Washable Pantiliners

J. - I used mama pads handmade by a friend after the birth of my last child. They are oh-so-nice. I've never liked to wear pads of any kind and always dread the weeks of postpartum pad wearing. Now I actually look forward to wearing these when my periods resume. They're made of microterry and then a soft minkee fabric on the upper side. My friend says they're a breeze to make. Do you sew? She has an online tutorial I'd be happy to share with you if you're interested.

Oh, and they wash up just fine with the diapers! I don't know how many to suggest, but for postpartum needs, 5-6 larger pads, 8-10 smaller ones, and a few pantiliners were more than enough.

C.

I've been using cloth pads/pantyliners for about 5 years now. The first ones I bought were Gladrags, and they are still my favorate. I have tried two other kind, and the only ones I don't like as well are the lunapads, their stitching and tags can be kind of itchy/irritating, plus I don't like how the inserts go in as well. I think part of why I prefer gladrags is their no waste philosophy, etc. Anyway, I toatlly recommend it. They are much more comfortable, and I am always mad when I am away from home and have to use something else, because I forgot to bring them. I do wash them with my cloth diapers. I was planning on trying out a diva cup this summer (I only like to not use pads when swimming) but as it turns out I'm pg, so I guess I'll be waiting another couple of years! Enjoy.

K.

For those asking... http://www.divacup.com/ diva cup, moon cup, etc. are basically an alternative to tampons, they catch instead of absorb, are reusable, and many people say more comfortable (I can not comment, as I've never tried them, but they can't hardly be worse than tampons, right?)

I don't use liners much, but for pads, I just make my own from old towels and flannel nightgowns, etc. Whatever is soft, 100% cotton. I don't usually even hem them, I just cut a strip about 8 in wide and long enough to fold over to 4-6 layers, depending on the thickness of the fabric. But you could get more involved, if you like to sew.

I still use disposable pads if I'm going to be out a while, or if my flow is really heavy. I do find the cloth pads to more comfortable on my skin, though they are a bit bulkier.

I read your post and the answers and thought what the heck is a Diva Cup??? Then I googled it and found the web site. What a great idea!!! See, this is why I love Mama Source so much. You never know what you will learn.

I have three teenage daughters...imagine how much $$$ I'll save if I can get them all on board with it!

I also have rheumatoid arthritis and was wondering how you have found to manage it naturally?? I am nursing, so I don't want to take medication, but the pain and swelling in my hands is almost unbearable. I also take a powdered vitamin supplement called reliv that is supposed to help.

what is the diva cup ?

I don't know much about washable pantiliners, but as to health issues and natural ways of taking care of your health, you need to hear what I've heard. Awesome!!
My number is ###-###-####. Call me.

M. Orth

Thank you for this! i have gleaned lots of info and am going 'shopping'! i am 'green' to the green movement(HAHA) and am absorbing everything i can learn!

I like Rachel's Legal Pad (on HyenaCart). They are well made and so affordable! I have a dozen and think that's a good amount for daily liners. Yes, you can wash them with the diapers, although daily use ones can probably skip the initial pre-rinse.

Ok I am like one of the other posters here. What are you all talking about? Diva cups and Cloth pantiliners?
Geeeeeeeeeeez I must of slept through something...lol
Someone fill this ole lady in
Maybe I should call my sister who is 10 yrs younger or one of my daughters in law's. I am totally lost.

____@____.com
K. Nana of 5

I use GladRags. You can get them on-line or at Whole Foods. How many to get depends on how heavy your flow is-- heavy is 1 every 2 or 3 hours, light is 1 every 6 or so. Plus, if you are a "night bleeder", you should get the night pads. I have enough (9 day, 2 night) for two full days b/c I soak my pads before I wash them (and DON'T use fabric softener/dryer sheets-- bad for vaginal balance). That way I can soak overnight, wash, and dry the next day and have enough for the next day (my periods are 4-5 days). I hope that made sense. I really love them-- have totally cut down on my infections (and waste) and I've been using them for two years and have never had to replace one because it wore out (just ordered more to replace a few that went with the stray socks wherever they go). Hope it works for you!

This is off your subject but I have a friend who has RA and I was wondering what you used to manage it. Thanks for any info!

Many of the stores in this congo sell them. Look under "mama items." There are cloth dipaers for your LO too!

http://hyenacart.com/