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Cloth pads from the picture as well as the wet bag were purchased from Majectic Moon.

In a world that is becoming increasingly conscious of environmental issues, every small choice we make can have a big impact. One such choice revolves around our menstrual care products. While disposable pads have been the norm for decades, there’s a more sustainable and eco-friendly alternative that’s gaining traction: cloth pads.

In this blog, I’ll delve into the benefits of choosing cloth pads over disposable pads, highlighting not only the positive environmental aspects but also the personal advantages they offer.

What are cloth pads?

Cloth pads are menstrual pads which are made from fabric. Ideally you want to be using organic cotton pads or the best quality material pads.

Types of cloth pads:

Panty liner
Teenager pads
Light flow
Medium flow
Heavy flow
 Postpartum

Here are 5 reasons why you should choose cloth pads over disposable pads:

1. They are very cute

There are so many varieties of cloth pads on the market.
There are plain dark colours ones or there are ones with prints like in pic.

PS: These pads are for my @celebrationdayforgirls workshops.

2. They do not stink when they get soaked with menstrual blood.

Cloth pads can be changed every 4 hours. And I love that they do not smell as they fill up.

3. They are eco-friendly. 

Reusable pads can be used comfortably for many years if they have been looked after well. They do not go to the landfills as soon as disposable pads.

4. They do not make scratchy funny noises when walking.

One thing that I did not enjoy with disposable pads is that they are noisy. 

With cloth pads, they are comfortable and do not make any friction noises when walking.

5. They are safer for overall health.

With cloth pads, the following materials are often used:
PUL or a waterproof layer so that the blood does not leak into your clothes.
many absorbency layers such as flannel, towelling, hemp, etc
cotton that goes against your skin.

With disposables, I am uncertain about the transparency of what all the ingredients are present in the pads.

With our skin being the largest organ in the body, be mindful of what menstrual products you use. Many of these can have hormone disruptors and aggravate your menstrual cycle imbalances.

One of the biggest worries women have when choosing cloth pads is leaks.

Here are some recommendations to avoid leaks:

 Choose the correct flow pads for the day of your periods.

E.g.. Day 1 may be a heavier flow, and by day 3, it is a medium flow.

If you perhaps get a bit of brown or pink spotting before or after your periods, then pantyliners might work better.

 Wear a comfortable pair of panties.

Ideally, when you are menstruating, you do not want to be wearing any tight clothing as it restricts blood flow.
Avoid loose panties as pads might not feel like a good fit.

 Make sure that you are wearing the waterproof layer against your panty.

Usually, manufacturers will tell you which side is which.

Where do you buy cloth pads?

1. I have personally bought organic cotton cloth pads from Rona https://ronamirimi.co.za/menstrual-cups/#organicpads
2. You can make your own from patterns from Etsy or Youtube – my favourite ones are the ones that my mom and I sewed together.
3. You can buy beautiful cloth pads and wet bags from Majestic Moon (Alida) https://www.facebook.com/groups/1050602601776138
4. WAHM WORX (Melanie) also sells cloth pads and wet bags via her group https://www.facebook.com/groups/717721878759026/
5. You can also obtain cloth pads from Origami Eco Baby https://origamieco.co.za/eco-woman-store/
6. Jannananna also sells beautiful and simple cloth pads: https://www.jannananna.com/product-page/basic-cloth-menstrual-pads.

HOW TO WASH CLOTH PADS:

1. Take off the pad and soak it in a container with cold water.
2. After the pad has been soaked, throw the water in your garden (offering it back to Mother Earth) or if it is at night, toss in the toilet.
3. Rinse the cloth pads again in cold water to check if there is any blood.
4. Rinse cloth pads by hand or with the rest of your washing.
5. Hang on the line in the sun.
6. Pack away in your period care basket.

Definitely make the Green Choice by choosing Cloth Pads instead of Disposable Pads if you are experiencing period pains, menstrual cycle problems such as endometriosis, fibroids, cysts, PCOS and fertility challenges.