Mama Cloth is the term used to refer to reusable menstrual pads. They are shaped much like their disposable "maxi pad" counterpart and are used/worn in the same manner. Mama Cloth varies in absorbency just as disposables do and can be fully customized to each woman's menstrual cycle.
How Is Mama Cloth Cared For?
Mama Cloth is cared for much like Cloth Diapers. Many women have small wet bags that they keep in the bathroom to hold their soiled Mama Cloth. Many like to first rinse off their Mama Cloth under cold tap water to avoid staining. While it isn't necessary, many woman wash their Mama Cloth with their cloth diapers which makes a lot of sense considering that Mama Cloth is often made using the same types of fabrics as Cloth Diapers. The basic wash routine that seems to be most popular and well excepted is as follows:
- Quick, cold tap water rinse prior to wet bag storage
- Every 2-3 days toss the soiled pads in the washing machine for a short cold rinse followed by a long hot wash and then a second short cold rinse.
- Lay flat to dry or toss in the dryer at any temperature
How Much Mama Cloth Do I Need?
The amount of Mama Cloth needed varies from woman to woman based on her menstrual cycle and wash routine. If you plan to wash every 2 days, here is a quick calculation to help you assess:
Number of disposable pads used per day x 1.25 (you may need to change slightly more
often than disposable, the .25 extra adds that buffer)
x 2.5 (accounts for 2 days worth of pads plus the time needed to wash)
For many the numbers look like this:
8 x 1.25 x 2.5 = 25 Mama Cloth Pads needed if washed every 2 days.
Again, this is a very personal number and will differ based on your own menstrual cycle and how often you plan to wash your Mama Cloth.
Why Use Mama Cloth?
Mama Cloth has the same cost benefits of Cloth Diapers. While a small investment is needed to build a stash, once purchased, quality made Mama Cloth can be used for years without needing to replace.
Mama Cloth also has the same benefit to the environment as cloth diapers do. Disposable maxi pads, just as disposable diapers, do not biodegrade and add to the ever growing volumes of waste filling our landfills.
Mama Cloth has also been proven to have many health benefits associated with their use. "Maxi Pads" and disposable diapers are both laced with chemicals and unnatural products. These chemicals and toxins have been proven to increase the chances of yeast infections, rashes and some of the toxins, such as bleach, have even been banned in many European countries and been linked to cancer!
Many users of Mama Cloth have reported that with continued use of Mama Cloth, their menstrual cycles shortened, their cramps decreased, and their overall flow decreased. These benefits have been shown to be linked to the lack of chemicals and toxins which undoubtedly have a negative impact on health.
Mama Cloth is also very comfortable for many women. With some many shapes, sizes, and material combinations available, it's a sure bet you’ll find exactly what suits you best.
About Ella Bella Bum Mama Cloth
Ella Bella Bum offers breathable poly-fleece-backed Mama Cloth which has hidden layers of absorbent Bamboo French Terry. The top of Ella Bella Bum Mama Cloth is a super soft layer of hand-dyed cotton velour. The pads are contoured and have wings which are wrapped around the gusset of panties using a durable poly resin snap. They dry quickly and have been designed for ultimate comfort, luxury, and trimness.
Ella Bella Bum Mama Cloth is currently available in 3 levels of absorbency:
- Mama Liners are the perfect everyday use “pantyliner”. They are great for the last day or two of your menstrual cycle, when spotting, and to promote everyday freshness and moisture protection. They measure approx 6” in total length and are very trim.
- Light Mama Cloth is great for once your “output” has leveled off. Many use them for day 3-4 of the cycle. Light Mama Cloth measures approx 8” in total length and are also trim.
- Regular Mama Cloth is great for many women right from the start of their cycle. They are commonly used for cycle days 1-3. Regular Mama Cloth measures approx 8” in total length and features more absorbency that the light Mama Cloth. Regular Mama Cloth features a zigzag stitching pattern on the front side. This forms a “channel” for menstrual fluid and helps you tell the difference between the light and regular mama cloth.
- If you find the need for “super maxi pads”, Regular Mama Cloth may not provide enough absorbency for the first heavy flow day. Ella Bella Bum is currently in the development of a Super Mama Cloth with a planned release date of mid-March.
GIVEAWAY!
We would like to offer one lucky winner a complimentary set of 4 Ella Bella Bum Mama Cloth. The set includes 1 Regular, 1 Light, and 2 Mama Liners! Please enter via Rafflecopter at the bottom of this blog post. Please note that the photo below is not of the exact set that will be received. The colourway is a surprise!
Please feel free to comment with any questions or email me privately at: Sam@EllaBellaBum.com.
