To think the NCT should not be promoting Vagisil?

[ifigoup]

I've just been at an NCT Nearly New sale to buy baby clothes etc. I'm pregnant with DC1, not an NCT member, and this was the first time I'd been.

On the way in I was given a goody bag containing free samples of nappy cream, baby bubble bath etc. I didn't actually look at any of it until after I'd left. When I got home I was shocked to discover that among the samples was a bottle of "feminine wash".

I always thought the NCT was pro-women and their bodies. Why on earth would they be giving out something that's unnecessary at best, harmful to the natural balance of your body, and perpetuates the idea that female genitalia are dirty???

i don't think you're expected to squirt it up your vag.

Ok then so it doesn't suit you Fay, but millions people wash their external genital area with something more than a bit of warm water on a facecloth (yuk!) with no ill effects.

You could say the same about any scented soap or shower gel and armpits. As it's not just vaginal secretions that are present on the area, there can be sweat, residual urine, blood too, all add to the odour and some people prefer to use more than just water to clean the area. If you are going to use a product it might make sense to use one that's been formulated specially for that purpose. I'd have no problem with this at all.

I was told that if my lochea had a smell to report it. My HV even examined my pads. Smelly lochea is an indication of infection.

YANBU, all that is needed is a wash, like any other time. You should not be masking your natural smell with highly perfumed products in the weeks post birth.

My area is not yuk thank you. What a very personal thing to assume.

Oh don't be silly.

I love free stuff like that. I would have given it a whirl especially after childbirth.

People are so ungrateful.

I did find the NCT a bit scary though.

I was told that if my lochea had a smell to report it.

Both times I gave birth, mine smelt like a butchers shop. Didn't have an infection.

Maybe I have sensitive nose.

People use all sorts of unnecessary products because they want to.

Who are you to say they shouldn't OP?

Yanbu. They have a responsibility to choose their commercial partners to reflect their demographic and charitable purpose.

The implication of handing out this stuff is that there is something wrong with women's bodies that needs fixing. And actually normal women don't smell unpleasant. If you are smelly see a doctor and get it treated! Plus there's quite a bit of evidence these feminine washes can be harmful by causing BV or thrush.

These washes are just another way of businesses telling women there is something wrong with them for the sole purpose of flogging their product to fix this mythical problem - so no, NCT shouldn't have a relationship with them imo because it undermines the whole bloody point of NCT to empower women to make evidence based choices.

Please don't complain to the nearly new sale volunteers. A sale is exhausting and takes months of organising. All the volunteers are mums giving up their time so you can get a bargain and raise money for the local branch.

They are not responsible for the leaflets and free samples. That is Head Office. They are the ones being paid and make the decisions.

DO COMPLAIN to Head Office if you feel strongly. I can give you a email if you wish.

As an example in the past we have had stain remover samples and tens lights in the bags.

Why is the 'natural odour' of sweaty armpits not considered acceptable and yet the odour of sweaty fanjo is celebrated as 'natural' and 'healthy' on Mumsnet? Why is it anti female to wash your vulva with soap, shower gel or femfresh? I am a feminist, I don't hate my genitals or the way they smell but I do choose to wash them...as I assume so do most feminists?!

How anyone can be offended by being given a free sample of fanjo wash is beyond me?

I just thought it was a soap free alternative to use on your fanjo instead of harsh shower gels. Nothing to do with anything being wrong, I don't think the product itself has a perfume as such.

I get your point op but everything you get in those bags - and from midwives, at the hospital etc - is just there to promote the products on behalf of the commercial partners of the charity/trust. You also don't need to use bubble bath on babies and midwives would actually advise against it at least at first but they still hand out the bags. It's not a cynical decision in itself on behalf of the health provider or charity. If you have an issue, better to take it up with the way such products are marketed in general - after all some people may want and choose to use them and it's a free market!

"The implication of handing out this stuff is that there is something wrong with women's bodies that needs fixing."

I don't agree with this at all. Scented sanitary towels, yes, those annoy me and I can see the argument there.

But this is just an alternative to soap and water, that is all.

Yanbu. I agree with you op. These products send the harmful message about women's bodies. Yes this might seem like a small matter compared to other issues but it's part of the big picture.

Well I can smell somebody's sweaty armpits Scartlett and that's unpleasant. I've never smelt a "sweaty fanjo" or indeed had to deal with such an issue at work (BO and issues with general washing yes).

Women should still wash. That's just good hygiene but washing with special washes isn't normal for most people (medical conditions and sensitivity excepted).

I'm sorry if you have a sweaty fanjo though. That isn't normal so maybe see your gp?

I agree bibbity.

I see no harmful message.

What harmful message?

So no-one should use deodorant, soap, make-up, face creams, whitening toothpaste, hair products etc?

They're all products we don't actually need, but many are happy to buy or leave on the shelf.

It's just personal choice

From Vagisil's own website:

And did you know, your period, sex, tight clothes, menopause, even some body washes and soap can disrupt your vaginal area balance? And when your balance is off, you feel more vulnerable. Only Vagisil pH Balance Intimate Wash has LactoPrebiotic and helps support a healthy intimate pH and fortify natural defences.

Firstly, if you're just washing the outside what's the LactoPrebiotic doing? And what needs defending on the outside? So much wrong with just that paragraph but I particularly hate you feel more vulnerable to what? Immoral marketeers who'd sell their own granny?!

Haha MovingOnUp, no need to worry about me or my fanjo thanks, although I don't see why a bit of sweat down below would be reason to see the Gp?

I think your argument about washing being good hygiene, but washing with 'special washes' somehow stopping women from being 'empowered', is weak to say the least.

And also, why is it so hard to believe that some people's bodies smell more/different to others?

It doesn't necessarily mean you need to see a doctor.

It might just mean you're fond of spicy food for example, and it smells strongly when you sweat it out.

I know my sweat smells a bit different if I've eaten my MIL's lovely onion soup.

It's a shit product that most people won't want to use.

I can imagine people feel self conscious of their fanjo smells. Or they can smell it. Not sure I would call it vulnerable.

Lots of products are marketed with emotive language.

Shower gel isn't needed soap will do. That's not offensive. Vagisil isn't degrading to women.

If you feel you want to use, do it. Don't feel you have to because the advert says it's good or you get a free sample.

That same as every other product out there.

I don't see the angst, I really don't.