Mama Pads

For some, cloth menstrual pads are a much easier choice to consider after using cloth diapers. When initially introduced to the concept, I did not pay too much attention to it. Nearly a year later I decided to give them a try and I can tell you with absolute conviction, I'll NEVER  go back to disposable liners, EVER!
Like cloth diapers, reusable pads hold environmental, financial and even physical advantages.

After conducting some research I discovered how detrimental the chemicals used in manufacturing and even harvesting the contents used in the disposable liners can pose to our health and safety.

Like disposable diapers, sanitary napkins contain a chemical called Dioxin, which is a by product of the paper bleaching process. Although the levels of dioxin contained in sanitary use are quite small it is still hazardous.  
Another chemical used is Furan, which is a pesticide used to spray on the cotton crops. This particular chemical is so strong it will stay on the cotton long after it's been harvested, up to 20 years! 

Because these chemicals are soluble they accumulate in the fat deposits of the body and can add up to very dangerous residual levels over time.

I'll delve deeper into what physical ailments these chemicals are linked to in a later post.

Personally, I can tell you the comfort of cloth pads are unmatched by disposable napkins! I am no longer bothered by the adhesive strip sticking to my unmentionables the residue left on the undergarments or even the rough edges irritating my skin.

In three months time, I noticed a great decrease of abdominal pain, strength of flow and even days per cycle.

So if you're looking to save money, shy away from the discomfort disposable sanitary napkins may pose or leave your green thumbprint on the world then cloth menstrual pads may be worth a shot!

Are you currently using cloth pads or another reusable option? Let me know below!

Bothered by Odors? Try Dish Soap!

Grandparents are wonderful! They drop gems of knowledge without even knowing it.
Cloth Diapering skipped a generation with my mother. Fortunately, with the ease of use cloth diapering now provides; I've been able to pick up the torch not only saving money, but, protecting my daughter from harmful toxins found in most disposable diapers, that would otherwise be in constant contact with her skin. 

In speaking with my Mema she revealed some handy secrets to expelling stubborn odors.
Dish Detergent! Yep, simple as that regular ol' dish washing soap!

All I did was add about 1-2 tablespoons to a full load of previously washed diapers using hot water. In the end I ran an extra rinse cycle (as normal) to ensure the diapers were free of soap. In completing this process I chose what was readily available in my kitchen and found it to work great. 

Additionally, I also tried the dish soap as a replacement to the Dr. Bonner's I normally use in my pre-wash routine, once again a great result.
To find out how I perform my wash routines click here

If you're concerned with the chemicals involved with dish soap then stick with castile. I'll be trying African black soap in this same manner and let you know how it turns out.

Until then Happy Cloth Diapering!

Have you tried anything like this? Have trouble expelling odors from your cloth diapers? Let me know below!