#cloth menstrual pad

[themummersfolly]

Next project for the Etsy shop: cloth pads aka Cooter Cozies!

[friendly-pad]

But they are so time consuming...

No, they are not.

Do you do the laundry? Then you just have to soak them and toss them in the washing machine.

You can buy pads that don't stain or you can decide that stains don't bother you.

You decide how much time dedicate to your pads.

But remember: a lot of people like taking care of their pads.

[weirdthoughtsandideas]

So I don’t like tampons. They just don’t work for me.

However, a flaw with wearing pads is when it’s a hot summer day and your family wants to go swim in the ocean near our cabin. And like, swimming in the ocean without a tampon is no problem, it’s the ocean, nothing is seen and the period can even stop briefly in the water due to it being a colder temperature.

It’s just changing to swimwear that’s a problem. Cause if I didn’t have my period, I’d just put on my bikini at our house. Now I have to go down to the cliffs by the water, change there, hide my underwear with a bloody pad under the towel and PRAY no one takes the towel and sees it.

[secretagentsagainstwhatever]

is getting burnt by ur heating pad on ur period a relatable experience or…?

[sparklerzii]

"periods aren't that bad!!!" exactly!!! frfr

[plebeiangoth]

Hi I haven't pointed Tumblr toward my menstrual care shop for a second

It's https://plebeiangoth.etsy.com

These bad boys is waterproof and washable, and if cared for well can last about ten years or so. Also they're black!

Great for goths or if you don't want to see blood

If you order now you'll have to give me a couple days to ship your order, currently out of town on work but not for so long I gotta put the shop in vacation mode. Just to be transparent.

Thank you for looking at my self-promotion, now get back to shitposting

[whispers-into-the-void]

8 months of using cloth pads and i entered a chemist's shop recently, saw an entire shelf of disposable sanitary napkins and got reminded that some people still do use disposable pads like

i genuinely completely forgot whisper stayfree sofy et al. existed???

[dianeevewarren]

i think barbie is going to be a fun movie im rly looking forward to it however ofc it's not going to be anything like the way most of us actually played with barbies as kids lol like my cousin and i had elaborate stories where our barbies were fighting against evil paranormal entities and catching serial killers, there was a plotline where one of the kens became an alcoholic and fucking died from cirrhosis of the liver it was a whole thing... it was a generational saga it was a gritty crime drama it was sci fi it was everything... and ofc we didn't actually call them barbie and ken they all had real names and lore etc

[loardymacbee]

Periods are so frustrating. 😡

[friendly-pad]

Ready for TMI about blood and hair?

I don't shave down there (don't come for me, it's an already lost battle).

Can we talk about how awful it is when pubic hair gets sticked on the disposable pad because blood got dry?

I was used to that. But it changes a lot with cloth pads.

The blood doesn't dry so fast and gets absorbed at the bottom of the pad (instead of the surfice, like the disposables), so hair doesn't get sticked.

[enby-dressmaker]

How to try cloth menstrual pads for cheap or free

I’ve been seeing a number of posts recently about commercially made cloth menstrual pads (most for one particular brand that I’ve heard is kinda known for undisclosed sponsored content) and it’s sad to me how many people comment things like “I want to try these but I can’t afford a set right now”.

I’ve been using cloth pads for a number of years, and I think one of the best things about cloth pads is that they’re fairly easy to make yourself. Even if you don’t have much or any sewing experience, they’re simple enough to be a good first project.

You can also start by using materials you already have or can easily thrift. There are some more specialty fabrics that you may want to experiment with eventually, but you don’t have to right away, and while a sewing machine can make things easier if you have access, you can sew them by hand if you want to.

More detailed info about how to make a cloth menstrual pad under the cut.

Pattern:

If you currently use disposable pads that you feel give you appropriate coverage, you may want to copy that shape for your first cloth pad(s). Just make sure to add or adjust the shape of the wings so that they overlap on the back.

If you don’t have a disposable pad you like the shape of, there are plenty of patterns available online, or you can try drawing your own. If you’re drawing your own pattern, you can fold the paper in half to cut out a symmetrical shape. If you want your pad to have the same amount of coverage in front and back, you can even fold it in quarters.

The basic idea of constructing a pad:

Cut out the pieces. The topper and backer will usually have wings that allow the pad to fasten around your underwear. The absorbent core usually covers just the top of the pad as opposed to extending into the wings, and there is also usually a border around the outside edge that is just the topper and backer fabric. This helps reduce bulk. Depending on your backer material, you may also want to have an additional moisture barrier which will be cut the same as the backer.

Sew the core layers to the underside of the topper only. (If the core stitching goes all the way through the back of the pad, the thread may wick moisture all the way through the back of the pad)

Line up the backer and the topper with right sides together. Also add any additional moisture barrier layers in this step. Stitch around the outside leaving a space through which to turn the pad right side out. This turning space should be on a straight edge if possible.

Clip the seam allowances along any curves or corners to help them lay flat when turned, then turn the pad right side out and stitch around the outside again to close the hole and make the edges lay flatter.

Add a fastener to the wings.

Materials to use:

Topper (the layer against your skin) - virtually anything as long as it’s comfortable against your skin and allows moisture through, but popular and readily available options include flannel (pajamas, bedsheets, cold weather button-up shirts), cotton knit (t-shirts), and woven cotton (bed sheets, summer blouses, formal and warm weather button-up shirts).

Absorbent layers (inside the pad) - readily available options include flannel again, and terry cloth (towels). You may want to use a combination of materials for heavier absorbency pads.

Backing (the layer against your underwear) - most cloth pads use anti-pill fleece (jackets), because it has some moisture resistance and it “grips” more than a plasticized material would, but if you don’t have any fleece, you might also try corduroy (pants), or woven cotton or flannel (since these aren’t moisture resistant, so you should either put a moisture-resistant layer in between the core and backer or just be very sure you have enough absorbent layers).

Moisture barrier (optional) - if you use anti-pill fleece for your backer, that doubles as a moisture barrier so you don’t need an additional layer for this. If you are using a non-moisture-resistant fabric for your backer, the most common moisture barrier material is a specialty fabric called PUL (polyurethane laminate), but if you can’t access that, you might also try recycled materials from jackets or mattress covers. Just make sure it’s not something too thick or stiff that will be uncomfortable to wear.

Fastening - most cloth pads secure around the gusset of your underwear using a plastic (or occasionally metal) snap, but you can also use a button or just safety pin the pad to your underwear.

[enby-dressmaker]

I didn't learn until I started using cloth pads that bleeding patterns (where blood tends to land on your pad) vary among individuals and are dependent on a variety of factors besides just how heavy your flow is. (I assume it's more talked about among cloth users because cloth pads are often more customizable by virtue of being handmade. You can choose the shape, length, and absorbency level independently of each other.)

I've never heard much about what those other factors are that affect your bleeding pattern, though, and tbh it never occurred to me that the size and shape of my thighs might be part of why I'm a "murder scene bleeder" despite my periods not being that heavy. When I used to use disposables I always felt guilty about the waste of using larger pads that had more absorbency than I needed or layering 2 pads front to back, but I bleed off of smaller pads front, back, and sideways.

//Menstrual blood TW

Is anyone gonna talk about how useless pads are for bigger girls and people who menstruate ? Having to buy ridiculously long pads or diapers and wearing them is the worse. Tampons are no good eigther.

It seems like pads and tampons are literally made for people who have a ridiculous tigh gap. The blood does not fall right through my uterus and straight onto the pad like dripping water. Its also not directly absorbed by a tampon that "deploy" inside and fully absorb like its a sponge (is it supposed to do that ?).

Sure I know women's health studies are always butched and menstrual products were not even tested with blood until recently, but I feel like it's tied with fatphobia also. My big thighs and fat coochie cannot let the blood "fall through" Even when I am relaxed, my thighs are closed and it simply squeezes out the blood in areas pads were not meant to cover.

Yeah, like I said there are diapers or extra long pads but they are annoying and way too thick all over. Also another problem : they are never availible, very few seems to be made compared to the small ones.

Ultimately, is it just me or no one ever told me growing up that i would need longer pads because of my bigger thighs. No one seems to know or think its worth mentionning.

Or maybe that's just me seeing too deep into this issue I always have. (Art by me)

[stonesoupshop]

Buy Cloth Period Pads from Stonesoup

Experience a more sustainable and comfortable menstrual cycle with cloth period pads from Stonesoup. Our eco-friendly pads are designed with your comfort and the environment in mind, offering a reusable alternative to traditional disposable pads. Made from soft, hypoallergenic materials, Stonesoup’s cloth period pads provide excellent absorbency and leak protection while being gentle on your skin. These pads are easy to wash and maintain, making them a cost-effective choice for long-term use. Choose Stonesoup cloth period pads to reduce your environmental footprint and enjoy a rash-free, comfortable period every month. Join the movement towards sustainable menstrual health and buy your cloth period pads from Stonesoup today.

[bijoumikhawal]

Hurricane Helene Relief Funds

Brother Wolf Animal Rescue operates out of Asheville, which has been hit aggressively by storm and flood damage

The Asheville Survival Program is reaching out. They appear to actually be the ones who use the Cashapp $Streets1de, and they just got put with Appalachian Med for convenience.

Beloved Asheville is reaching out. www.PayPal.me/belovedasheville and venmo.com/beloved-asheville

Homeward Bound helps the homeless in the Asheville/Buncombe area

Theres a fund for smaller rural communities around Asheville. It's close to its goal, but I really wish they'd set it higher considering what people are gonna need. Someone make sure they surpass it!

Charlotte NC is reaching out. Charlotte Mutual Aid: Helene Disaster Relief. CashApp: MutualAid704. Venmo: MutualAid704. Open Collective: Helene.cltfnb.com

Olive Branch Ministry is reaching out from West NC

Josh Griffith is fundraising for his efforts to deliver food in WNC

Breathitt County in Kentucky is fundraising to help NC through the Rousseau Volunteer Fire Department, as well as asking for physical supply donations. Their paypal is jrousseauvfd, put "for NC flood". Jaxon Flower shop in Jackson KY will also take physical donations. They aren't looking for clothes, moreso cleaning supplies and other items.

North Durham Mutual Aid is reaching out.

Eastern Kentucky Mutual Aid is also reaching out for funds. There looks like there might be two orgs with similar names, but if so both are helping. There's PayPal.me/ekymutualaid, Venmo - @ekymutualaid, or Cashapp - $ekymutualaid. There's also a Facebook group where individuals are posting requests for aid.

There's a fund for relief in Erwin, Tennessee

Helbender Harm Reduction is collecting physical supplies in Knoxville alongside First Aid Collective Knoxille, whose Cashapp/Venmo is: $firstaidcollectknox. If you're nearby they're looking for clothes, blankets, shelf stable food, rain gear, flashlights, and batteries, which is what most other groups asking for supplies are looking at too.

The TriCities Mutual Aid group is mostly asking for volunteers and supplies in the Tennessee/Virginia area. However, they may shift to donations, and you can reach out to them to see if they would be welcome either way.

Food Not Bombs Tallahassee has a cashapp: $fnbtally2022. They and Mutual Aid Athens are also boosting any community calls for funds, labor, or supplies in various states on their Instagram pages

Taylor County FL is reaching out. Paypal: Mskatonic138@gmail.com and Venmo @Mskatonic138

The Footprint project's Florida team is asking for people to support their response by texting HELENE to 44-321

Since I don't know if the post I made late last night will get traction I'll reiterate that Mutual Aid Disaster Relief is a trusted org. You can send funds at the linked site, or via Paypal: MutualAidDisasterRelief@gmail.com Or Venmo: @MutualAidDisasterRelief

Appalachian Med is another trusted org I shared last night. They have Venmo: @AppMedSolid. Put Flood Support in the description

Animal Disaster Relief Coalition is helping people make sure their animals are fed.

A list of Mutual Aid groups can be found here

A friend of mine, Vyn, is asking for help since he'll be out of power for around a week in Southeast GA

Other physical supplies people will be looking for in flood impacted areas include:

bottled water, potentially water filters

personal hygiene items: wipes, camping showers, tampons/pads/other menstrual products, handsanitizer, mosquito spray, laundry detergent, washboards, toilet paper, diapers, and especially any products safe for sensitive skin

medications- ibuprofen, monistat and other meds for yeast infections, cold and cough meds, any diabetic meds that can be safely shared, etc

individually wrapped low or no prep food items, baby formula, and Gatorade

duffel bags, backpacks, heavy duty storage totes and trash bags, 5 gallon buckets, coolers

Fans, dehumidifiers, moisture sensors, generators, gas and gas cans, solar charging items and battery banks, first aid kits

chainsaws, crowbars, hammers, air filters, respirators, 2×4 planks, bleach, roofing nails, heavy duty gloves, and potentially waders.

and board games or other non electric activities for children

Double check if you can before you donate these items to make sure whatever local drive you're headed to wants them and can distribute the more specialized ones where they're needed

And please! Add any funds you know of, especially for South Carolina and North Georgia since I wasn't seeing many funds for those areas! I know South Carolina is in desperate need and there's definitely parts of North Georgia in need too. Atlanta saw some bad flooding so keep an eye for them too!

[bisexualbaker]

I used cloth pads for a good while before switching to the cup, and even then I kept a few extra around for extra heavy days when I would bleed so much the cup would overflow. I've since moved on to an IUD, but I have lots of lingering affection for cloth pads.

Probably the only "problem" I had with cloth pads was what I call "The Lucky Rocketship Underpants Problem".

See, there's this Calvin and Hobbes strip where Calvin is standing proudly and waiting for someone to notice something about him, but no one notices at all. He concludes the strip by remarking, "The problem with wearing your lucky rocketship underpants is that no one ever wants to see them."

I had cloth pads with such fun patterns, but I could never show them to anyone. I was real bummed out about it.

Anyway, I got all of my cloth pads from Party In My Pants; IIRC, the first one I ever got from them was a free promotional liner that came with also free (possibly domestic only) shipping when I ordered it on Earth Day. I don't know if Party In My Pants still does that, but it might be worth a look when the next Earth Day rolls around! I never got any bible verses from their stuff either, though the free liner did come with a piece of dark chocolate 😉

i learned that with the passage of the CARES Act, menstrual products are now considered eligible expenses for your health insurance, FSA, HSA, and HRA funds. (x)

[heckaroniandcheese]

I've started wearing leggings on my period unashamedly cause like fuck it. i want to wear comfy pants and i want to wear my bulky reusable pad so I do. it's an accessory.