My Experience with RUMPS...Your Questions Answered....Collaboration Feature...
- Renisha
- Mar 5, 2017
- 4 min read
Hey Ladies, let's talk about menstrual periods. How was your experience when you first started? How old you were? Did you had that "talk" with your mom or guardian? Any "embarassing" moments? I know many of you can relate.... So I'll start....
This blog is in collaboration with the lovely S. Michelle Watson a You Tuber who speaks about self love and sexual health. Check out her you tube video
My period started at age 12, at that time I was in Junior High School, in Social Studies class. I felt extremely wet and uncomfortable in my undies, and asked to be excused to the restroom. To my surprise I was beginning my first period. My mom previously prepared me with reading materials, pads that I carried with me and a extra pair of underwear. I immediately jumped into gear and hurried back to my class, grabbed my bag and went and cleaned my self up. I wasn't embarrassed nor was I nervous. I just couldn't wait to go home so I could take a hot shower. The only downside of having my period during school days was the girls restroom was very limited with toiletries and liquid hand soap.
My cycle lasted 7 days every 28 days. It was consistent. The disposable brand "Always" was introduced to me by my mom and I kept using it throughout my adult life. I never wore a Tampon because the idea of inserting anything inside my "va jay jay" was VERY terrifying to me. To this day I never once tried one nor would I ever will. Cramps, bloating, heavy periods, or feeling sick was never an issue during my cycle. I can say all these years I've had a easy peachy cycle until......
I was experiencing recurring annoying vaginal discomfort, recurrent yeast infections, and the list continues on.. I visited my GYN and each time was given "Diflucan" that ONE pill that claims to get rid of the yeast in 7 days. I've tried everything under the sun to get some relief, never once I thought I could be having a reaction to disposables. I began my research and was shocked to know what harmful chemicals had been used. Michelle will go into details more of what disposables are made up. LINK IS ABOVE
One of my social media friends introduced me to Natracare which were a all natural disposables made from 100% organic cotton, plastic free, chlorine free and compostable. I used them during my cycle on a trial basis and had no reaction to these. During that same time I stumbled upon a post about cloth pads aka RUMPS reusable menstrual products on a Facebook page. I did countless researches on You Tube, asked tons of questions on social media, joined many Facebook cloth makers, just to get a feel of this new journey that I might bark upon. It didn't take long for me to decide :) Currently I owned 60+ pads.
October 2016 I exclusively made the switch to the cloth pad journey. I started out with 10 at the time, and in between cycles I was washing them and re-using them until I purchased more. I build my stash very quickly ranging from different sizes 7" Liners - Moderates up to 12". To make it easier on deciding on size, I measured one of my disposables and it measured 10". Now this became the fun part, deciding on the pretty prints, fabrics toppers (Cotton, Organic Bamboo Velour, Pique, Organic Cotton Velour) just to name a few, and sizes.
ARE YOU ALL STILL WITH ME????? DID I LOST YOU? I HOPE NOT :) LET'S JUMP INTO SOME FAQ's
So with all that being said I'm sure you ladies are wondering how do I store my soiled pads during the day while at work? Where do I keep them during the work day. How do I wash them? Where do I keep my cleans pad on off cycle days.
I carry a medium size PUL (polyurethane Laminate) wet bag that is made with a waterproof fabric. I carry 5 cleans pads per day with me (it will vary for some on your flow), and I change comfortable into a clean one each time I need to urinate. The soiled ones are kept in the PUL zippered part of the wet bag. This is stored in my work bag until end of work day. At the end of my cycle the pads are soaked in cold water, and stained treat with Oxi clean, peroxide or Zote. Followed with a complete COLD water wash cycle in the washing machine. Any detergent of your choice, no fabric softener. Hang dry and store for following month. It's very very simple.
On average I used about 20 pad each month.
Here are some Pros and Cons of using RUMPS
PROS
no more painful rashes, and vaginal discomfort
decreased cycle days
cost effective
no more yucky period smell
no more unhealthy chemicals on your ladyparts
pretty, comfy prints to choose from
CONS
stains (you will learn your technique in how to better stain treat)
not enough cycle days to use all your pretty pads
spending lot's of money at first until you find your perfect size, shapes, and length
you might feel self conscious at first with carrying soiled pads with you throughout the day.
Would you like to join the RUMP's journey with me? Here are a few Facebook cloth pad makers that I support. Please click each name to take you directly to there page.
I'd love your feedback on this blog post, don't forget to check out my friend Michelle Watson you tube video. THE LINK IS POSTED ABOVE.. Thank you all....
