm...that moon cup is actually pretty interesting...I think I could probably do it. I used the Nuva ring for birth control, and it's not far removed from that in some ways. I hate hate hate pads and tampons. I just really hate having my period, period. LoL

mommy~to~a~bunch replied:
I'm sorry I don't have any scientific proof to back up my comments . Seems I need PROOF for everything I say. I was ONCE AGAIN going by what others have told me, and my own personal observations. But obviously that isn't good enough for anyone here.

Why is everyone so quick to say PROVE IT to me?

YOU prove it doesn't matter which you use!

lisar replied: Its the thought to me. So I would have to say no.

punkeemunkee'smom replied: I have heard that they are more comfortable and absorbent than traditional pads but I have not tried them. It is not something I would 100% rule out.

coasterqueen replied: I think I could IF I actually could do laundry. I wait until laundry absolutely piles up and there's nothing left to wear, these days, before getting to it. I think I'd have to be a bit more dilegent if I was going to use cloth pads. I go back in forth between pads and tampons. I'm just terrible at keeping up with laundry and I don't think I'd want them sitting around. Ewww, I know. Otherwise I don't see them any differently than using a regular pad, as far as the grossness factor goes. I wonder if they would feel more comfortable than regular pads.

msoulz replied: Hmm - I probably could use one. I have a day or two of very heavy flow and I wonder if they would be better? Not sure about the cup thing though.

Talk about first times - I was 14 I think too, but my mom had prepared me how to use these things - but for some reason she bought me the really old-style pads that had to be worn with a belt, similar to what you use to hold up stockings (the name of which is totally esaping me right now). I am sure most of you never saw such a contraption, as neither did most girls my age because they were pretty much replaced by the sticky stuff by then - it was trick to find pads to use with it and that is why I soon after stopped using the belt and just stuck them in place. It is still a mystery to me why she started me with that.

Cece00 replied:
That's because its not true.

mommy~to~a~bunch replied:
Yes, it is true, I have MY proof from MY body, but I doubt YOU want to see that. I don't neede a scientist to tell me the results .

punkeemunkee'smom replied: Ok ya'll! No one needs to be attacked for what they think may not be true or may be true. If you (in general) have never used cloth pads then you too have no basis to state that they lessen your flow or vice versa. Please stop with the rolling eyes and the snide remarks....People offer advice and opinions based on personal experience all the time. That is what this board is all about. Rarely do we offer advice on what has worked for us based on scientific research. So, lets just have an adult discussion and keep the cattiness out of it.

I for one am all for anything that may lessen anything about my period!

lovemy2 replied:
Ouch - you go from being crunchy to prickly

mommy~to~a~bunch replied:
Yes, well I'm tired of feeling attacked here. I know there's a few members that I'll never get along with. I'm tired of always having to have proof to back up everything I say. I have the right to state an opinion, don't I?

jcc64 replied: Once again, I am noticing some obnoxious, immature ganging-up on a particular member, and I beg those involved to check themselves. This dynamic went on with Jennifer (cameragirl) several months back, and it eventually drove her away. It's not necessary, it's distasteful and disrespectful, and it makes me feel badly about being here, tbh. Another commonality seems to be the recurrent and predictable hostility shown towards members of a more, idk how to say it, "alternative" nature. The placenta thread in its entirety, was an overt slam against someone for daring to present an idea admittedly outside of mainstream behavior. 39 plus pages of mockery is just plain obnoxious and nasty, imo. We're all entitled to our opinions and perspectives, and if you can't find a diplomatic, intelligent way to disagree with someone, for god's sake, and ours', skip the conversation. I'm sick of this, for real.

Cece00 replied:
I thought you heard it from "other people" ?

And if you believe it, fine. But anyone with a basic knowledge of the human body & how it functions can tell you that its impossible for cloth pads to do that. Hormonal products, yes. Homemade pads, no.

That's NOT just my opinion, but you are entitled to yours, so...

My2Beauties replied: Wow, as far as the original OP goes...um no way in heck would I use those things. I don't use pads period at all, I have to use tampons or I'd have to take 10 showers a day because pads are disgusting. Anyways, the mooncup thing, no doubt I'd try that either.

Anyways, I thought Lisa's question was a legit question TBH, not a snide remark at anyone. If I thought a Pad would lessen my flow I'm all for it, but that's not humanly possible to do since you bleed what you're gonna bleed period unless you're taking some type of hormone be it BC or whatever. Pads and tampons do not change your flow.

lovemy2 replied:
You absolutely do - sometimes its just hard to swallow coming from you - that's all - internet is hard - its tough to determine someone's "attitude" from what they type that's all - I have felt like I was attacked only ONCE here in a thread I started so I know how you feel but I try to think about how I say things so as not to put myself in that position

mommy~to~a~bunch replied:
Yes, I DID hear it from others too, not just myself. And I am well-educated in the human body, thank you very much. And *I* feel that cloth pads are better *FOR ME* because I used to suffer from awful heavy periods. I haven't had as many in recent years because of breastfeeding, but when I did have them, the cloth pads really made a difference. Using chemically-laden disposable pads and tampons can cause problems, the same way that some babies are allergic to disposable diapers.

I feel you do nothing but attack my POV, my beliefs, basically everything about me, Cece00. Do you get a thrill out of that?

My2Beauties replied:
All babies are not allergic to disposable diapers????? Mine certainly have no problems, Hanna had diaper rash one time due to antibiotics and Aubrey has never ever had so much as any redness "down there" from diapers. Did you mean all babies? I'm confused

Hillbilly Housewife replied:
I have to step in.

i have to say I agree.

Knock it off, people. Get over yourselves. it's a fricken cloth pad. If you have anger you need to vent, enough of this jumping on Mollie just for posting something that was very innocent and very "personal opinion". Seems that I agreed with Mollie earlier in the post about the flow seeming to be less... yet she was attacked and I wasn't.

knock it OFF. Holy jeez. Go whack a pillow or something.


LeaAnn, WHY WHY WHY keep it up. She SAID, "some babies"

Why do some of you constantly TRY to make things worse? Can't you all just leave well enough alone, and just take a personal opinion for what it's worth, and not try to nitpick at all aspects and try to put words in there that aren't even there to begin with?

coasterqueen replied: I'm lost in this thread, but Mollie, I think it's great if it lessens your flow by using cloth pads. I don't see how it would work for my body, but until I try it I have no right to discount it when it comes to my body. I know there are several things out there, vitamins and such, that can lessen the flow, so more power to cloth pads if they do that.

As far as some comment about disposable diapers--- we are having HUGE problems with Megan being almost 3 years of age and still being in disposable diapers. So I can see an allergy to them. Kids/people in general have all kinds of allergies to different clothes, etc. Megan is definitely have a terrible time being in disposables right now. I just wish I could get her into undies and p/t'ed.

Mommy2BAK replied: Okay so back to the origional topic.... no I have never heard of those, that would be great for some people... but I'll have to be more eco friendly in other ways, because I don't think I could handle the cleaning.

Calimama replied:
Yeah that's my issue. Cleaning them!! How DO you clean them?...

coasterqueen replied:
I'm only assuming, but my assumption is you clean them like you would clean cloth diapers. I, personally, would rinse them under the sink or soak in a bucket, then put in washer and let the washer clean them.

Hillbilly Housewife replied:
Which...the mooncup type of thing? As far as I know, you can just wash and rinse with water.

Calimama replied:
No the pad. Do you just throw them in the washing machine?

Calimama replied:
Ohh that makes sense!!

Hillbilly Housewife replied:
That's what I've done when i used them.

mommy~to~a~bunch replied: Thanks Rocky!

Karen - that's a bummer Megan is having such troubles . Poor girl, maybe let her be naked more? It's what worked for Kayla.

As for cleaning them, I take it off & put it in a bucket of cold water w/ a lid. Then I'll dump out the water in the sink when I wash them (with the cloth diapers, every other day), and put them in the washer with the diapers. Or you could wash them on hot with the whites. Then put them in the dryer.

Easy!

My2Beauties replied:
Wow for the first time Rocky I can't believe this, but I'm really insulted by you. First of all I didn't see the word "some" in her post so EXCUSE the you know what out of me for asking a question. In no way shape or form was it rude in anyway that I asked. If anyone took it that way....I could care less at this point because I'm so sick of everyone feeling "attacked" on this board. Get over it people, it's the internet for friggin sake. I can only seriously think of one post IMHO that was rude to Mollie, every other post was specifically asking legitimate questions. Excuse me for misreading a word Rocky! Geez! Had I read the word some and saw it I would not even have asked the question....mollie I'm so flippin' sorry that I misread your post.

If you guysremember in my thread on parenting news I also apologized to Mollie if she felt attacked for any reason because I'm feeling like I'm walking on eggshells around here now because of Mollie. No offense to Mollie but people are making it downright hard to ask her a question. Maybe if she wouldn't make other people feel bad for the way they parent by her posts, no one would question her! Did you guys ever think about that. Sorry but that is the way I feel. I'll get it out there. You guys can argue with me on the mod forum till the cows come home but this is the way I feel. I'm with Lisa...get over yourselves.

Hillbilly Housewife replied:
Sorry LeaAnn, I honestly thought you were jumping on the band wagon.

My2Beauties replied:
Shew....ok! I feel better now, I was a little upset by your comments.

mom21kid2dogs replied: WOW! Lots of ragging going on here today, eh?

lovemy2 replied:


Yeah take a pill girls

Hillbilly Housewife replied:
A lot of us must be using them feminine products this week.

My2Beauties replied:
Good one!

My2Beauties replied: OK...can we all let bigones be bigones on this one here?? This went way out of the way of the original OP....and I have to admit I was one of the parties who did so....sorry about that I had a moment Anyways, let's all just agree to disagree for those of us who disagree

PrairieMom replied: back on topic...
can you make your own pads? Mollie, do you have directions or anything?

mommy~to~a~bunch replied:
I've used a basic free one I found & modified it a bit to make it larger. It's not perfect, but who cares, right? I made mine 12" long by almost 8" wide at the wings. Here's the link I used: http://shewhorunsintheforest.googlepages.com/0010 . There's a page on there for caring for them too: http://shewhorunsintheforest.googlepages.com/005.

I used PUL (polyurethane laminate) for the backing, and a good quality flannel cotton for the inner & top. I didn't sew it like it says either. I sewed it so it's all in one, like a disposable. Just layered it together and sewed it. I used snaps on the wings, but Velcro would work too.

It's easy! I have to make up some more here soon, as I only have a few. I haven't had AF since Abby was born (13 months old today ). I hope AF comes soon LOL.

Calimama replied:
I think that's the first time I've EVER heard that.

mommy~to~a~bunch replied:
LOL, I'm just impatient for the next one! I have DH talked into at least one more, maybe 2.

PrairieMom replied:
can you get your Dh to talk to my dh? all I want is 3. Or 4. no, just three. I'm getting to old to have many more.

mommy~to~a~bunch replied:
LOL Tara!! I'll see what I can do! It's funny, we were watching that show Kids By the Dozen yesterday, and DH said anything over double digits was too many . We're only at 6 now, so we could have 3 more & still be single digits.......... .

Calimama replied:
I can't imagine having more than the number of hands I have!!

Maddie&EthansMom replied: Well, I have major hormone issues. My beliefs are that you can get all kinds of toxins from artificial/synthetic products that can make it worse. Of course I still use tampons (which really do make my periods worse and make me cramp a lot more than when I wear a pad). I just need to make some changes and see if it helps the hormone issue. I know when I eat better (all organic), exercise and drink a lot of water it changes my flow. These are my personal observations and something I strongly believe in.

holley79 replied: There is no way in hades I could use cloth pads. I have enough of a time changing regular pads. That's just me. I for one hate laundry so I wouldn't be able to keep up with having enough pads.

mysweetpeasWil&Wes replied: Wow, can't believe I actually read through that entire post....

Anyhow, I could probably do it, use cloth pads. They actually sound much more comfortable then regular pads. I prefer tampons, I use the obi kind without the applicator...makes me feel more eco-friendly. I guess my only worry would be, do they leak?? I used cloth washable breast pads for maybe a day...But they always leaked on me. And I was washing them constantly.

Nina J replied: You can get waterproof ones to stop leaking. And I can't believe I read though the entire post either

Mollie, I read on a couple of websites that they said it reduced your flow and cramping, etc. Its one of the reason's I decided to try them.

mommy~to~a~bunch replied:
I haven't had any problems with leaks . And Nina - that's great ! Hope they help reduce yours too.

Crystalina replied: I think even if I wore pads I would be worried about my pad making abilities.

Hillbilly Housewife replied:
So do I. It's why I'm still not taking birth control pills. I've had Transient Ischemic Attacks due to them. Tampons make me nautious... although I do use them on occasion... for a little while.

You can get Toxic Shock Syndrome from wearing tampons. it's not always from wearing them too long... sometimes it's just from wearing them. Period. (no pun intended...although it fits.. heh heh)

Your flow can be based on a lot of different things. The way you eat, how you excercise, how you sleep... i've had ones where it's lasted 6 days and heavy heavy bleeding... and some that have last 3 days and very light... or 6 days and very light... and 3 days super heavy... you only let out a few tablespoons of liquid, it just seems like soo much more. plastic doesn't absorb very well, that's why it always seems so messy and overflowing.

I really do like the cloth ones. Seem to keep the odor down too.

Maddie&EthansMom replied: Yeah, I can't do any artificial hormone and it's the whole reason I'm into organic (other than the fact that it's better for you). Tampons make me nauseous, too. weird.

I bet the cloth would help cut down on odor, if you think about it.

grapfruit replied:
You know I do believe I've noticed feeling sort of crappy, but I'd always atributed it to just being on AF.


WHICH by the way, I'm mad at all of you, b/c GUESS what came today That's right, I blame it on all this talk!

Maddie&EthansMom replied: Sorry Casey...I must have sent her straight to your door b/c she just left here!!!

grapfruit replied:
Thanks a lot Aimee! You could of at least WARNED me she was on her way. Love it when she just says "surprise!"

mommy~to~a~bunch replied:
Oh, maybe I'll get mine too !! That sure would be nice !

Hillbilly Housewife replied: You can have mine. In 1 1/2 weeks.

mommy~to~a~bunch replied: Thanks Rocky !

Crystalina replied: Ok now ladies...are we going to turn this into an AF thread? Because if so that's kinda gross.




















JOKE!

Danalana replied: I am a tampon girl, but I have used pads a few times. And at times when I was caught off-guard, I had to use toilet paper until i could get somewhere to get a tampon or pad. I have to say my flow is ALWAYS the same...fairly heavy. Maybe I just don't have the hormone issue that some of you are talking about. I haven't had a period in a while, so that has been AMAZING

OH! I wanted to add that tampons make me feel cleaner somehow. I can't stand the feeling of oozing