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Here's to Your Health:  Homemade Menstrual pads  |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
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GaiasRose
True Blue Farmgirl
2552 Posts
Tasha-Rose
St. Paul
Minnesota
2552 Posts |
 Posted - Jan 23 2007 : 12:10:30 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Rosemary
quote:
Originally posted by MustangSuzie
Most of the time I use a natural rubber cup. You can find info about it at www.thekeeper.com .
Sarah
Sarah, I found out about the rubber cups kind of late in my menstruating life, and wish I'd known sooner. If you're not squeamish about your own body, and you really shouldn't be, they're a snap to use, easy to clean and reuse, and ever so much friendlier to the environment than even home-made cloth pads. I had one of those perimenopausal eras that was characterized by flooding bordering on something out of a horror movie. The cup didn't quite handle that all by itself, but it was way better tham even the super-est of super tampons. Check it out, girls.
I get wicked awful cramps if I have to use a tampon and I had purchased some of the instead cups for when I was going to be away for a long while and cant keep up with changing and soaking like I need to, like if I am going to be away fromthe house ALL weekend or something. I used them and found that even they -which are a disposable version of the keeper or the diva cup- gave me really bad cramping.
~*~Brightest Blessings~*~
Tasha-Rose
Blogs: http://gaiarose.wordpress.com
http://frugalwitch.wordpress.com
http://tasharose365.wordpress.com/
Homepage: http://mysticwoodsfarm.com |
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MustangSuzie
True Blue Farmgirl
634 Posts
Sarah
New London
Missouri
USA
634 Posts |
Posted - Jan 23 2007 : 7:42:11 PM
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I bought some kind of lil cup things at walmart once but i didn't like them. They were very small and seemed to just fit over the cervix. The only complaint i would have about the keeper is that on heavy days it seems to leak some but a cloth back up pad is just the trick.
Sarah |
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faithymom
True Blue Farmgirl
360 Posts
Faith
Sandpoint
ID
USA
360 Posts |
Posted - Jan 23 2007 : 10:47:27 PM
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Well, my town just got a freecycle and I just yesterday picked up some cloth prefold diapers that are organic cotton and some hemp ones as well...
I am making some into all-in-one dipes for my SIL who's expecting, but I may have to snag some for this project instead!
Faith
"All television is educational television. The only question is, what is it teaching?"-Fmr. FCC Commissioner Nicholas Johnson |
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herbquilter
True Blue Farmgirl
891 Posts
Kristine
Bonney Lake
Wa
USA
891 Posts |
Posted - Jan 24 2007 : 10:15:24 PM
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Diva cups are the best. At 47yrs & at that stage ....when the cycle comes you stay home for 24 hours or more to be close to the bathroom.... Now I can go places that day of the month.
I started out using a cup & pad, but now only a cup.
So economical & no extra trash. The ones with other companies don't work as well as the diva.
www.divacup.com
Blessings,
Kristine
Bonney Lake, WA |
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faithymom
True Blue Farmgirl
360 Posts
Faith
Sandpoint
ID
USA
360 Posts |
Posted - Jan 25 2007 : 12:47:40 AM
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Darn! I ordered some supplies to make my own pads and they didn't get here soon enough. Now I have to wait a whole 'nother month...
"All television is educational television. The only question is, what is it teaching?"-Fmr. FCC Commissioner Nicholas Johnson |
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CountryGirl85
True Blue Farmgirl
225 Posts
Laura
Oswego
IL
USA
225 Posts |
Posted - Jan 28 2007 : 1:16:22 PM
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Well ladies, I did it! I just ordered a diva cup and some cotton pads! I ordered the pads from etsy and they're a cute kitty pattern! I'm using up the last of my disposable pads as we speak and getting rid of my tampon stash. I'm excited for next month!  My boyfriend was a little grossed out when I told him of my plans and even more grossed out when I told him I want to use cloth diapers when we have kids! We most likely won't be having kids for 4 or 5 years, so I have plenty of time to work on him!  I just wish more people were open to taking this route. It's so much better for the health of ourselves and the environment, and easier on the wallet, too!
Many happy periods to you all!
Laura
http://thecraftycatgirl.blogspot.com
"In spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart." Anne Frank |
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MustangSuzie
True Blue Farmgirl
634 Posts
Sarah
New London
Missouri
USA
634 Posts |
Posted - Jan 28 2007 : 1:46:54 PM
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The only difference I can see between the Keeper and the Diva cup is that the Keeper is made from natural rubber and the Diva is made from silicone. Otherwise they look basically the same to me.
Sarah |
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levisgrammy
True Blue Farmgirl
9581 Posts
Denise
Beavercreek
Ohio
USA
9581 Posts |
Posted - Jan 28 2007 : 2:18:02 PM
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| I have used the homemade pads for a long time. Flannel is cheap at walmart. You can get a lot of them out of a couple of yards. And flannel is much softer than those itchy plastic things they sell. Safer than tampons. I have been reading these posts and having passed through the perimenopause I was surprised to hear how many have said they had heavy periods during that time. Mine were lighter and longer for a while but now they are lighter and only last a few days. Also, I don't get them regularly any more. Like 3 months in between. |
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yellojewl
True Blue Farmgirl
72 Posts
Amber
Hurley
MO
USA
72 Posts |
Posted - Jan 28 2007 : 4:43:44 PM
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| I am so glad I came across this post. I am definitely trying the homemade pads. I hate the others (same reason as others have stated), and I can't use tampons because of the cramps they cause me. I'm headed to all the links you ladies have given and on my next fabric buying trip, I'm going to be buying some flannel (unless I decide to use some of my hubbies old shirts). |
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MustangSuzie
True Blue Farmgirl
634 Posts
Sarah
New London
Missouri
USA
634 Posts |
Posted - Jan 28 2007 : 6:12:21 PM
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Amber...the first ones I made were out of old flannel shirts we had around the house. The were the softest ever.
Sarah |
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GaiasRose
True Blue Farmgirl
2552 Posts
Tasha-Rose
St. Paul
Minnesota
2552 Posts |
Posted - Jan 28 2007 : 7:19:53 PM
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I finally got myself a copy of the book "Sister Moon Lodge" and I am loving it. It has a section about cloth pads and using them as absorbers instead of blocking your flow and being shameful about it. It is what makes you a woman! It is to be cherished....that is what drives me to use the water from my soak bucket (though I am thinking on making my soak bucket more celebratory, such as the suggestion in the book- I love her description of her jar) on plants and the garden....it is life and nourishing. I am loving this thread.
~*~Brightest Blessings~*~
Tasha-Rose
Blogs: http://gaiarose.wordpress.com
http://frugalwitch.wordpress.com
http://tasharose365.wordpress.com/
Homepage: http://mysticwoodsfarm.com |
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brightmeadow
True Blue Farmgirl
2045 Posts
Brenda
Lucas
Ohio
USA
2045 Posts |
Posted - Jan 29 2007 : 7:31:22 PM
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Rosemary, I am perimenopausal too and "horror movie" about covers it -- flood also is a good description. The last few months I have been trying to decide whether I can afford to stay home from work for a day or two, or not -- not financially, but trying to figure how what to tell my boss.... He is soooo caring and concerned about our various illnesses.... and I work in a male-dominated field, IT.... not much patience for "female" stuff...
Does anyone have a good source of information on what is "normal" for perimenopause? I've got a doctors appt. coming up end of March but that's a couple of months away...
You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands - You shall be happy and it shall be well with you. -Psalm 128.2
Visit my blog at http://brightmeadowfarms.blogspot.com ,web site store at http://www.watkinsonline.com/fish or my homepage at http://home.earthlink.net/~brightmeadow |
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Kim
True Blue Farmgirl
146 Posts
Kim
Pflugerville
Texas
USA
146 Posts |
Posted - Feb 04 2007 : 3:21:08 PM
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Sister Moon Lodge is a great book! My daughter said her moon time is better now that she is reading it. Her Blood is Gold is another awesome book. I just ordered cloth pads from HagRags. She has really fun ones.
farmgirl@heart
Be at peace with yourself and the rest will follow |
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Kim
True Blue Farmgirl
146 Posts
Kim
Pflugerville
Texas
USA
146 Posts |
Posted - Feb 04 2007 : 3:55:42 PM
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Also, check out Moon Flow Magazine (mail only)
farmgirl@heart
Be at peace with yourself and the rest will follow |
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KarenP
True Blue Farmgirl
666 Posts
Karen
Chippewa Falls
Wisconsin
USA
666 Posts |
Posted - Feb 05 2007 : 6:31:17 PM
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Well, I made a dozen pads and 2 dozen liners from a pattern at http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com/sanitarypads.htm
I made a couple and found they were so much more comfortable than panty liners or pads, so I made some more.
I need to do something for fasteners yet, maybe snaps or just safety pins.
I don't know if I ready to give up the tampons entirely yet.
I do have problems with the Keeper I have.
Don't seem to get a good seal and still have leakage.
I do feel the cloth pads will be great for bike riding this spring, no rough paper rubs.
This had been a fun tread to read.
This not the type of thing my husband discuss at length.
But, he has said they look like they'd be way more comfortable to wear than the disposable stuff.
He likes the fact I'm always willing to try new stuff and try to look at things differently.
HagRags was a fun site especially the "Tsunami Liners" I laughed out loud!
Thanks for everyone's ideas!
KarenP
"Purest Spring Water in the World" |
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GaiasRose
True Blue Farmgirl
2552 Posts
Tasha-Rose
St. Paul
Minnesota
2552 Posts |
Posted - Feb 06 2007 : 08:32:34 AM
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Karen,
I think it's hilarious how different husbands can be! My husband, though he doesn't want to see my soaking pads, always wants to know what I have to say about my cycle. He adores that I cherish it instead of hate it, because he was around when I was a teenager with keep me home from school cramps....he knows how I use to hate it. He loves that I use the water for our plants and garden, as everything is healthy and vibrant and flourishes! He is excited for when the girls have their Menarch so that I can celebrate that with them.
I think it is so funny how different men can be! LOL
I think you will grow to enjoy using your cloth pads. I think there is a getting use to it period (no pun intended) but I really think once you really convert, you are there through your menstruating years!
~*~Brightest Blessings~*~
Tasha-Rose
Blogs: http://gaiarose.wordpress.com
http://frugalwitch.wordpress.com
http://tasharose365.wordpress.com/
Homepage: http://mysticwoodsfarm.com
Birth is safe, interferrance is risky; TRUST BIRTH |
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Persephone
True Blue Farmgirl
172 Posts
Katrina
Indiana
USA
172 Posts |
Posted - Feb 06 2007 : 08:55:52 AM
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| When I told my husband about FAM and my cycles, he thought it was so cool. He told me he was telling his best man about it while they were dressing for our wedding! ROFL!!! And since he does the laundry, he does my pads. Has no issues with it. (Or if he does, hasn't said anything to me!) I have such a great guy. :) |
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MustangSuzie
True Blue Farmgirl
634 Posts
Sarah
New London
Missouri
USA
634 Posts |
Posted - Feb 06 2007 : 10:00:22 AM
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Karen I use little snaps on mine. Lately I've been just wearing the insert without the outside part and it stays in place just fine on it's own. My keeper leaks a lil bit on heavy days but it works great on lighter ones. After reading up on what the chlorine process does to our bodies I'll never use commercial bleached pads or tampons again.
Ohhhh I almost forget. I found a copy of Sister Moon Lodge on ebay. It's on it's way!!
Blessings....
Sarah
Something I borrowed...
"In our every deliberation, we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations." -From The Great Law Of The Iroquois Confederacy.
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Edited by - MustangSuzie on Feb 06 2007 10:01:12 AM |
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BarefootGoatGirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1495 Posts
Corrine
North Carolina
USA
1495 Posts |
Posted - Feb 06 2007 : 1:15:12 PM
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I cycled a few weeks ago and used my new cloth pads, I loved it! For the first time I was actualy comfortable while I cycled. For church I added an extra liner just in case, and then compleatly forgot I was cyclying!
'
Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds. Proverbs 27:23 |
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FlipFlopFarmer
True Blue Farmgirl
198 Posts
Carla
Molalla
Oregon
198 Posts |
Posted - Feb 06 2007 : 5:09:35 PM
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I went to the craft store and asked for the polyurethane palmitate and they looked at me like I was asking for rocket fuel or something. Told them what I was making and they directed me to a very thin rubberized cotton. Anyone tried this for the bottom layer?
Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly. |
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GaiasRose
True Blue Farmgirl
2552 Posts
Tasha-Rose
St. Paul
Minnesota
2552 Posts |
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oceanfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
231 Posts
Rachel
A Little Closer to Heaven
Oregon Coast
USA
231 Posts |
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momtoeight
Farmgirl in Training
35 Posts
Laura
Medicine Bow
WY
USA
35 Posts |
Posted - Feb 18 2007 : 11:23:16 AM
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I've never thought much about what I used for menstrual protection until recently. My periods are beyond heavy, "horror movie" is just a great description. Recently I finally discovered that I am allergic to tampons. They caused irritation and pain when using them.
I'd get one moderate day, two unbelievably heavy days (chained to the house), and then tapering off - they last 9 days now, sometimes 10 or 11, with the last four days being mostly plasma. I am certain that it has something to do with nutritional deficiencies, since I have Crohn's Disease which is difficult to balance diet for. I've been in to the doctor, their solutions are three options: Use ibuprofen (cannot use it at night, it gives me sleep apnea), use methergine (to cause cramps - it does not even work anymore to do that!), or have a hysterectomy. I'd love to have another baby, so having a hysterectomy is NOT an option!
I got a Diva Cup (I am allergic to latex, so other brands are not a good idea!). I find that it is usable, but only just - my uterus is mildly prolapsed, so the cup tends to drop very low, and it is not terribly comfortable. I bleed heavily enough that using it at night is pretty awful - I wake up about once an hour just before it leaks, and it flows over when I stand up. The good thing about it, and not using tampons has been that it has decreased to just one really heavy day instead of two. The cup also allows me to measure blood flow - so I KNOW it is way more than it should be, but unfortunately, knowing doesn't help me to have any options I did not have before I knew!
So I am wearing Depends Briefs for night. I have some absolutely huge pads that I put inside those on the worst nights. I am not allergic to the Depends, AM allergic to other types of pads (they cause itching and rash). Have not used cloth because I don't think I could make any that were absorbent enough.
I'm just trying to cope with the heavy periods, because there seems no alternative. I've tried an assortment of herbs to slow it down, but most do not help - Red Raspberry Leaf gives a barely noticeable difference if I take it in high doses. What I really need is to be able to control the Crohn's Disease, which would help to balance out some of the other issues, but it is a slow process - just when I think I've got it, I find something else that keeps it from healing.
Good thread - not the kind of thing you can talk about on just any forum!
Laura
Mom to Eight
Firelight Web Studio - http://www.firelightwebstudio.com - Small Business Website Services with a Difference - Personal, Flexible, and Friendly |
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KarenP
True Blue Farmgirl
666 Posts
Karen
Chippewa Falls
Wisconsin
USA
666 Posts |
Posted - Feb 20 2007 : 4:33:37 PM
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I've been using my cloth pads and they are sooooo comfortable!
What are you girls using to soak them in until you wash?
I have a small bucket and I used a little borax, what are some other options?
Would vinegar be better?
KarenP
"Purest Spring Water in the World" |
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Here's to Your Health: Homemade Menstrual pads |
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Homemade Menstrual pads
