This is not a paid post. It is my first time using cloth pads and I would like to write it down for whoever is interested in tossing disposal pads and venture into cloth.
I have been using disposals for Lord knows when. My first sanitary pads were Southalls, those pads that are maxi in size with a loop on each end of the pad. No sticky backing on those pads, or better still, the ones with “wings”. Pure cotton. I either have to wear a garter kinda thing to hold the pad in place which I eventually got rid of that pain in the butt thing and wore underwear that were tighter to keep the pad in place. My mom taught me to wrapped the used pad with newspaper, and when you are in school, especially while in Primary school, it really sucked coz not many of my classmates have their periods that young. I had to sneaked the big wrapped up bulky pad into my pocket and walked fast to the school toilets. God, I hated those days.
When the sticky backing ones came into existance which I don’t even remember when, woohoo, they were thin ,comfy, and came with “wings”, however, the drawbacks, in my opinion: the pads stink to high heaven when wet and it is due to the chemical used in the pads; when you sweat, it sticks to the skin like glue; the plastic material keeps me warm. But I still used them coz they were convenient.
How I got into cloth pads? I first took noticed of cloth pad some time early last year. I never knew they existed at all. I was surfing the web, probably Googling on something and the result came out cloth pads. I browsed through the site and that was that.
Then I read Jam’s post where he wrote about cloth versus disposals. He wrote the post to emphasize the better use of cloth as opposed to disposables. Some commenter thinks cloth is disgusting coz you need to wash the pads after using them instead of tossing them in the trash. After reading his post, I thought I should try a few and find out how it is and is it really a hassle to wash them: will the stain comes out and how will I wash them, and write my review about my experience.
I ordered my cloth pads from New Moon Pads. This company is a small home business created by a stay at home mom out in British Columbia, Canada. I got myself some – different sizes for different flows. I was still a little skeptical if it would be too warm for me since they are made from fleece on the backing and flannel for the tops. One thing great about these pads from Renee, the owner of this business, the pads do not need any additional layering or stuffing extra layers. They are all-in one pad. Plus, Renee picks the cutest cloths to make these pads. They are so darn cute.
I received them just in time for my period. Wow, I have to say they are very comfortable. They stayed in place which I was very glad. And best of all, they do not stink like the disposable ones. During my heavy flow, I had the pad which has heavier absorbency; no soak through, very good absorbency. How did I wash them? I threw all of them in the washer with my other laundry. My laundry is done with cold water so that works out well. I didn’t have to pre-soak them. Toss them in the washer with the clothes, add detergent and they came out clean, no stains at all. I didn’t put in the dryer with my other clothes. I air dried them and they still worked great.
When at work, I brought a clean one with me, put the used one in the bag. I don’t immediately wash them after each use, just dumped them in the to-be washed laundry. Since I only bought a few, that’s why I only wash them when we do our regular laundry.
Will I continue to use these cloth pads? The answer is Yes, I will. Putting these cloth pads with pretty and cute prints on them takes the period cramps, bloatiness out of your mind. It is slightly more expensive but in the long run it’s cheaper. Moreover, the Canadian dollar is rising, Renee has special discounts on her products. I will need to get more of them later from her, but right now I have to try to use up the disposable ones off slowly, but surely, unless I give them away.