cloth pads=happy period

[KatAutumn]

i think they actually smell LESS than disposable.  anyone else notice that?

Aboslutely.  There has to be some sort of chemical reaction when the menstrual blood mixes with the plastics and chemicals they use in the cotton that causes disposable pads to give off an odd odor.  I mean, menstrual fluids have an odor all on their own, but it's much less severe when it is absorbed naturally.  Unfortunately, companies that manufacture feminine hygiene products have convinced women for decades that you should always smell like a daisy in you nether regions which is why there are so many proven harmful substances on the market that are supposed to eliminate "embarassing odor" such as sprays, douches, "feminine" cloths and scented maxi pads.  In other words, feminine "hygiene" is a misleading term.  Natural bodily functions are portrayed as unsanitary and unhygienic so we're instructed to cover them up with expensive and unhealthy products.

[TwiztidBlood]

i want to try these!

[devilninny]

i want to try these!

you really SHOULD!!!

[jennygurl]

HI
I have a question- What do you put inside of these so that it has something to soak up the..."bodily fluid" lol
AND also, I think these are cool but for me its a hard sell as I mostly wear thongs, Is there a solution for this?

[FauxChina]

It's layers of flannel or towel or hemp or whatever obsorbant fabric that soaks things up.  Read through the thread, there's a lot of great information and links with even more information.

As far as wearing thongs with them, that's not going to work, your best bet I'm guessing would be a diva cup or something similar, or put into the Craftster search "Eco-flow Busters" a lady on here crocheted some reusable tampons and there's a huge thread about them, I'm not sure but I think she may have included a pattern.

[the noodle princess]

lunapads makes a "lunapanty" thong with a built in pad, maybe you could try making a pad and sew it into a thong?

[funkyhooker]

I just had to chime in on this. 
I have PCOS so I rarely have a period.  When I do tho.... whoa nellie, is a monster!!!!!
I was really worried about the leak factor, the absorbancy, if they would stay put... all that jazz.
I made a few and stuffed them under the counter.  Well,,, a week ago the raging river came and I got to try them out.
OMG.  Why. In. The. World.  did women start BUYING period products?  This is SO MUCH BETTER!!!
I would (am) bleed so much that I had "diaper rash" every time.  Well I've been flowing heavy for almost a week now and there is no sign of a rash.  I'm in good shape!
I would be changing traditional "overnights" at least bi-hourly if not hourly with this flow and I can go 3-4 hours with cloth.
I made my inserts with 3 layers of thin terry and a spiral of stitching for my heaviest flow.  Now I know that this was probably unnecessary but the insurance is nice!
I would encourage anyone, regardless of your situation (altho--- I'm boggled by the thong idea) to try this out.

[hello vera]

They look amazing,
you could match your pads to what your wearing that day!
Not to mention the benifit to the environment x

[itsaswedelife]

As a survivor of Toxic Shock Syndrom, I have to rely on pads during my monthly vistor =/ Usually I would use disposable pads but I am now starting to use homemade ones...and I have finally have regular periods! Plus no cramps. These are awesome!

[bigeyes]

This is sort of OT, but I once met the original survivor of toxic shock.  Amazing, lovely lady.  Of course, all the women in her circle of friends were not a bit shy about discussing menstrual alternatives, but cloth pads didn't come up.

I wish I were still in contact.  I'd like to think she'd approve of the whole cloth pad movement.