Female Eyes Only

Given the nosie nature of men (at least the men I know) I have no doubt that some will decide to read this just because I said they shouldn't.....whatever.  Just don't say I didn't warn you :)

Women have different.....issues....to deal with than men.  Monthly issues.  Sometimes expensive monthly issues.

I've found a way to deal with these issues while saving money and helping my health in the process.

Cloth

You've read my previous cloth diapering post, right?  Cloth diapers have been used forever by women that didn't have any other options.  Although I have heard many who beg to differ, using disposable diapers isn't really any different than using cloth.  Not really......with one you have more trash, with the other you have more laundry. 

What do you suppose women did during the monthly "curse" 100 years ago?  Think about it for a minute.  Now, let me tell you how I handle it today.

Let me begin by saying that my monthly cycle is very heavy.  If I use disposable products then I am spending anywhere from $10-$15 a month on supplies (unless I am careful, find coupons and sales, etc).  That adds up quickly.  About 5 years ago, I heard some women discussing cloth feminine products on a message board I frequented.  I decided that they must be crazy, but I was VERY curious.  About 4 years ago, I searched and searched and finally bought some "mama cloth" from Joyful Living Naturals.  I ended up purchasing 2 sets of the postpartum size (heavy cycle - remember?).  I think the cost at the time was about $42.  It depends on what size you want.  You CAN make your own.  Patterns abound on the internet for purchase or free.  A friend made some just tracing the ones I had already purchased.  I will probably make the ones I need from now on, but this was the easiest way to get started and 4 years later, I am still using the ones I originally purchased. 

How do I "handle" them?  It really isn't that big of a deal.  You just have to change the way you think.  I'm not touching anything gross.  I mean, really, you have to take them off whether they are cloth or disposable.   I remove mine, fold once and put into an ice cream bucket (with lid) under the bathroom sink.  My wonderful husband knows not to look.  I keep the clean ones under the sink when I don't need them on in a basket on the back of the toliet when I do.  When the bucket is almost full (or on diaper washing day) I throw them into the load of diapers, rinse the bucket out (usually only at the end of my cycle) and put the bucket back under the sink.  When I don't have a babe in diapers I will wash them with towels, sheets or dark colors.  I don't want to bleach them so I keep them out of the white loads.

I don't care what you say, blood is blood.  I deal with blood on clothing all the time around here. (I have THREE boys!)  It washes.  I don't worry about these items staining because NOBODY sees them.  Who cares?  But really, almost all of mine are stain free.  I use disposables when out and about so I go through about 1/2 a package a month.  You could easily keep a ziplock baggie in your purse and use the cloth pads all the time (I've done that when money was extra tight).  Just like cloth diapers.  I have yet to notice a smell on me, in my bag or in my bathroom. 

Also, as a bonus, I've noticed that my cycle is lighter.  Not non-existent lighter, but noticeably lighter.  I had heard from various discussions that this would happen, but honestly didn't believe it.  I now know it is true.  (It has something to do with the chemicals in the disposable products). 

So, there ya go.  Now you know all kinds of stuff about me you didn't dream of, did you?  LOL  You can think that I'm weird.  That's ok.  I can handle it.  If you've got any questions, let me know :)