Let’s talk about RUMPS. RUMPS? #wtf. If you’re not in the know, then this acronym might be a bit of a stumble for you. RUMPS refers to ReUseable Menstrual products like cloth pads, menstrual cups, and other possibilities for changing up how you deal with your monthly flow. That’s right; this post is going to get personal. Stop reading now if this is just too much information. Perhaps you’d prefer something like this blog post, or maybe this one. 

Also, full disclosure: Hope Mountain Cloth sent me some product in exchange for a mention. As always, this hard working dedicated blogger strives to share her honest truth with you. The FTC just likes #disclosure #youknow.

The Switch to Cloth

I switched to menstrual cloth pads way before it was cool.

If you don’t know this about me, I attended a women’s college in Missouri in 2008-2010. At the time I was pursuing a degree in elementary education, but quickly released I don’t like children and thought about finishing my Associates before going on to do a degree in Environmental Law. That story never panned out, but at some point, during my educational career the environmental impact of feminine hygiene products came up.

As a young go-getter at a women’s college, I had zero fear of ordering a set of cloth pads. I cringed at the upfront cost but reminded myself that I pay that much (and more) each year for disposable menstrual products.

This switch was the best thing I ever did.

However, it lasted maybe a year before I lost interest, and lacked the necessary laundry skills to succeed. But, now, as a full-fledged adult, I rock at the laundry, and menstrual cloth pads do not scare me. 

Between that time and now, I used a mix of ‘green disposable menstrual pads.’ My short stint with cloth pads showed me that my menstrual cycle could be comfortable. No longer did I struggle with chafing, mild chemical burns (now I know), and misery down below during my 3-5 day flow.

TMI ALERT: For the longest time, I struggled with vulvodynia. This painful condition of the Vulva meant inserting menstrual products was less than enjoyable, and often envoked pain, fear, and anxiety.

Now that I’m washing diapers, I figured it was time to bring back the menstrual cloth pads and for very good reasons.

1. Cloth is way more comfortable.Why wear paper products when you can wear cosy, comfy cloth in your pants? #justseemsobvious. Some pads are bulky, but even a bulky cloth menstrual product trumps a disposable. I know. My first pads are double, triple as thick as the ones I have from Hope Mountain Cloth. Not enjoyable, but no more diaper-like chaffing. 
2. Cloth is way more affordable.But Bailey, at $10/pad, that’s way more expensive. You’re right. The upfront cost of cloth menstrual pads sucks. It’s so worth it. If you buy ‘eco-friendly’ disposable menstrual products, you easily spend $10/month (CANADIAN) on an assortment of options. That’s over $100 per year. A set of cloth menstrual pads can easily last you over three years. Savings unlocked, plus no more late night runs to the drug store because you ran out a last month and forgot to add it to the grocery list. #askmehowIknow.
3. Cloth is way healthier.They don’t talk about whats in menstrual products. They also don’t talk about whats in diapers. That’s why Jen Labit with cottonbabies has the #igettoknow campaign going on right now. If you’re concerned about your exposure to chemicals, rethink sitting on a disposable menstrual product every month.
4. Cloth is better for the environment.Always. Disposable products just suck and as a disposable diaper, a disposable menstrual pad will take hundreds of years to decompose in a landfill. Yes, there’s processing that goes into cotton products, but fibres just break down. The grass is just a little greener on this side of the fence.

And for those four reasons, I now use RUMPS, and more specifically cloth menstrual pads.

Over the years, I’ve tried a few different products, but recently, Hope Mountain Cloth connected with me to share her beautiful work. Can we talk about how well she knows me? I was head over heels to land this coffee mama cloth. I might not have snagged a coffee themed diaper, but now I have some coffee themed mama cloth. 

Hope Mountain Cloth is a Canadian owned and operated by Jen. I know this mama from the internet alone, and while I have bought her diapers, and been to her door step, I have yet to say much than a Hello in passing. Online she is a gem. Her kids are gorgeous, and she is gracious. I share with this you this tidbit because I think when we #shoplocal we should buy from amazing people and support their creative endeavours to be excellent.

I was sent a moderate flow pad. It’s made out of cotton, zorb and a heavy bamboo fleece.

Unlike the other mama cloth (oh ya, that’s the other #coolkid term for reusable menstrual pads) I own, this cloth pad features a square shape and design. Whereas, my other products are rounded at the top and back. I’m not sure if this influences anything, it just is the way it is. A set of snaps offers the option for the pad to attach to the underside of your underwear, as well as gives you the option to roll it up into a nice neat package when out and about.

 

This is WAHM Mama Cloth. Jen is no perfectly trained machine, and this pad isn’t perfect in its stitching. But, this pad has one job, and that’s to keep me feeling dry and comfortable during an uncomfortable time of the month. I’m okay with imperfections. If you aren’t okay with then find another product. That’s just the way it is folks.

If you want to order your own set of Mama Cloth from Jen at Hope Mountain Cloth connect with her on Facebook. 

Now its your chance to ENTER TO WIN.