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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:
Thread gallery
8
Sparklingbrook · 03/12/2016 16:58

Like not having a period? How about the emptying it bit?

BroomstickOfLove · 03/12/2016 17:03

First thing in the morning, last thing at night. Less hassle than brushing your teeth. But mostly like not having your period in that you can't feel it when it's in property, so on a couple of occasions I've forgotten to take it out at the end of my period and had to get up in the night once I've remembered.

BroomstickOfLove · 03/12/2016 17:04

Properly, not property.

BroomstickOfLove · 03/12/2016 17:05

And the emptying it is only slightly more complicated that going to the loo would normally be.

Sparklingbrook · 03/12/2016 17:06

Ah ok. I really don't feel they are for me, but can see it works for a lot of people. I don't like the thought of it and the emptying while out and about would make me anxious.

BroomstickOfLove · 03/12/2016 17:08

I can understand that. And I think that are not really suitable for anyone who is very uncomfortable around blood, because it is very clearly and obviously blood in a way that is disguised a bit by most other methods.

griffinsss · 03/12/2016 18:03

I thought about making the purchase but I had a toss-up between disposable pads and a mooncup and chose the mooncup in the end (due to the cost mainly). I might reconsider and give myself the choice each month, I think my 12 year old might like them.

I used to have to take my disposable pads home with me when I was at school as there wasn't a sanitary bin in the toilets and I was too embarrassed to put them in he bin where people could see (I was only 9 when I started menstruating though). I don't see why this is so traumatising? Just put them in a small sandwich bag or waterproof/make up bag (specifically for the purpose) and bin it at home?

I'm used to cloth nappies though, which many find equally gross.

griffinsss · 03/12/2016 18:07

I'm someone whose anxiety is triggered by large quantities of blood too, it really isn't that bad.

RhodaBorrocks · 03/12/2016 18:13

I used to use a moon cup but after having DS they don't fit any more (either size). So as I was using cloth nappies, I got some cloth pads as well. My friend used to make them and I got some really nice ones from her for cost price as they were trial runs.

I've since had an implant so I barely get periods my more. I last had one in July because of taking antibiotics, and before that I hadn't had one since 2008!!!

But if I do go back to having periods, or ever need maternity pads again, I'm going cloth all the way. Disposables just give me rashes and they stink.

PeppaIsMyHero · 03/12/2016 18:16

I had no idea they even existed.

I'm struggling to get the hang of the Mooncup (though persevering!) and might give these a try. I just want to stop using up the frigging planet on things that there is a re-useable product that could be used instead. Thanks OP.

Original poster
Bex107 · 03/12/2016 18:27

Peppa they certainly seem to have gotten more popular recently - like you, I hadn't even realised you could get such a thing! Maybe with the increasing popularity of cloth nappies people are thinking more about other options? Either way, we've found reusables reduce waste massively, which is obviously great for the environment but also useful when you only have a tiny wheelie in that's emptied once a fortnight!

OP posts:
kali110 · 03/12/2016 21:00

I would hate the thought of carrying around bloody pads and then throwing them into the wash with my clothes.
I also hate the fastening, i don't buy disposables with wings because they annoy me, so not a chance would these work for me.
I've also seen these that don't have a popper, you just have to wear tight underwear to keep them in place Confused
(Which i don't always like to do).
All in all, i'm very happy with disposables.
I also have no problem with the scent of them!

Olives106 · 03/12/2016 21:05

I couldn't be without my fairy hammocks, bought from the weenotions website. They're extremely comfortable, my favourite material being bamboo lining with minkee outer. The heavy flow ones rarely or never leak, even overnight, and are more reliable than disposable super or night pads.

They can be a little bulky so I do wear skirts or tunics rather than jeans if I'm out of the house wearing a heavy flow pad, but that's a small price to pay.

I fold them up after use and put them in a plastic bag in the laundry bin, then when I have a load I put them on a 15 min cold cycle then wash them with my towels.

They don't smell, aren't plasticky, and do come in all sorts of fun patterns. What's not to like?!

Mrsglitterpants · 03/12/2016 21:23

I love them. So much nicer than a horrible bit of sticky plastic next to your skin. Which will still be around in twenty years, rotting in some landfill. Bleugh.

BuntyCollocks · 03/12/2016 21:43

I use a mooncup, but for the heaviest day of my period, where I know I'll overflow at night, I back up with a huge, washable pad. It's wonderful. So comfy. Means I get a full night sleep instead of getting up to deal with a mess.

If I was to have another baby (unlikely) I'd get some more in for the Lochia.

ItsALLAboutMeMeMeMeME · 03/12/2016 21:53

Threads like this grate on me. I don't see why people have to evangelise about every little lifestyle change they make and in the process stealth berate others for what they choose to do under the guise of protecting the environment or saving the children or fluffy bunnies or going back to our primitive roots or whatever other message they wish to push to justify whatever choice they made.

Cloth nappies and menstrual pads? Super. Whatever makes you comfortable.
Extreme attachment parenting? Marvellous. So glad it's working for you and your child.
Cut out gluten/dairy/carbs/meat/caffeine/alcohol? Fantastic. So happy for you.
Going to the gym or cycling or yoga? Wonderful.

I totally respect whatever choices you make, now, how about you do me the same courtesy and stop telling me (no matter how nicely you say it) that I'm doing life wrong if I don't stop what I'm doing that makes me happy and comfortable and healthy and fit and do it your way instead.

FizzBombBathTime · 03/12/2016 21:57

ItsALL I love you a bit

Ankleswingers · 03/12/2016 22:01

I'm a Tampon fan. Have always used them apart from when I had my two DC.

Each to their own and all that but cloth sanitary pads are most definitely not for me.

Flingmoo · 03/12/2016 22:06

ItsALLAboutMeMeMeMeME

I actually think threads like this are great because they bring a different perspective. We all know disposables are the norm - if it wasn't for threads like this 'evangelizing' on Mumsnet I wouldn't have learnt about cloth pads and researched them further, and eventually decided to try them out myself.

OP didn't say 'you're all silly for not using them', the title is about why more people don't use them when they're actually pretty good. I think the answer is simply that it's not the current norm, it's not something that big companies can make lots of money on by marketing them, and because periods and menstrual blood are still considered a bit of a taboo, women don't often talk about these things and discuss what works best for them!

That's why Mumsnet is so great, because its one of the few places we can discuss the gory details of periods, childbirth, menopause, etc with other women and get real feedback and suggestions rather than just marketing and ads to tell us what products are best...

Talking of adverts for sanitary products - it's all clear blue liquid instead of red blood, and euphemisms about freedom and comfort. At least here we can cut the bullshit and admit that yes, we actually do bleed from our vaginas, yes it can be an inconvenience, why not discuss and share what works for us.

SerialReJoiner · 03/12/2016 22:06

My 13 yo DD wears clothes pads at school from time to time. She prefers disposable be cause she has sensory issues and feels the cloth pads are too thick, but if she runs out of disposable pads during her cycle, it's easy for her to grab a few cloth ones and a small wetbag and shove it in her rucksack. The wetbag is a cute design and looks like a makeup bag. There is no smell. Trust me - using them is not a big deal, or my DD wouldn't do it at all.

I hate disposables and use a mooncup with cloth pads as backup. It's the best combination for me.

Original poster
Bex107 · 03/12/2016 22:10

Serial has your DD tried the Cheeky Wipes cotton cloth ultrapads? I've recommended them to someone else on here, but I think they're thinner than any disposables I've tried, to me they don't feel any different to wearing knickers, might be worth a try for her?

OP posts:
ChristmasTreeKisses · 03/12/2016 22:13

Agree Op. Love them and won't go back, odour free, so comfortable, cute patterns and much more absorbant than disposables. Washing is easy, just a 30 degree wash with no fabric softener.

NerrSnerr · 03/12/2016 22:15

I use disposable pads, they're convenient for me and I don't put too much thought into it. They're not uncomfortable for me and I wouldn't want the extra washing. I wouldn't use reusable nappies either.

pklme · 03/12/2016 22:18

Two things- people think taking a pad home to wash is disgusting, but leaving it in a landfill for years and years is not.

Cloth pads don't get stuck to themselves, go off centre, and leak around the edges the way disposables do. You can reposition them if they are a bit too far forward or back, unlike disposables. You can wear them all month, just in case, without discomfort or extra cost.

TaraCarter · 03/12/2016 22:19

I want to use them, but I'm worried about:
huge initial outlay for something that may not work for me,
leaks,
lack of absorbancy, leading to public embarrassment,
lack of waterproof backing leading to leaks,
uncomfortable poppers when cycling.

I've just impulsively ordered some on account of this thread and then realised that they don't have PUL lining. Shite.