Why so many different shapes?! - cloth pads

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares her journey into using and making reusable menstrual products, starting with cloth diapering and transitioning to cloth pads. She offers advice for tampon users converting to cloth pads, particularly the use of menstrual cups. The speaker also explains the various pad shapes, emphasizing how they cater to different bleeding patterns (front, center, or back). She highlights the importance of choosing the right pad style and length based on your body type and preferences, while also discussing the fun, creative designs that some pads come in. Overall, it's an informative guide to reusable period care.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker began their journey into reusables after meeting local moms who cloth diapered their babies. They initially found the concept strange but became open to it over time.
• 😀 After learning about cloth diapering, the speaker decided to try making their own diapers, eventually learning how to sew and create custom products.
• 😀 The speaker transitioned to using cloth pads after noticing them in a sewing group. They saw similarities between cloth pads and cloth diapers, and decided to give them a try.
• 😀 Due to financial constraints, the speaker made their own cloth pads instead of purchasing them, which eventually led to starting a small business selling cloth pads.
• 😀 When starting out, the quality of the speaker's cloth pads was not great, but they priced them accordingly. As their skills improved, they raised prices to reflect the improved quality.
• 😀 For tampon users interested in switching to reusables, the speaker recommends trying menstrual cups, specifically the **Instead Cup**, which they have used since their teenage years.
• 😀 The **Instead Cup** is favored by the speaker because it doesn't create suction like other cups but instead folds, which they find more comfortable and easier to use.
• 😀 When it comes to cloth pads, the different shapes and designs exist to cater to the variety of body types and menstrual flow patterns.
• 😀 The type of bleeder you are (front, center, or back) affects the type of cloth pad that will work best for you. Understanding your bleeding pattern is key to selecting the right pad.
• 😀 The fit of cloth pads depends on the style of underwear worn. Boy shorts or bikini-style underwear require different snapped-width pads to provide the best fit and comfort.
• 😀 Fun-shaped cloth pads, such as hearts, bears, or tulips, are available for those who want something a little more whimsical, though the shapes are still functional for menstrual protection.

Q & A

What led the speaker to get into reusables?

The speaker was introduced to cloth diapering by fellow local moms after having their second child. Over time, this sparked an interest in reusables, including cloth pads, which led them to make their own after learning to sew.

Why did the speaker start making their own cloth pads?

The speaker couldn't afford to buy cloth pads from stores, so they decided to make their own. They also wanted to contribute financially to their family while staying at home with their children.

How did the speaker improve the quality of their cloth pads over time?

The speaker's sewing skills improved with practice. As they got better at making the pads, they raised their prices to reflect the increased quality of their products.

What is the speaker’s recommendation for someone transitioning from tampons to cloth pads?

The speaker suggests using menstrual cups as a good alternative. They personally use the 'Instead' cup, which is a flexible and reusable option that works well for them.

What is the main difference between the menstrual cups the speaker prefers and other traditional cups?

The speaker prefers the 'Instead' menstrual cup because it folds for easier insertion and doesn't rely on suction, unlike traditional menstrual cups. They find it more comfortable and easier to use.

Why are there so many different shapes of cloth pads?

Cloth pads come in different shapes to cater to various types of bleeders. The speaker suggests that users need to first identify their bleeding pattern—whether they're a front, back, or center bleeder—and choose a pad that aligns with their needs.

How does one determine which cloth pad shape works best for them?

To find the best shape, users should look at how their disposable pads line up with their underwear. By understanding their own bleeding pattern, they can then choose a pad shape that offers the best fit and protection.

What is the difference between 'wrap' and 'tab' style wings on cloth pads?

The difference lies in the way the wings of the pad are designed. 'Wrap' wings are shorter and provide a snugger fit, while 'tab' wings are longer, offering more coverage and flexibility for different body types and underwear styles.

What role does underwear style play in choosing the right cloth pad?

Underwear style is important because different pads may fit better with different types of underwear. For instance, boy shorts might require a different pad shape or width compared to bikini-style underwear.

Why are there novelty shapes like hearts, bears, and vampires in cloth pads?

These fun shapes add personality to the product, making it more enjoyable for users. While some of these shapes are still functional, they mainly serve as a fun and playful element for those who want something different and unique in their reusable products.