Tuesday, August 3, 2010

My Journey Into Mama Cloth-CLOSED

I'm going to start off with a TMI warning...because we are talking about mama cloth here. So if you want the full story, there may be a little TMI. If that upsets you, please stop reading now. Thank you!

I had been curious about mama cloth for quite some time but I was always afraid to take the plunge into the unknown. It was very much like my start to cloth diapers 3 years ago. What will the laundry be like? Will it be gross? What will others think? What do I need? How much do I need? What do you store them in? What about stains?

After being pregnant or breastfeeding for 6 years, I finally felt AF getting ready to make her appearance. I figured it was now or never, so I shopped around online, asked a lot of questions and finally made my first purchases. I had decided on GEM Cloth and Luna Pads. I got a starter kit of GEM Cloth - 2 each of 3 different sizes. I also got a Luna Pad with some extra liners.


The GEM Cloth are on the left, showing each different size. The Luna Pad is on the right with one of the extra liners. I really like how you can keep the same pad with the Luna Pad and simply replace the liners. They stay in place very well.

Now to answer all of the initial questions that I had wondered about.

What will the laundry be like? I am cloth diapering, so I just throw them in with all of the cloth diapers. No big deal. When we no longer cloth diaper (sniff, sniff) then I will probably change how I store them prior to wash and throw them in with our regular laundry.

Will it be gross? Honestly, this was my BIGGEST FEAR before I started. I couldn't help it - the whole idea had a bit of an "ick" factor for me. The only thing that got me past it was to actually do it. Similar to cloth diapers, you're still dealing with the same mess - it's whether you throw it in the trash when you're done or throw it into a wet bag/pail.

What will others think? Who cares??!? I don't care that people turn their noses up when I say that I cloth diaper. I don't care what they think when I say that I use mama cloth. They just don't know what they are missing out on...

What do I need? / How much do I need? I started off with not enough. But I didn't want to invest in too much to begin with. I would rather buy one of several different kinds, figure out what I like most and go from there. I started with 6 GEM Cloth in varying sizes and a Luna Pad with 4 liners. I was easily able to keep the same pad and add a new liner. But my flow is rather light. I would think that if you wanted to do the same, that you could get a liner with more absorbency. They make minis all the way up to heavy/postpartum liners. I also got a small wetbag to keep in the bathroom. That's it. I will definitely be getting more pads and liners - I don't want to run out mid-cycle. How many you need depends on your cycle, your flow, etc. NOTE - your flow will generally be less and your cycle will be shorter when you switch to cloth. I don't fully understand the science behind it but it's something about the chemicals in disposable pads and how your body is fighting to rid it of the chemicals - so it makes you cramp more and have heavier/longer cycles.

What do you store them in? Right now, I store them in a wetbag in our bathroom. When I'm done with them, I throw them in there until I do laundry. It works for us well because I'm doing cloth diaper laundry every other day. When we're done in diapers, then I will probably keep a small bucket in the bathroom filled with water. Then I can soak them in there until laundry time.

What about stains? Buy darker colors that way you don't even have to worry about the possibility of staining. I used mine for two cycles now and they don't have any stains...but then again they are all pretty dark in color. Honestly if they stain, I don't care. It's not like anyone is going to see them anyway!

All in all, I've had a great experience...well as much of a pleasant experience as you can have with your period. I had always heard that people who try mama cloth would never go back - now I understand that! Like I said before, I didn't have enough to get me through the cycle and I had forgotten to throw them in with my diaper laundry. So I ended up having to use a disposable pad. Ewwww!! The smell was worse, it felt awful and the sticky stuff kept on sticking everywhere BUT where it was supposed to stick! The cloth mama pads are comfortable, virtually odor-free and you can hardly even tell that they are there. I'm sold.

Next step...The Diva Cup! Well, I'm not that brave yet...maybe in a few months...

Now for the fun stuff for all of you who have read this far! For those that want to try mama cloth (or the Diva Cup), feel free to take 10% off your mama cloth order with coupon code MAMA. The coupon is good through 8/31 and is only applicable to mama cloth and Diva Cups/Wash. Additionally, one lucky reader will receive a Luna Pads Mini Pad and Liner. To enter, please leave only ONE COMMENT with your contact info and make sure that you are a fan of Fluff Envy on Facebook. One random comment will be chosen on August 8th. Open to US and Canada only. Thank you!

69 comments:

  1. Ooooh I've been wanting to try these!!! enlehman86 at gmail dot com Thanks for sharing your experience!

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  2. I too am making the switch and have gotten one friend to do it with me. I do have the Diva Cup and love it! If you used tampons before, its not such a big deal. It kind of has a learning curve with it, but by the end of day one, I had it figured out. its wonderful!

    I am a fan on facebook and my email is mellorlacey@yahoo.com

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  3. I am a fan on facebook, and my email is sillyna511@hotmail.com

    I have also been thinking about making the switch...winning one may be the start to get me really into it! :)

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  4. Is this where we are suppose to comment? I'd love to try the Luna pads... and I'm a fan on Facebook (Happily Southern)

    osggiveaways at gmail dot com

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  5. I'm curious about Mama Cloth, the ick factor was part of my worries, which you covered. I tend to be a heavy bleeder, that's the other. Anyone have experience that is a heavy bleeder?

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  6. After having my second and third child, both times I got a horrible irritation more like a yeast infection at the top from having to wear a pad for so long. Even with me breastfeeding I still had my PP bleeding for up to 6 weeks. Alot on my pregnancy board mentioned cloth pads and to be honest I never heard of them. I am still exclusively breastfeeding my 3 month old and still no AF. So I might try them out. I think I would like it way better.

    We are also doing the cloth diapers and to honest it does not bother me at all.

    I am already a fan on facebook and my email is k_ross_1@yahoo.com

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  7. LOVE my LunaPads. :) And LOVE my Divacup. Welcome to the world of cloth!

    melissa at grandtfamily dot com

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  8. I;m a fan on facebook to. I recently began my adventures with cloth diapering and am loving it. Moving on to mama cloth would make sense as well.

    gracefulcat at hotmail.com

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  9. @ Leah re: heavy bleeding. Me too, and I bought the biggest LPs to prepare. I was so surprised, b/c like in the review - my flow is LIGHTER now and the cramps are LESS! Weird, huh?

    But I've even used LPs for postpartum flow - works PERFECTLY.

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  10. I have been looking at them...thanks for the info! I am a fan on facebook. carolyndionne@aol.com

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  11. I really want to try mama cloth! I'm a fan on facebook also!
    vernamichelle@gmail.com

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  13. so I thought I would NEVER do this...but now I am intrigued. Hearing your experience has definitely given me more insight. Thanks and also a fb fan
    tlambin328@att.net

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  14. You are very brave to share...although if I were to share it would have been more TMI you did a very good job keeping it "clean"
    Thanks Justine
    Mandi
    mandi_sronce@yahoo.com

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  15. Oh wow I've been wanting to try mama cloth for a while. :D I'm a fan everywhere and anywhere. :D

    msimonds79@gmail.com :D

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  16. I never gave much thought to this, but the idea of regular tampons and pads making your cycle longer makes me think now. Maybe I should give this a try. Thanks for this thought provoking post.

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  17. I'm a FB fan and would love to be entered.

    I rinse my cloth pads in the sink after use. it's not that bad at all. i feel like they get cleaner that way, which is probably silly. I just like to do the rinse. I'll never go back to sposies!

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  18. Awesome. I'm looking to stock on up my PP stash!
    Fb fan. =)
    awlikids@hotmail.com

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  19. Hmmm I am curious now...would love to try this out.
    curliegirlie03 at gmail dot com

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  20. I'm new to cloth diapering and have been curious about mama cloth. Your story totally made me want to make the switch. Thanks for sharing!

    I'm a fan on Facebook and my email is devangelfire@yahoo.com

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  21. We started with these while I was pregnant to absorb any discharge but I only own three so it's not nearly enough to get me through my cycle. I love them though and would love to win another one. Thanks for a different kind of post!

    kemptvillepetpals at gmail dot com

    Hey, that's weird, I just noticed another Malina (spelled differently) just posted above me. Go team Ma(e)lina's!

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  22. I LOVE my Diva Cup! I say go for it! I haven't bought tampons in months. There is a learning curve on using it but honestly, it is not that difficult and it is so comfortable. I also made my own mama cloth that I use with my Diva Cup and I love that, too. In fact, two of my friends were so jealous that I made them funky peace symbol mama cloth, too. :)

    I'm a FB fan, too. :)

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  23. oohh mama cloth, the thought is so tempting.
    ghost-traveler@wdemail.com and I'm a fan and follower

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  24. Less flow and cramping? Sign me up! Whenever AF returns, I want to try this. Thanks for writing this up.

    (I am a fan on Facebook :) )

    ambernwest @ gmail.com

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  25. I really need to try mama cloth. :)

    heidikittelson@gmail.com

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  26. Thanks for sharing, Justine. I've been toying with the idea of cloth pads/diva cup so I'd like to enter. contact info: Kristan Hardy, email is kickstand_kris@msn.com

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  27. I would love to enter. I am a fan here, and on Facebook :)

    My email is cindianne320 @ yahoo dot com

    Thank you for your honest review. My PP af hasn't returned, but I'd like to be ready when it does!

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  28. I like the money it would save, tampons are freakin expensive! But, seeing as how my LO isn't here yet, I haven't gotten to "prove" to myself or others that I can even master CDing yet.. so I'm not sure.

    Long time fan on FB, email is bebg1231@gmail.com

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  29. oh yes....p.s...am already a fan on facebook. :) --kristan

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  30. I'm really wanting to try out mama cloth... just trying to get enough nerves to make the switch! mille_15@yahoo.com

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  31. Is it silly to say I can't wait for mine to start again so I can start the new to me world of mama cloth! Lol I realy think I'm going to go for the diva cup I have never liked the way thick pads feel so then all I will need is night time and a few liners I hope!

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  32. You've actually made me want to try mama cloth. When I first heard of it I thought I would never want to try it!

    I'm a facebook fan, and here is my email: k_hensley3(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  33. I've started my journey into mama cloth very slowly, with only 3 FuzziBunz pads of varying lengths - definitely not enough to get through a whole period. Would love to add some LunaPads to my stash since they seem to get such great reviews. I am a Facebook fan and my email is ishatan at gmail dot com

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  34. Oh, I've been wanting to try mama cloth! This would be awesome!
    I'm a facebook fan and my email is lyndsey(dot)gillespie(at)hotmail(dot)com

    If you try the diva cup definitely let us know what you think!

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  35. I've been wanting to try this too...especially the mini ones more for daily use.

    facebook fan

    laurajduarte@aol.com

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  36. I'm a fan of fluff envy

    I've been trying to talk myself into the diva cup. This would be a good step in that direction!

    loveliveshere2 at yahoo dot com

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  37. I have been hearing a lot about mama cloth and the Diva Cup. Thank you so much for your personal insight. I am really wanting to try both now!! My email is cdkrusz(at)gmail(dot)com
    And I'm of course a fan on Facebook!!
    Thanks!

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  38. I've been curious to try but just haven't gotten brave enough yet! Thanks for your review!

    cori.vandekieft@gmail.com

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  39. I have been wanting to try them... I guess mine was fear at first. But I've been looking into them to try.
    annettem922@yahoo.com

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  40. LOVE my diva cup! Haven't needed my luna pads yet because of it but tried one with my first night of the diva cup and they were very comfortable.

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  41. Just traded for my first "set" of pads with someone else on Etsy, can't wait to try them! Thanks for the opportunity to try some more {:o)

    happyyellowball@hotmail.com

    www.whisperblossom.blogspot.com

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  42. I'd love to try those! This is Maria. You know how to contact me :)

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  43. Thanks for sharing! I had never heard of mama cloth until I started CDing. Once AF returns, I really want to try mama cloth and definitely the diva cup (although I am a little scared).
    kayla.dishon (at) gmail.com

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  44. There's been so much discussion lately about mama cloth, and I'm making the switch too. I've already started with mama cloth pantiliners. Next up is mama cloth for postpartum. That should be interesting. I'd love to win a diva cup!!!

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  45. I'm really intrigued by this! I'm still not expecting AF to return for a few months, but I guess I should start looking around now! I'm a fan. mrsvictoriavajda@hotmail.com

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  46. I started cloth diapering a few months ago, and I love that, so the next logical step would be cloth for me. I am interested in the diva cup too. I would love to try them both.
    I am a fan, bntilley@gmail.com

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  47. I have been apprehensive but would love to try one. Thanks for all the info. My email address is lisagordon56@hotmail.com. I am a fan on facebook.

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  48. I love mama cloth!! I made the switch after reading about it in Mothering. And I'd love to own some Luna pads!

    Corrie

    mrandmrsryankolbe @ gmail.com

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  49. I am a fan!
    theaguilars at verizon dot net

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  50. i'll try anything... although i have yet to have af and i have been pp for 6+ months! yay! i'm a fan on fb!

    melissalmcfadden at gmail dot com

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  51. I'm a FB fan and would love to try these.
    fourseasonsfarm at windstream dot net

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  52. I'm a facebook fan and would love to try the luna pads.

    dwatches at hotmail dot com

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  53. i really want to try mama cloth, my flow is very heavy, and i have the worst cramps, i used to go home from work it was so bad!

    tenenda@hotmail.com

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  54. Thanks for the info, I've been thinking about making the switch, haven't needed to until last week! I'm a FB fan as Sarah Miller.

    sarahroms@gmail.com

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  55. Great post. I've been looking into mama cloth since I got my period back the other day (first one since 2006) *sniff* I haven't taken the plunge yet though, I'd love try these out!

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  56. Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I, too, am interested in mama cloth and the Diva Cup. AF hasn't returned, yet, for me --I am just over 6 weeks postpartum and EBF. I am a FB fan and follow your blog. I look forward to reading more updates about this.

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  57. thanks for sharing! i am really interested in trying these and now just need to decide which to buy. I am a fan on facebook and follow your blog.

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  58. thank you for sharing… tmi is welcome in cases like this!!!!
    i follow your blog and am a fan on fb

    mcintosh dot kimberley at gmail dot com

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  59. i've been thinking about taking the plunge so this is awesome!
    kaia.aline@yahoo.com

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  60. I am a fan on facebook. I love mama cloth - although I only use pantyliners. And I recently got a cup but haven't used it yet (and hope not to - ttc #2).

    vered9110 at gmail dot com

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  61. I'm a fan, and would love to try! Thank you! akatb2@yahoo.com

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  62. I'm a FB fan! I've always been interested in mama cloth...just don't have any yet!

    grandforksmom at ymail dot com

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  63. I want to make the switch when AF returns, but I have no idea which brand to go with. There are so many options! I would love to try Luna Pads and see how they work :)
    Chelsey.Varela(at)gmail.com

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  64. I'm a facebook fan. I've been looking into postpardem use of mama cloth.
    sarah.robot at gmail dot com

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  65. So funny. I was JUST thinking about investing in these and JUST fanned you on FB and saw this post. Love hearing about your experience. There was a time in my life when I would have said no way, but that time is long gone. I'm actually looking forward to AF (currently postpardem and bf-ing), so I can try it out. It makes so much more sense. And your comments about the pads affecting your cycles was something I'd never heard before. My husband and I teach Natural Family Planning and I'd never considered this. It will be interesting to see how it affects my cycle and I can pass it on to our students.

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  66. Hi Justine,
    Wow, less cramps and lighter flow?? I recently stocked up on another brand (recommended by a girlfriend) in anticipation of my postpartum days, not realizing you sell these ones along with your CDs. Am glad to hear you don't have to soak them, but can just treat 'em like the cloth diapers (CDs) and wash them all together (I thought these would have to be washed in cold water but to separate the CDs so they could be washed in warm water... but you're 100 percent right -- who cares if there's a stain on 'em!) -- that will work out great (and I won't have to buy a metal pail w/lid to soak them in on top of all the things I have invested in for the CDing). Thanks for your insight.

    More ladies should talk about these things -- we would all feel better and so would our environment -- Oooo and don't forget, our pocketbooks!!!! No more wasting $6 or $12 a month or more buying pads/liners/tampons in various sizes/absorbencies is another thing I'm looking forward to (along with not smelling or itching from the plastic or disposable pads when/(if?) I get stitches after giving birth). Would love to try these as well. Thanks!

    I'm Tara Clark Mahesar on the old fb and am a fan =)

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  67. I too have been interested in trying the mama cloth and diva cup, winning this would help me make the leap :)

    I am a fan on FB

    Thanks!

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  68. I never realized how easy they would be to use! I would love to try one out! I debated getting a Diva Cup a few years back, but I chickened out... It wasn't until I started learning about cloth diapers that I even heard about Mama cloth. Sounds great to me!
    rastrassbur@gmail.com

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