{Giveaway inside} Switching to Reusable menstrual products : Cheeky Mama Cloth Sanitary Pads Review

This week was Reusable Menstrual Products Week and it was obvious that I should talk to you about Reusable Cloth Sanitary pads.

Using Reusable menstrual products has been, in my women life, the ultimate green step. Green living or at least trying to reduce waste in my life demanded efforts beyond my imagination. When I look around me all the things we use and throw into our bins after only one use it is unbelievable. I have been using disposable sanitary pads during so many years and it was obvious for me and all girls around me that it was what we would be using.

When I was younger we were used to travel to Morocco every year for our summer holidays and in the 80’s to early 90’s, women – those I knew and were living with–  were still using washable pads {and washable nappies for babies!}. In fact, there were no pads. They were using pieces of cotton fabric. I grew up knowing that and having acknowledged it. I mean I have seen them washing their pads and explaining me why and what they were using. The little European girl I was thought that they were living in the Dark Ages! I think the fact I grew up acknowledging these practices helped me in making my choice to switch to reusable cloth sanitary pads. I knew it was possible to cope with it, it was hygienic and working but it take me quite a while to realise that my practice was wrong for my body, health and the environment and I was living in the Dark Ages not them!

When did I realise it? When I started using cloth nappies for my first baby: the idea started to sprout in my mind. I effectively took the plunge while pregnant of my second daughter. I was stashing for her cloth nappies and thought it was the perfect time to stash for myself too. New birth, new start. I always start with the most challenging situation: after birth loss can be impressive but I thought that will be perfect to make up my mind. If reusable cloth sanitary pads can resist this they can resist anything!

My choice.

It was quite simple. Like for cloth nappies, the first “price” impression can put you off thinking that it will end up very expensive. I was a bit lost with the amount I might need to cover up my needs. I was looking into washable wipes for baby and at the time was so impressed by Cheeky Wipes – and I am still today! I therefore bought my full kit of cloth sanitary pads from Cheeky wipes two years ago.

Cheeky wipes propose different kind of reusable menstrual products, it is the Cheeky Mama range. You have the choice between two fabrics Minky bamboo terry or Minky Bamboo Charchoal and three sizes: liner, day pads and Maternity pads.

Bamboo has a natural antibacterial quality and because it allows your skin to breathe, can potentially reduce the risk of yeast infections and discomfort. The difference between charcoal and terry is more  about colour. If you are new to CSP and a bit worried with handling “blood” , I advise you charcoal. The charcoal grey ones will not show the blood as clearly, so if you are squeamish go for that!  They are less likely to show any staining, although if you follow the care instructions and cold soak and wash, then that shouldn’t be a problem You won’t see anything. I do prefer the white bamboo as it helps me monitor.

These minky & bamboo pads are thick, with a microfibre core which means they are very absorbent.  This is what surprised me the most: ABSORBENCY.

The three sizes available are:

• Liners – 22cm x 7 cm
• Day Pads – 24cm x 7cm
• Night / maternity pads  – 28cm x 7cm

The one I prefer are the maternity pads.

Cloth Sanitary Pads are an eco-friendly, healthier, more cost effective alternative to disposable pads. For those new to cloth sanitary pads (or Reusable Menstrual Products) the concept can be a little hard but to be honest using cloth as opposed to disposables is more comfortable. Because they are so much more absorbent, moisture is drawn into the pad, leaving you feeling fresher for longer.

TIPS :

The main issue you may encounter with the minky pads is they are likely to move around in your knickers – although tight pants will generally sort out any slippage . To avid this, you just need to look at the sens of the minky fabric.To make them greepy, you need to put them in the other sense.

Why to switch to disposables?

Disposables contain lots of toxic chemicals, dioxins and gels to enable them to be absorbent, which can lead to sensitive skin, irritation and thrush. Of course it goes without saying that cloth pads will cost a fraction of what you would be spending on disposables each month which just end up sitting in landfill!

EASY TO CARE AND TO STORE:

Just soak them in cold water and wash at 20c or 30c. Avoid warm washing asit sets blood stains and can damage your pads.  Line dry, reshape whilst damp. I don’t like soaking and I handwash them just after use with a soap bar and then they go to the wash. They stay clear with no stains!

And I love the fact that they fold like disposables: very practical in your handbag!

CONCLUSION:

Like many of other CSP users, I came around to the idea of cloth sanitary pads after having great success with cloth nappies. I wish I had tried before- they are superior to disposables in just so many way! I have never had a leak with them and when I hated the smell of periods before, I have never encountered this issue with CSP.

USING REUSABLE MENSTRUAL PRODUCTS PROS

1} Comfort: These pads are actively and INCREDIBLY much more pleasant to wear than disposables. They are soft and comforting!  After giving birth, I was happy to wear them.

2} Absorbency: They absorb much faster and basically better than disposables. You need less!
3} Leak proof:  They DO NOT leak! AND They stay put and in place.
4} Fit:  Although they are a bit bulkier than disposables, it does not change anything for me but I can imagine some people annoyed with it. But thankfully, you can find now thinner ones!
5} Nicer: Like for nappies, they are very pretty and you can have a lot of fun when stashing. So many pretty beautiful designs out there!

CONS:

It is not really a CONS, but only a downside.  The washing procedure: you have to be more careful than with cloth nappies because hot treatment (and some chemicals) will permanently set blood so you cannot just put them in with your normal laundry. You can soak them in cold water but giving them a cold rinse after use will help them stay as new.

I am a cheeky mama with a stash of 20 CSP, with a mix of bamboo and bamboo charcoal, day pads and maternity pads. I have bought and started to use them 2 years ago and have never looked back. They have survived two child birth and still as new and I am enjoying wearing them.

Cheeky mama cloth sanitary pads are available to buy from www.cheekywipes.com.

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To celebrate RMP week and help you switch to Reusable Menstrual products, I have teamed up with Cheeky wipes and Friendly soap to offer one of my reader:

1} ONE cheeky Mama Sarter set containing:

• 4 day pads
• 3 night pads
• one wet bag

2} a Set of 6 Friendly soap bars:

• Cocoa Butter soap bar
• Travel soap bar
• Shampoo soap bar
• Lavender soap bar
• Lemongrass soap bar
• Peppermint soap bar

How to enter?

1} Leave a comment below telling me what you think about CSP/why you are considering to switch to RMP.

2} Subscrible to the blog.

3} Share on facebook

Giveaway ends on the 30th of October Midnight

Open WORLDWIDE

Winner picked by random and to be announced the following days.

Will be running on Facebook too.

Good luck!