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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To wonder why more people don't use cloth sanitary pads?

596 replies

Bex107 · 03/12/2016 10:57

They have changed my life, and I'm so sad I didn't discover them sooner! When my periods came waltzing back just three months after DS arrived I couldn't bear the thought of tampons or plasticky towels, but I couldn't find anyone I knew who'd used cloth. They are bloody (!) wonderful, if you're considering it give them a go - I wish I'd had someone to tell me that!

OP posts:
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MrsJayy · 03/12/2016 11:14

My sanitary towels have pink swirls on then not sure it enhances my period though which is bloody and heavy and painful

FrancisCrawford · 03/12/2016 11:15

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

YouCanStandMeUpSpartacus · 03/12/2016 11:15

I love them and also discovered them after childbirth and wish I had discovered them sooner. They are so comfortable and pretty - there's a positive feeling about wearing these beautiful, soft fabrics against my skin, rather than horrid itchy plastic stinky things that you roll up and throw away in shame and disgust.

I just stick them in the washing machine, no bother really, no rinsing or yuckiness. No leakage problems and I have a heavy flow - they have a waterproof layer. No smell either. It was a revelation - that weird smell - it's not you! It's the chemicals in your disposable sanitary products!

Original poster
Bex107 · 03/12/2016 11:16

Brat, I guess each to their own, although I would hesitate to call a natural bodily function gross - it needs dealing with one way or another! I've found the disposables more unpleasant - sticky, smelly, yuck. The cloth pads never smell, and it's easy to tuck them in a little waterproof bag if you need to change them while out and about. Also, they're nothing like the old school ones which were like nappies! Much thinner and lighter, and better absorbency and leak protection.

OP posts:
BratFarrarsPony · 03/12/2016 11:17

yes I suppose all fabrics have improved over the years.

Arfarfanarf · 03/12/2016 11:18

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

MadisonMontgomery · 03/12/2016 11:18

Yes the smell! I always thought periods were a bit smelly and gross, but cloth pads don't smell at all.

PensionOutOfReach · 03/12/2016 11:19

I always find it interesting that using cloths nappies is seen as ok if not for everyone due to the washing etc... but certainly acceptable whereas cloth menstruation towels aren't.

Thisjustinno · 03/12/2016 11:19

Because disposable sanitary towels horrify me so I know keeping them and washing them would be even worse!

Soubriquet · 03/12/2016 11:19

Yes the smell! I always thought periods were a bit smelly and gross, but cloth pads don't smell at all.

Interesting

I've always thought my periods were very strong smelling.

FrancisCrawford · 03/12/2016 11:19

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

MrsJayy · 03/12/2016 11:21

How many cloth ones do you use in an average day?

humblesims · 03/12/2016 11:21

whip off the pad and put it in the bin and that is that.

seriously? and then what? they disappear in a magic puff of smoke?

MilkTwoSugarsThanks · 03/12/2016 11:21

Wider than disposables? Wider??
😱

Disposables are already wider than the bloody M6!

slenderisthenight · 03/12/2016 11:21

No harm in your liking them but...

are you out of your mind?

Not meant aggressively BTW!

FlappysMammyAndPopeInExile · 03/12/2016 11:24

Had they been available while I was in my fertile years, I would have used them. I don't have problems with blood, or washing stuff that others might think is revolting, and they have to be better for the planet.

BigDamnHero · 03/12/2016 11:24

How do they stay in place? A PP mentioned something about velcro or poppers? Surely that would be horrendously uncomfortable (but I'm probably autistic and already have huge sensory problems with seams and tags etc. in pants and trousers)?

FlappysMammyAndPopeInExile · 03/12/2016 11:25

I've always thought my periods were very strong smelling.

Me, too, Sou

I smelled positively feral.

Soubriquet · 03/12/2016 11:28

I think after Christmas I'm going to have to give it a go if I still have periods (ttc) and compare

formerbabe · 03/12/2016 11:28

I hate pads of any description. Wearing one makes me feel sick. Yabu.

2legit2knit · 03/12/2016 11:29

I wouldn't use disposable nappies either, I don't care what other people do, if you have the time/ inclination to wash and dry shitty nappies and bloody pads good for you. I do think it's odd to "wonder why" anyone might not want to use them though! I would have thought that was fairly obvious....

Original poster
Bex107 · 03/12/2016 11:30

Hero, there's usually a single small popper on the wings that pops together under the gusset of your knickers, you can't feel it at all. Also, fairly snug knickers are key Smile

OP posts:
expatinscotland · 03/12/2016 11:34

Because mooncups are so much better.

Original poster
Bex107 · 03/12/2016 11:35

Sou & Flappys, I couldn't believe the lack of smell with cloth pads - I too thought that smell was just the norm! Also been really irritated by the fact that most disposables now seem to be floral scented - lady bits don't and shouldn't smell like flowers, and I hate that we're made to think they should!

OP posts:
Sparklingbrook · 03/12/2016 11:36

I am quite happy with my choices of feminine hygiene, mainly tampons. Cloth pads and moon cups aren't for me.
It's great there's a choice for everyone.