If your first response to the idea of cloth menstrual pads was YUCK, you wouldn't be alone. However, there are many excellent reasons to use cloth menstrual pads. Cleaning the pads isn't difficult either.
Mama pads, another name for cloth menstrual pads, are designed for comfort. The menstrual cycle isn't exactly the time where a woman feels the best so a little extra comfort is welcome. Disposable pads contain chemicals. Using menstrual pads made from breathable fabric avoids the unnecessary exposure to chemicals and reduces rashes and irritation. With mama pads you can avoid incidents of the disposable pad's adhesive sticking to you instead of your underwear.
Cloth pads will save you money. Add up the amount you spend on disposable products monthly and multiply that over the many years of menstruation. Most cloth menstrual pads will last about 5-7 years. Imagine also the amount of garbage not going into the landfill and the reduction of energy needed to produce and package the disposable pads. Convenience is also a great point. There is no running out of pads when you use mama pads. Just wash and you have more.
Imse Vimse makes three types of menstrual pads. The Mini with Wings is designed to replace disposable panty liners. They are made from organic cotton and snap on to stay securely in place. The minis do not have any waterproof barrier. The Normal with Wings is also made of organic cotton and snaps around the panty to stay in place. A layer of waterproofing prevents leaks. For night time use Imse Vimse offers the Night with Wings. It is also made of organic cotton with a layer of waterproofing, but it is a little longer and wider than the normal size.
Taking care of menstrual pads doesn't have to be difficult. Once you remove a menstrual pad you can store it in a closed container like a jar with a lid or a zippered wet bag. There are several different methods you can use to store the used pads. You can use a wet pail method, a dry pail method, or a rinse and air dry method. For the wet pail method put a little cold water in the jar and add used pads. At the end of each day pour out the water and add fresh water. When it is time to wash, place them all in the washer and do a cold rinse before washing. For the dry pail method, store used pads in a dry container like a wet bag. Make sure to wash every couple days if you use this method. When you wash you will need to rinse and soak the pads before washing. For the rinse and dry method, thoroughly rinse the mama pads with a diaper sprayer and place them in a container where air will circulate. A laundry basket would work well. To wash, do a short soak followed by a cold wash with a small amount of detergent.
Thanks Mama not only offers menstrual pads from Imse Vimse, but we also offer Rockin Green Femme Rock, a detergent designed for use with cloth menstrual pads. As you consider using cloth menstrual pads take a look at the Imse Vimse menstrual pads here at Thanks Mama.
