Mama Pads
Printed From: OHbaby!
Category: Product Reviews
Forum Name: Cloth Nappy Discussion
Forum Description: Are you new to cloth nappies? Looking for washing tips? Want to rave about a great new nappy you've tried? By popular request a board especially for all our cloth Mums!
URL: https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=6501
Printed Date: 27 September 2024 at 11:42pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.05 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Mama Pads
Posted By: LuluBelle85
Subject: Mama Pads
Date Posted: 02 April 2007 at 10:19am
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Ok, So not a nappy question, but kinda related.
Does anyone use cloth pads? I have really heavy flows but next cycle I am going to try some out, just wanting to get some feedback from those who use them? I wanted to use a mooncup, but think my flow might be too heavy. Cheers! |
Replies:
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 02 April 2007 at 10:30am
| I havent but they kinda grossed me out LOL i didnt wanna have to deal with that when mine are awful and TMI Clotty... ick!! hehe |
Posted By: LuluBelle85
Date Posted: 02 April 2007 at 10:52am
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Mine are like that too, but I still have to deal with all that with regular pads and I go through like pack a day (of the massive surfboard goodnights ones), what a waste of money! So I'm used to having to clean sheets and clothing etc anyway.
Sorry if this is TMI for some of you (see, I'm so used it, it doesn't gross me out in the least, haha!) 
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Posted By: SMoody
Date Posted: 02 April 2007 at 11:02am
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I would actually go with the mooncup. Heard good things of them. I must actually just order mine. (a bit scared to insert it however.) You can just take it out more often and clean it and then dont have to deal with washing.
My one friend is going to go cloth for post partum bleeding. And she made a few different ones with different feels to it. So will give you an update on what she says is best for her when she gets to use them. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: kell
Date Posted: 02 April 2007 at 11:55am
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Ive heard from friends that they are bleeding less with using cups! I still cant wrap my head around them...im trying.... ------------- Kayla Rose is now 4! James Sydney is nearly 2! |
Posted By: Skyflame
Date Posted: 02 April 2007 at 12:27pm
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I love the idea of a moon cup and am thinking that I might try one out after the baby is born (when it is safe to)
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Posted By: mummy_becks
Date Posted: 02 April 2007 at 12:52pm
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2 weeks after having the baby skyflame. I'm with Jess mine are like hers and to throw something away is alot nicer than washing it. ------------- I was a puree feeder, forward facing, cot sleeping, pram pushing kind of Mum... and my kids survived! |
Posted By: nikkitheknitter
Date Posted: 02 April 2007 at 1:01pm
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Ew... I personally find throwing it away way grosser than washing! Just me tho! (And this is only a recent development)
I am ordering a moon cup very soon. 
I'd use cloth pads if I was a pad girl... but I'm not. Apparently moon cups are quite good for heavy flows... you just might have to empty it more often. 
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Posted By: Paws
Date Posted: 02 April 2007 at 1:22pm
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I use a mooncup and cloth pads and I love them!!!
i save so much money,they are far more comfortable not to mention you end up with lighter periods using them (don't ask me how but honestly it works!!! I'll see if I can find the link for the info) not mention cloth pads are so much more funky than boring throw away pads! There's really nothing gross about it..after all, we are parents we deal with a lot worse! ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: Paws
Date Posted: 02 April 2007 at 1:24pm
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By the way Lou, you may not find your flow too heavy with a mooncup either, they do hold quite a lot, I would only have to empty mine once a day and I've got an average flow. ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: jax
Date Posted: 02 April 2007 at 1:25pm
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I agree with Paws, I use the same system - a mooncup and a few cloth pads (liner weight) just in case of leaks. My period typically lasts 6-8 days and is heavy throughout, and I wish I'd found the mooncup sooner! ------------- Jacquie - Mama to Erin, 13.07.06 - Chief Cat Chaser & Marmite Sammie Eater 
Love many, trust few, harm none. ~Anon~ |
Posted By: peanut butter
Date Posted: 02 April 2007 at 1:32pm
Whats a mooncup? I have never heard of this?
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Posted By: Paws
Date Posted: 02 April 2007 at 1:35pm
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A Mooncup is a silicone cup that sits just inside the vagina and collects the blood. You simply pull it out, empty, rinse and re-insert.
They are great because the majoity of people end up with lighter periods (I believe it's becuase they sit lower is there is nothing irritating the cervix) and at $55 it's a bargin! They last 10 years so it's not hard to do the maths and figure the savings! http://www.greenbeans.co.nz/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=74_210 - Mooncup Link ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: kebakat
Date Posted: 02 April 2007 at 1:52pm
| Ewwwwww I would rather throw it away than wash blood. I remember when I found out about a mooncup and showed DH the link online he thought it was gross too. |
Posted By: Paws
Date Posted: 02 April 2007 at 1:55pm
Personally I think it's just as gross to have that sitting in my rubbish for a week  . But hey each to thier own. ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Sarah Beth
Date Posted: 02 April 2007 at 2:00pm
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I am with paws, pads in rubbish - ewwwwww ------------- "> 
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Posted By: jax
Date Posted: 02 April 2007 at 2:04pm
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If we didn't bleed each month, none of us would have been able to have our babies. ------------- Jacquie - Mama to Erin, 13.07.06 - Chief Cat Chaser & Marmite Sammie Eater
Love many, trust few, harm none. ~Anon~ |
Posted By: Sarah Beth
Date Posted: 02 April 2007 at 2:07pm
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very good call Jax!!! ------------- ">
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Posted By: Paws
Date Posted: 02 April 2007 at 2:08pm
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i'll say!! ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Two Blondinis
Date Posted: 02 April 2007 at 2:39pm
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so... if you're out and about and need to empty it, where do you rinse the moon cup? in the public bathroom? or does the water have to be sterile?
I'm not convinced on the hygiene side I'm sorry. I'm going to get some FBs cloth pads with my next comms pay, just enough to give them a go and decide from there. I don't think it would be any worse than dealing with a cloth nappy after a sh*tty explosion  ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
 
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Posted By: LuluBelle85
Date Posted: 02 April 2007 at 2:59pm
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Thanks guys, I might have a look at the mooncup again!
Just a bit concerned as I've always been to heavy to use tampons, so it would be a bit of a change for me. Yes, I find pads in the bin disgusting as well (especially with my flows). Toni, I'm sure the girls who use them would be able to enlighten us about what you need to do to keep them clean? (I'm interested as well, even though I think I have some idea) Will probably give the mooncup a go and get a few cloth pads for nights etc. Thanks all! |
Posted By: peanut butter
Date Posted: 02 April 2007 at 3:32pm
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eww! would take a bit to get my head around that I think. Thank god for pregnancies huh? No periods!!!!
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Posted By: My3Sons
Date Posted: 02 April 2007 at 3:50pm
I like the idea of the Mama pads, regular ones are SUCH a waste of money!! I also agree with the rubbish thing, very gross!! Have seen some very cool designs around, does anyone know a good place to buy them from??------------- Mum to Mr 10, Mr 6 and Mr 4 
 
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Posted By: Paws
Date Posted: 02 April 2007 at 3:57pm
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If you are out and about you just empty it in the loo and wipe it with loo paper. Clean at home as normal and sterilise once a month after it's monthly use.
They are as perfectly hygenic as tampons (ok unless you left it lying around in dust or shared it perhaps ) and there are no known associated risks unlike tampons which are have the associated risk of TSS.
if you are looking for Mama pads check out TM or sign up to http://www.greenbeans.co.nz - www.greenbeans.co.nz for thier newletter. That will let you know when the next lot of Outrageous! pads go on sale..warning though they sell out fast....last month they sold out and in fact oversold in 6 minutes! ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: LuluBelle85
Date Posted: 02 April 2007 at 4:25pm
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Thanks heaps for that info Paws!
Looking foward to giving them a go! |
Posted By: aimeejoy
Date Posted: 02 April 2007 at 7:21pm
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Gen, you have re-inspired me to go buy a mooncup!! Have been meaning to for ages... ------------- Aimee Hannah 22/10/05 Greer 11/02/08 |
Posted By: Paws
Date Posted: 02 April 2007 at 8:26pm
Do it! You won't regret it. They do take a little getting used to and a bit of practice as the positioning is different from a tampon but honestly, after one cycle I love mine! And as I've already mentioned...it's very satisfying not to fork out all the money each month!!
------------- http://lilypie.com">
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aimeejoy wrote:Posted By: jax
Date Posted: 02 April 2007 at 9:46pm
Totally agree with you on this one Gen !! ------------- Jacquie - Mama to Erin, 13.07.06 - Chief Cat Chaser & Marmite Sammie Eater
Love many, trust few, harm none. ~Anon~ |
Posted By: caraMel
Date Posted: 03 April 2007 at 9:05am
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Ok, I don't get periods at the moment but a few questions spring to mind.
Do you find there is a smell with cloth pads? I am really paranoid about smell with the throwaway pads so wondered if it would be more noticeable with cloth? Are they any less reliable than disposable? do you have to change more often or do they leak more? Thanks guys. ------------- Mel, Mummy to E: 6, B: 4 and: 
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Posted By: jax
Date Posted: 03 April 2007 at 10:18am
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Hey Mel,
I don't find that there is any stronger a smell with cloth pads than there would be with disposable ones, although I only use the liner weight ones (very light flow) in case of leaks with my mooncup. They do come in all sorts of different 'consistencies' though, light, medium, heavy - and there are even cloth pads out there made specifically for post-partum bleeding. As far as reliability they are fabulous, and I only change them as often as I would a disposable pad, maybe even a bit less. Hope that helps ! ------------- Jacquie - Mama to Erin, 13.07.06 - Chief Cat Chaser & Marmite Sammie Eater
Love many, trust few, harm none. ~Anon~ |
Posted By: Paws
Date Posted: 03 April 2007 at 11:18am
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I have never found there is a smell with cloth pads at all. I've never had a problem with reliabilty either. I've always used brands that have a PUL backing or PUL base so there is no leak through.
I change as often as I would I normal pad. I've used all but post partum and found the results the same across the board. For cleaning I keep a small discreet container (I use an old huggies wipe container) beside the loo with cold water and pop them to soak in that until washing. The soaking water then goes on my plants - it's a brillant fertiliser!!! Hubby commented right away that it was nicer than when I used disposables becuase they weren't sitting in the rubbish and he did notice a smell then! So even he is a huge fan. ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: LuluBelle85
Date Posted: 03 April 2007 at 11:33am
| I think thats a brilliant idea about the container beside the loo and then using it in the garden! |
Posted By: Paws
Date Posted: 03 April 2007 at 12:25pm
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Well it's effectively the same as blood and bone and believe me....it really works miracles! ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: nikkitheknitter
Date Posted: 03 April 2007 at 2:32pm
Like Gen said, wipe out with toilet paper... or take in a water bottle (like Pump) and rinse it out in the toilet. I think you can boil them to sterilise between periods (that right?) No more unhygenic than other things that get put up there
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Posted By: nikkitheknitter
Date Posted: 03 April 2007 at 2:33pm
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P.S. As soon as the guy next to me leaves the uni computer room, I'm buying a moon cup. Just don't want him glancing at me any weirder than he already is!
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Posted By: Paws
Date Posted: 03 April 2007 at 2:34pm
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Yup just boil them. ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: caraMel
Date Posted: 03 April 2007 at 4:18pm
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Ok, little bit random but I mentioned this topic to a friend who suggested using a sea sponge. Has anyone ever tried that?
ETA - Thanks Jax & Paws ------------- Mel, Mummy to E: 6, B: 4 and:
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Posted By: LuluBelle85
Date Posted: 03 April 2007 at 4:56pm
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Yes, I've heard of loads of people using sea sponges.
Anyone here use them? I think a mooncup would be a lot easier to clean when you're out and about though. |
Posted By: Bizzy
Date Posted: 03 April 2007 at 5:13pm
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there are a couple of other sites that sell mama cloth too, incl fuzis, jeol eze naps and
http://www.redrag.co.nz/ - this one and http://www.gladrags.com/ - this one too as well as on trade me, trade me user name skytower sells MCN as well as wool mama pads (and they are fab), also mamapossum and they are great too. also http://www.gladrags.com/ - junglemama sell diva cups. ------------- http://www.myfitnesspal.com/weight-loss-ticker"> 
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Posted By: LuluBelle85
Date Posted: 04 April 2007 at 3:44pm
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Wow, those sites are great!
Thanks heaps for that gandt! 
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Posted By: Kels
Date Posted: 08 April 2007 at 8:47am
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oh.... off to look at moon cups ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
Busy mum to Miss 15yrs, Miss 10yrs and Master 4yrs |
Posted By: Brenna
Date Posted: 08 April 2007 at 8:12pm
I still haven't got my period since having Brenna and have been trying to avoid this thread cause I always just thought eewwww. 
BUT! I have to say that my nosey-ness got the better of me and now that I have read what you all have to say I'm actually quite intrigued (spl??)... I'd never heard of a mooncup before and they sound like such a good idea. My only worry is that at $55 I just think that if I get it and don't like it, I've wasted alot of money (we are on a tight budget at the moment due to one income and all that...)  ------------- My beautiful 2 girls...nearly 4 and 13 months
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Posted By: Paws
Date Posted: 08 April 2007 at 8:37pm
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I can honestly say that i have only ever heard of one person not liking their mooncup. Yes they do take a little practice and a little getting used to inserting etc...but honestly, I'd be surprised if you didn't end up loving it. This has only been my second cycle using mine...i only had one leak and only had to empty once per day! And as I keep harping on about...no money on tampons!! (jesh I love that!!!)
Oh my period lasted only 4 days....normally I'm a 7 day girl...so again....they really can lighten periods! ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Brenna
Date Posted: 08 April 2007 at 9:13pm
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I don't understand how they can make a period lighter???? Does anyone know why this is?
Paws - I hope this isn't too much of a personal Q, but how heavy was your flow to only have to empty once per day? It sounds too good to be true! I hate changing tampons...especially at work! ------------- My beautiful 2 girls...nearly 4 and 13 months
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Posted By: Paws
Date Posted: 09 April 2007 at 7:22am
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Bah! Once you've had kids nothing is too personal!!! My flow was about average...a moon cup holds about 15ml which is acually a lot.
i think the bit about them making flow lighter is to do with nothing irratating the cervix....I'll see if I can track the info for ya all. ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Paws
Date Posted: 09 April 2007 at 7:32am
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Here is one lot of info I got off the http://www.redrag.co.nz - www.redrag.co.nz site.
According to the Women's Environmental Network (UK) Toxic Shock Syndrome has been linked to the use of super-absorbent and newer, less absorbent tampons made of viscose rayon, both with and without cotton. SEAC Tampaction claims that artificial fibers (like rayon) used in tampons are abrasive, so when a tampon lengthens it pushes against the cervical area, causing tiny cuts and imbedding pieces into the tissue. This has been traced as the probable cause of Toxic Shock Syndrome and has been shown to damage the vaginal walls by causing ulceration and peeling of the mucous membrane. Disposables made from synthetic materials can often cause sensitivities. Many women experience a reduction in yeast infections when they switch to cloth pads. Women have also reported less cramping and lighter bleeding. Red Rags are soft, don't sweat and will not cause chafing or irritate your skin. ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Kels
Date Posted: 09 April 2007 at 9:38am
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wow Paws great info. Im WAS the same as Anna, unsure about the price if I decide i dont like it. After a little reading, I have decided its a great way to go and have emailed the link to all my girlfriends too ------------- http://lilypie.com">
Busy mum to Miss 15yrs, Miss 10yrs and Master 4yrs |
Posted By: LemonNZ
Date Posted: 09 April 2007 at 11:07pm
Yeah love all the questions... I use both pads and mooncup. There is a Divacup also but I am senstive to rubber so went the silicone way. If out and the bathrooms are dodgy I never rinse just empty it out and put it back in...(it all came out of me afterall!) You are far more likely to end up with problems from something you picked up from dirty bathrooms than your own body. At home I take it out and give it a good rinse under the hot tap. It can also be boiled to sterilise it but lets face it you don't know who the last person was to touch the tampons you use and you don't sterilise them first. I used FBs pads after my son and while I was so glad of them over the plastic disposable ones I would suggest you try a mixture of fabrics to see which suits you best. I didn't need them for long but was glad to downsize to my hemp/cotton Outrageous Pads from www.greenbeans.co.nz as the all synthetics of the FBs in summer was a little hot sweaty. Also check out www.redrag.co.nz for some awesome fabrics and designs. |
Posted By: LemonNZ
Date Posted: 09 April 2007 at 11:13pm
Nikki did you buy one? Did you know that Commonsense Organics just down the hill from you sell them? |
Posted By: Paws
Date Posted: 10 April 2007 at 8:25am
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Hi Lemon!! Cool to see you over here! *insert wavey guy* ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Anna
Date Posted: 29 April 2007 at 9:16am
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Just thought I'd add something here!
I bought a mooncup. And I LOVE IT! I have a reasonably heavy period and was a bit concerned about if the mooncup would do the trick. It worked brilliantly! I bought it via trade me, a trader named kamitchell. Service was impressive. My eyes almost bugged out of my head when it arrived, it looks a lot bigger than I expected! But when it came time to try it it was great! No leaks, no problems at all. And I love that I don't have to fritter $$ away on tampons etc anymore. Seriously recommend it to anyone! Absolutely worth the $50-something spent! ------------- Anna http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: Paws
Date Posted: 29 April 2007 at 11:16am
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Yay Anna! Glad to hear you joined us with the moncups....they really do rock! ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: nikkitheknitter
Date Posted: 29 April 2007 at 1:55pm
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Anna - right with ya on that one. Using my mooncup for the first time this week and YAAAAAYYYYY! So much better than tampons.
And yeah, I ended up getting mine from http://www.gowiththemoon.co.nz - Go with the moon as they had an online credit card payment option. I was worried that there would be a huge markup down at commonsense. Oh yeah, and Michelle, must come see you about some SLS-free bubble bath for monkey kid. Will email you when I get organised. |
Posted By: BabyHarmony
Date Posted: 01 May 2007 at 11:44pm
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Oh, I just wanna add that I love my DIVA CUP!!! I've tried both the Diva Cup (it is silicone) and the Moon cup and I have to admit that I do much prefer the Diva Cup. It's a slightly longer cup but has a way shorter stem thats tappered so it doesn't dig in to your skin folds when you sit. I found I had to trim my Moon cup stem heaps to make it comfortable. I'm hoping to retail the Diva cup on my website in the not too distant future. The price was about the same $55 or so.(I got mine from Canada)so it's well worth the effort it takes to master the trick of inserting it. I got frustrated with it and gave up on it after my first attempt as it was so uncomfortable, but I decided I wasn't going to waste $55 so I gave it another go and Bam! it worked and I've never looked back. Persistence is the key!!! When I'm out I usually try to find/use the handicapped toilet as they often have a sink in them.
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Posted By: Paws
Date Posted: 02 May 2007 at 7:22am
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Yay Meredith! Sounds like you are getting heaps of cool new products (I've just been reading through your newletter ) ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: nikkitheknitter
Date Posted: 02 May 2007 at 7:00pm
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I looked at the Diva cup but decided to go with the moon as I hadn't heard much about Diva... sounds pretty good though.
I trimmed the stem off first go and left about 0.5cm.. that seems to be fine. And my period was only 4 days long! Result of the mooncup??? I don't know, but I'm not gonna question it - yay!! 
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Posted By: busymum
Date Posted: 02 May 2007 at 7:25pm
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Ew, what's with Red Rag's logo!! ------------- |
Posted By: Paws
Date Posted: 02 May 2007 at 9:12pm
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What's wrong with it?? Am I missing something?? ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: busymum
Date Posted: 02 May 2007 at 9:25pm
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Maybe I read too much into it but it looks almost like a *map*? ------------- |
Posted By: Paws
Date Posted: 02 May 2007 at 9:35pm
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Hmmmmmm i thought it looked like an arty flower.... Now it's going to bug me....might have to ask Helen what it is meant to be. ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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