Alright, so most of us cloth diapering parents know the facts about disposable diapers and feminine products. But I often meet men and women who aren't aware of the "facts" of disposables, and really don't know what is available to them. Here's a list that will maybe help you understand where we stand on the issue of cloth, and WHY we use cloth diapers and cloth pads.

First of all, let's start with diapers. It's estimated that 10 000 tons of diaposable diapers are tossed into landfills each day. One diaper takes up to 500 years to decompose! Just one child uses 9000 disposable diapers in 3 years, and in Ontario Canada (where I am from), there are 130 000 babies being born each year. That is A LOT of waste in landfills, and this is just for one province.

What about the cost? Cloth diapers is of course less expensive, disposables can cost over 3000$ from birth till the child is potty trained, while a stash of cloth diapers will cost you from 200$ to 1000$, depending on what you choose, and can be used for more than one child. You can save over 2000$!

What about Cloth Pads for women?

 The idea of using cloth for yourself and not just for baby (think cloth diapers) is nothing new, but many will turn away quickly at the idea the first time they hear about it.  It's not something we women of this day and age really think about, I mean, we've got disposable feminine hygiene products that take care of everything, practically all on its own, right?  Let me share with you facts I've learned on my journey towards making, using and selling cloth pads.

I'm a crunchy mama, I admit it, I look at this week in the month where I can take care of me, instead of griping about how life is unfair and enduring my period each month.  I can sit back, grab a cup of healing tea and relax and appreciate my ability to bear children and having my menses because of it.  I'm a woman, and every woman will go through having their period, there's no escaping it.  I want my daughter to know that it isn't something to look negatively on, and to learn to appreciate her gift as a woman.  Apart from wanting to appreciate this time each month there are many, many reasons why we decided to do the switch, read on to learn more.

Disposable feminine products contain chemicals & gels that increase their absorbancy, but are bleached, which is said to produce dioxins that are carcinogenic (cancer causing).  I don't know about you but I avoid at all cost products that are bleached for this very reason, I prefer to avoid carcinogenic products such as disposable diapers, feminine pads and tampons, etc, for my own safety and that of my children.

The average woman will use 16 000 tampons and disposable pads in her lifetime, imagine that in a pile in you back yard. In the United States alone, over 12 billion pads and 7 million tampons are used and thrown away EACH YEAR. This takes over 500 years to decompose, and in the meantime, releases toxic chemicals into the earth.  If you are even a bit concerned about Mother Earth and what we are doing to her with all our daily garbage, using cloth for yourself will greatly reduce waste, you'll be doing your part in preserving the Earth.

Not only is it harmful to Mother Earth & yourself, but if affects your budget. On average, a woman will spend over 5000$ in pads and tampons alone in her lifetime, wouldn't it be best to use that money for something far more enjoyable?  A stash of cloth pads will typically cost you from 100$ to 300$ if you buy from WAHMs' or even less if you make them yourself, and these pads will last you years and years.

Let's not forget the fun side of using cloth pads! You will most likely notice that your menstrual flow is lighter, that you have less cramps, and that your period lasts a shorter time!  Seriously, I'm not joking!  Because of the chemicals used in the making of pads and tampons, it feels like the blood is pulled from the body, therefore creating a heavier flow.  When using cloth pads that sensation is not there, you bleed less, and your period is shorter.  I have noticed a dramatic difference the first 6 months of using cloth pads, My menses lasted 4 days instead of 7, and I bled so much less than with disposable pads.  WOW, who wouldn't want that??

Obviously there is the added bonus of creating and designing your mama cloth stash.  We all know disposable hygiene products are white, while with your cloth pads you can have them be your favorite color, with different color combos, different sizes that are made for YOUR body shape, not made into a generic shape and mass produced. 

What about comfort?  It's a well known fact that disposable pads can be uncomfortable, can cause rashes and we all know about that sticky tape, ugh.  With cloth there are so many different fabric options out there, to name a few; The most popular right now is bamboo velour, it's SO soft.  We have minkee that wicks moisture away and keeps you dry, butter suede that is so stain resistant it's not even funny, hemp and cotton velour that are just as soft as bamboo, the list goes on.  Of course there are so many different kinds of cloth pads out there, my favorite are the ones with wings.  No sticky tape is used, snaps are the most common closure type available and it's so easy to snap one on and go.

Many women ask about washing your pads, is it gross, what about the washing routine, is it complicated?  Not so, there couldn't be an easier washing routine.  When you are changing your pad you can always rinse it, then stick it in a wetbag (waterproof bag that usually closes with a zipper, can be found on www.hyenacart.com or www.Etsy.com).  Every 2 days I recommend washing them with a 1/4 cup detergent, then line drying or tossing them in with your towels to fluff them up a bit.  Voila, easy as pie. 

If you haven't dabbled into buying and trying out cloth pads for yourself, I urge you to do so.  Try just one, see how you like it, and then go from there.  You never know until you try, right?

If you have any questions or would like to chat more about this do not hesitate to email me!  I'd love to hear your thoughts on this subject.  In the meantime, take care of yourself, you lucky woman you :) .

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