Reusable menstrual pads were at the top of my “not for me list” for a long time. I avoid disposable pads whenever I can, so why would I use a reusable solution? Then I tried the Keeper Cup and realized what a difference a reusable cup/tampon alternative made for my periods. I started thinking ahead to my post partum needs and wondered, is there a reusable pad solution I should try?
People rarely talk about the post partum experience after baby comes, probably because it’s not the prettiest. If you’ve been through it, though, you remember the giant pads they give you in the hospital and the huge, mesh panties meant to keep them in place. These pads are necessary, but incredibly bulky. Wearing them feels like you and your baby are wearing diapers.
What if you could replace those bulky pads with a comparatively thin alternative made of minky, velour, or fleece? Would the comfort level be worth tackling the “yuck” factor? Would comfort trump convenience? I decided it was time to answer these questions for myself.
Many bloggers sing the praises of the Pink Lemonade Shop, most especially Heather at The Parenting Patch. The Pink Lemonade Shop offers a variety of menstrual solutions in soft fabrics and fun prints. They come in different sizes and absorbencies; from 6 inchto meet light flow days needs, all the way up to 13 ich post partum solutions. I decided to try a set of two minky post partum pads with fleece backs.
Since I had a c-section and a 3 1/2 day recovery in the hospital, I didn’t begin using these pads until I arrived home. Once I began using them, however, I wished I’d purchased several sets. I quickly discovered the following:
- The comfort factor is huge. These soft pads feel luxurious and have almost no bulk. Plus, the snap style wings keep the pads consistently in place.
- The “ick” factor is essentially the same with cloth and disposable pads. My pads have a very dark background, a feature that actually makes the experience more positive. Granted, I did not travel with these pads, so I can’t really speak to the public restroom experience. I imagine a good, discreet wet bag would make all the difference, though.
- Cloth pads aren’t really inconvenient. You already wash laundry and these simply get tossed in with your laundry. I rinsed mine in cold water after use, put them in a wet bag, and threw them in with cloth diaper laundry.
If you are looking to change your post partum experience for the better, I definitely recommend purchasing post partum pads from The Pink Lemonade Shop. You can choose from a variety of options, made from hand dyed Bamboo Velour, lusciously soft Minky, and designer Cotton Woven prints. The bottom layer of the pads are made with high quality Water Resistant Fleece or breathable Wool Interlock.
The Pink Lemonade Shop is going to be a sponsor at our 4th Time Around Event, coming November 17th! Facebook follow rules are changing, so we can’t ask you to follow the shop as an entry in the giveaway. If you love giveaways, though, go show your appreciation by liking their page.
Have you tried reusable post partum solutions?
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