UPDATED PERIOD ROUTINE HERE ▸▸▸ th-cam.com/video/VQtQxE_te8E/w-d-xo.html Hope this video helped you a ton! Here are the items I talked about! Reusable Pads - bit.ly/2IwAt0G $10 OFF Thinx Period Underwear - www.shethinx.com/shelbi
The minky isn't the only source of microfibers- fleece backs are prime offenders. I use a Guppyfriend bag when washing my pads, to stop as many of those little bastards as I can before they can enter the water supply.
Because some people/guys/parents thing that this “stuff” should be kept super duper private and not publicized for others that shouldn’t have to know about it Had a female friend at the age of 12 find out what a bra was and periods BY ME.... Don’t know how she never knew about this stuff, but I found out that her mother likes this stuff SUPER private and wasn’t ready to “have the talk” with her daughter. Yes mother felt bras and hairs were also part of the “birds and bees” talk....
I was told my 13 year old niece was to young to know about periods brawl's and where meat comes form. also they were to young to know why everyone was crying at a wake. no one was allowed to tell her it was because grandpa Steve passed away. because she is to young and fragile to know about death. edit she started her period at the next party we were at and she thought was dieing and her mom was out at the store at that time lucky I was there since everyone else was a male.
I really hope reusable menstrual products become more normalized. I switched to cloth when I moved into my first apartment at 19 years old and haven't looked back. I never have to worry about running out, there's more money in my pocket in the long run, and most importantly there's so much less waste in the landfill.
thinking that reusable pads used to be what women have used for millennia before tampons and single use products became available it's sad how fast they have been forgotten
@@Shetasen That's everyone past early puberty, I think. At least most people aren't scared of their own period blood, right? Personally I had my worst periods at 13-14, when I learned what pain and blood were all about... So there was a learning curve right there at the beginning; how to wash blood off by hand in attempt to hide from your parents that you bloodied "everywhere", how to wipe blood off your panties at school with damp toilet paper, emergency wrappings, how to pretend you're doing work when you're too much in pain to do much... And also how to deal with the shame or embarrassment and accept the fact that you're going to bleed and people are going to notice. I think those are things most women go through and learn. So when you've washed blood stains from your underwear enough times, why not wash them off pads or period underwear intentionally? It excludes the shame of washing things that weren't supposed to get bloody. So it should be better right?
it reminds me of back in the day when I was young, we used material too, had a bucket of salted water with a lid for soaking, then boiled them on the stove to wash them, I have to admit though I was so gad when sanitary towels were available.
JJ Math a wet, soggy, baggy diaper😖 I’m a tampon girl too. So much easier to move and do everything in general. I’m a collegiate athlete (track) and I have work and a full class load and a pad just isn’t practical for all that running and moving. I’m in the middle of transitioning fully from tampons to cups tho (about 85% of the way there) coz it’s better for the environment and my wallet. But I completely understand how some women don’t wanna be shoving cotton and silicone cups up their vaginas. Can’t, relate, but I get it.
Hi. They also say white vinegar added water is good to remove stains. Leaving the pads in that liquid, of course, for about an hour. I just bought them, not tried yet
Where was all of this when I had periods! I was in pain and bled soooooo heavily! Keep talking ladies, we need to stand together and help each other. Keep doing the good Shelby xxxx
Hydrogen peroxide complete removes blood from cloth if used right after taking the pad off or shortly after! :) I rinse mine with cold water, squirt hydrogen peroxide on top and throw into my washer! ❤️ I love how stress free reusable pads are. I used to freak out if I was running low on disposables and now I can just wash what I have and start again!
I used to do this until it removed the dye from my pads. Plus it's a really harsh chemical so not great using it on something that is used near intimate areas and properly not great for the environment either.
How many bottles of hydrogen peroxide do you go through on an annual basis? It defeats the purpose of reusable pads a bit, no? Even more so if they are packaged in plastic bottles. My pads (have been using them for maybe six years) still looked very good until a couple of weeks ago. I was cleaning with vinegar and thought that vinegar would do a good job cleaning and disinfecting my pads. Not a good idea. It set the blood to stains that can not be removed. I think vinegar is used in fabric dyeing. Even with bleach I can't remove the stains. I used so much bleach that the fibers became thin. Time for new pads and no more vinegar.
@@____Ann____ vinegar is different than peroxide. Different reaction. If the peroxide is rinsed out good enough, it ain't a problem. And it isn't like peroxide is hard to get out. Especially if you then throw it in the washer, the peroxide definetly goes out. Can possibly ruin some of the fibers thoo. But I'm not sure on that. Haven't looked that up since personally i am a biotex (enzyme stuff) to get blood stains out. And still use single use pads and liners. But also a cup. (I don't bring my cup everywhere. So when i'm out it's tampon +pad. Cause i have that in all my bags. And am very forgetfull) since my flow is just really spotting or light for a few days. And I am super forgetfull. Would definetly forget to take em out of my bag, given I wasn't stressing about it. I know it's bad. It's one of the most wastefull ways of what I do.
@@dutchik5107 If you're forgetful and have a light flow (me too!) you can probably easily just use the period underwear if you want, no pad or tampon required. They're designed to be enough on their own for lighter flows.
I'm a medic we use peroxide for blood stains all the time. I also use it on my mattress or sheets and underwear all the time and have never had an issue with it changing fabric colors.
I started using cloth pads TODAY, bought 6 and hope that will be enough. Also I had never left a comment before on any video in TH-cam but I felt compelled to support you talking freely about periods as everyone should :)
I had bought 2 few months ago. And as I use a cup for the heavy days and one before and then wash and one each day for the light days. I hope they work well for you
I only have 3, and haven’t used them yet. Do you think that would be enough? (I usually change when I wake up, when I come home from school and before I go to bed)
@@maisy4432 if you are only going to use them, not with a cup or anything, you'll need a few more. I have 1 night pad, 4 day pads and 2 panty liners and I've had to put on a wash every day this cycle, so I'll definitely be buying some more!
I had the same horrific experience with the Diva cup ! I was in my bathtub crying by myself trying to get it out. Never used it again for like 6 months. Then I kept watching videos on TH-cam and came across precious starts pads and tried a different brand and it went so well! I use Luna cup now and I LOVE it ! Have not used a tampon in 6 years. There was a learning curve. So if you ever get the inspiration again, I would say go for it. The other thing I did when I was first learning to use the cups was I used a nitrile glove to get it out sometimes if it was too slippery. It helped immensely.
@@bladynebula346 Yeah I feel you. I lost my menstrual cup in there the first time I used it because I didn't realise I bought a regular one and I have a freakishly long cervix T-T. Traumatised me the first time cause I couldn't even grab the stem cause that too was somehow completely out of reach. But yes it is a learning curve and once I figured stuff out it was fine. Still don't use them at night though
Hannah Stogdill I did the same ! I stopped using tampons because I felt it was drying me out too much in addition to the allergy Meds that I take. Started using a cup and it’s been a whole of difference !
I've been wearing cloth pads for a long time but still learned like 3 new things from this. So glad you're talking about them. It makes me angry that a video that mentions periods gets demonetized. How are periods not safe for kids to learn about? They relate to sex but they aren't active sexual acts.
The odor associated with periods is your bodily fluids reacting to the chemicals in tampons and pads. Obviously, there will still be odor, but no where near as bad.
Lorie Diaz I noticed the “period odor” I was used to all but disappeared when I switched to organic tampons and pantry liners. It’s horrific how many chemicals can be found in feminine hygiene products. For most of my life I had no idea?!
This is so true ! I had chronic UTIs my whole life I would get them every month or every other month and my body became so immune to medications , I saw a urologist and all he asked me is if I was sexually active and if I'm wiping properly and drinking enough water and he said some woman's lining in the bladder is just prone to infection. He wanted to prescribe me medication to take in low doses for a few months after I had a day surgery to figure out what was wrong .. I never took the medication .. I just drank lots of water and peed before I went to sleep .. I switched to a diva cup a few years ago then I also used some organic pads as well and two years ago I started using cloth pads , one time I couldn't use mine because I was at my parents house so I used regular pads that my sister's had in the cabinet .. a few days after my period I got a UTI .. I haven't had one since . I am really convinced that it was those pads ! They are so toxic they have so many chemicals in them and they screw with your body . I am so happy I made the switch now I don't have to worry about getting infections .. I wish the urologist talked to me about that but I'm glad I finally figured it out for myself
To expand on materials: You described the topper fabrics Tree Hugger uses, which are minky, bamboo velour, and cotton. These are all great toppers depending on your personal preference. Minky doesn’t stain, but some do find it “hot”. There are also a ton of other topper fabrics in the cloth pad world- knit, crushed velvet, cotton woven, cotton flannel, cotton velour, bamboo velour, cotton or bamboo Sherpa, athletic wicking Jersey, pique, French terry etc. For core fabrics, Tree Hugger uses Zorb 1, which is a blend of polyester, cotton and bamboo fibers. This is a great material but can be a bit thick. Other core materials in the cloth pad world include bamboo fleece, cotton fleece, terry, flannel, bamboo terry, hemp fleece etc. For backer materials, Tree Hugger uses polyester anti pill fleece. This is a water RESISTANT backer, but not water proof. It works great for most people, but for people who are heavy center bleeders, it MIGHT not be the best (it will depend on you personally! A lot of people love anti pill fleece). Other backers in the cloth pad world include wind pro, soft shell fleece, power shield, and organic cotton Sherpa bonded PUL (all pretty much waterproof backers).
Love this video! But also if you're super busy it's totally cool to just stick the used pads in the washer! Depends how fussy you are about stains really! I've been using cloth for almost 5 years and have had no trouble just putting them straight into the washer with no pre-soaking or scrubbing 😊
Wow TH-cam 😓 Totally behind you when you say we should be more comfortable talking about periods!! Never thought about reusable pads 🤔 thanks for the vid 😁
For those who are new to cloth pads, I would recommend joining these FB groups (these are closed groups, so you have to request join). These FB groups are great for cloth pad trouble shooting, cloth pad reviews/into, how to sew cloth pads, and where to find destashed cloth pads: -C.R.A.M.P.S. -SSOPA -Sewing Cloth Menstrual Pads -Amy Nix Cups and Cloth Group -Cloth Pad Destash -The Cloth Pad Exchange -Free Speech Cloth Menstrual Pads
My periods are also irregular and no doctor can find out why. I will get a few periods in a row or not have one for an entire YEAR like now. It's awful!!! But thank you for the video Shelbi, no one should be ashamed of their period. We need to be able to talk about it.
I appreciate you filming while not wearing makeup or anything and also not apologizing for it. We shouldn’t have to wear makeup to be “presentable” to other ppl. Your videos are great. Thank you.
Thank you for the video! I can’t wrap my mind around the fact that it is 2019 and there’s still a stigma around talking about such natural things. Love you and your channel!
Any type of oxygen bleach (I use Branch Basics Oxi Boost) really helps out with stains! I dry store my pads until the end of my cycle, then I soak them in cold water and a scoop of oxi boost overnight. After I dump out the water, I use a stain stick to rub any stains there may be left and then I throw my pads in the laundry with the rest of my clothes!
I noticed the odor thing when I switched, too. Not just the scent, but the lack of itchiness and sweatiness. Didn't realise the similarities with diaper rash and smell until my baby nephew was born. I also used to use reusable panty liners, because I had a lot of discharge that was quite aggressive on my underwear's dyes. After a few months of not basically cling-wrapping my underside, my body decided to stop attacking my panties. Go figure. Also, best starter material, in my opinion, is 100% knit jersey cotton. Second place: cotton flannel. Easy to care for, biodegradable and easy to source from well-loved garments if you want to diy this.
I also use cloth. I use panty liners and my daughter uses cloth diapers. I wash our stuff together. We don't have stains, I spray things I feel will stain with a mixture of seventh gen "bleach" and sal Suds. I do our laundry with tide free and clear and vinegar. If the laundry is extra stained or soiled and stained I use baking soda and citric acid. I love it. I will never go back to single use pads and diapers!
@FearnTuckerBentley You are clearly pretty ignorant about the topic at hand. They are mostly called diapers in America and Nappies in the Uk. We call them nappies in South Africa. Depending on the type you get they can be a like you describe but most are completely reusable. Please do your research before you comment.
You should get a small lided (metal) trashcan to put by your toilet. Every day I fill mine up with water + bac out to let them soak for about 24hrs before I do laundry! I have enough for about 2 days of my cycle, so I let them soak between washes.
I started using reusable pads in January and am loving it! I had been seeing ads for them for a little bit, but didn't decide to "take the plunge" until then and I wish I'd done it sooner! I'd say my two biggest pieces of advice are: 1) The type of underwear you wear with the pads definitely affects how much it will shift. Tighter/fuller underwear has the least shift, but you'll want to check that the snap width of the pad is able to go around your underwear without bunching. If you have underwear that isn't as tight try wearing those legging-type shorts over your underwear so it all stays in place. 2) Don't be scared to try it or think it's a huge extra amount of work needed to go into it! Sure you need to either pre-rinse or soak before you wash them, but you certainly don't need to hand wash. I throw mine in the washer and dryer. And if you're out and about during the day or at work, just get a cute wet/dry bag to store your used pads and ones to change into and you can rink/soak when you get home later!
Cloth pads actually don’t smell, the only reason disposable menstrual products smell is because of the way our blood reacts with the chemicals in the products. if your cloth pad smells it might be an indication of a bacterial infection or some other problem
I bought my first cup (like diva cup) and it wasn't comfortable. But I was determinated to try other brands and bought fun factory cups. they are amazing! Different kind and shape than diva cup. Worth to try
I get what you mean with people thinking the more sustainable switches will take longer or be inconvenient. I felt that way about my safety razor so I put off using it for months also because I was scared of it but now I love it!
Since I switched to these, my period pain has substantially decreased. I have very sensitive skin and suffered from horrific pad rash with disposable products up until about 7 years ago when I switched. I am in Australia and use a brand called HannahPad. They're organic cotton made in Korea. The initial cost is high, yes. But I am using the same set I bought 7 years ago because I take care of them. These were truly a life changing product. And so eco friendly.
Thank you so much for covering this topic. I am nearly 40 and not new to periods but I have fought using any commercial products for years. I did get toxic shock syndrome just a few years ago and was in severe condition. I can't stand the diva cups (they are painful and uncomfortable IMO) and I have always preferred tampons. I now make my own pads as my experiments at making tampons have failed over the years. I always love to hear how to's for a "friendlier" cycle. I appreciate you bringing this topic up to enlighten younger gals and expose folks to the normalcy of caring for yourself during your cycle without needing to be bleached, commercialized and expensive "required" products. I fear for the many women that get offended and grossed out at this topic. Remember, women have bled a long time before the commercialization of our existence and I back their wisdom creative solutions. Women, we are a collective and need to educate and support one another! -I like sea sponges (Pearl) as tampons (stay close to home and don't cough though!) -I also like to use peroxide as my stain cleaner when hand washing. No one has told me any negatives to this old trick and it's a miracle on bloodstains.
Utopia Williams It's sad because Most period videos are about educating about them and most educational videos are monetized!!! get it together TH-cam!
I love my cloth pads! I have two sets of 6. I started using cloth pads for the environment, but have found that they are SO much more comfortable than disposable ones. I don't really feel these when I'm wearing them and my skin doesn't get irritated anymore. I use them at night too, and wear them under tight jeans, skirts etc. They don't move around and I haven't had any leaks. 100% recommend!!
I've been using cloth pads for 5 years. Will never go back. I personally don't like menstrual cups because I get a lot of yeast infections and I wouldn't want to make it worse. Also I'm just not comfortable having something up there especially because I've got soooooo many problems with my uterus.
I prefer pads too. Reusable one's work so much better than the disposables. I was using those up until my 30s then I discovered these ones and am showing my 11 year old daughter about all of these options. Pads are so comfortable!!
I use cloth pads with my cup because I'm paranoid. I'm so glad that you're open about the cup not being right for you--we're all different and deserve to do what works for us ♥️
Great video, thanks Shelbi! Btw you look naturally beautiful! Totally can relate to the 0 energy during periods!! Not sure why TH-cam would have issues with period videos! Side note - I had 1 shot of Depo at 18... had a 3 months long period because of it was very irregular for months after that and gained tons of weights. I hate that thing but i have a fried no has been on Depo for a really long time and lives it.
I gave up on soaking long ago when the novelty wore off lol. I do a "rinse & spin" on their own in the washer first before adding in other things and add a stain remover to the load. I haven't gotten any stains since I've stopped soaking. My grandmother swore by salt for blood stains back in the day.
Thank you so much for sharing this! A zero waste period can be so hard to navigate at first! I have been struggling with this too, trying to find a good reusable brand of pads and underwear! Also, you always look beautiful, and before you said anything about fighting the urge to say anything about your appearance, I was thinking about how great you looked! Thanks for keeping it real ❤️
I use reusable pads from Pink Lemonade Shop. They are super comfy and easy to clean. Also, to all of you writing comments like “that’s so gross” or “ew. Why do you do you do that”- Periods are NOT gross they are just a normal bodily functions.
Omg. I LOVE my tree huggers! I bought them to use post-partum with my son because I wanted to be more sustainable and because they are like a soft hug when you are dealing with your period. I love how comfortable they are and I wear mine with a thong and have no issue! I love them as a back up to my menstrual cup or just by themselves. Thank you for doing this vid. There are so many sustainable options and I wish this was the norm.
Shel!!! You look fabulous, honey. For real. No makeup Shelby is gorgeous. And amazingly, your hair is great, too. And btw, NEVER apologize for looking like you. None of us should. On the materials, cotton is rough on water use, so that’s an issue to consider, too.
I don't know how much it would break down the pads (I have some really old organic cotton ones and they are fine)...but Borax can help if there is any lingering smell after wash. Also, I want to reach out as having personal experience with horrible periods and now a practicing Herbalist because of this experience, that I am available to work with you Shelby or anyone who would love to dare I say enjoy their periods instead of half dead on the bathroom floor like I used to be. One plant completely changed my life, as far as pain, blood flow, and no more cysts (I have (had) PCOS). It hurts my heart to hear how many suffer just for being female. Thank you so much for all you share, it's like you are a global voice for all I rant about in my head daily 🤣 I love your videos and your realness!
Tip if you run out of cloth pads, if you find them too expensive or if you want to test the concept before investing in cloth pads is to use old rags. Something like an old bath towel can be cut up and used as a pad. Cut it into squares, roll it up to make it nice and thick and place it where you'd place a pad. Works like a charm.
To speak to the longevity of the pads, I started using cloth pads thirteen years ago, and they are still going strong (despite me being terrible and never soaking them). Last year I treated myself to a new bunch because I only had enough for like three days and the laundry factor was annoying. Now with the mix of old and new, I have enough for my whole cycle, and it's amazing. I've spent like $200 on period products over a decade; it's fantastic. Also 100% agree about the reduced smell. It's way more comfortable, and I noticed less painful cramps. I have very heavy cycles, so I do have to stack up my liners sometimes (I use Lunapads and love their versatility). I very occasionally use a Divacup but vastly prefer pads. Thanks for spreading the word; I adore my reusable menstrual products :) Also on a random note, I liked the lighting of this video!
I use a menstrual cup on my heavy days or when I have a heavier period than normal and I use reusable pads for my lighter days. The wet bag is great! It's perfect and discreet. The initial investment did cost some money but I built up my stash over time however, I have not only saved a ton of money by switching but I feel so much better about the reduced waste I produce. I have 12 total pads in varying sizes as well as "period panties" which aren't actual period underwear but undies I wear on my period. More full coverage and a tighter fit definitely does help to keep them in place! When I was mine I too wash them with towels after hand soaking. Love your videos as always!
Omg this reminds me of this grocery store selling cotton reusable pads for $12 per pad (idk the price of treehugger but with them being a small business, handmade, and a variety of materials with a solid design, I’d be willing to pay whatever they’re priced) and omg it pissed me off, bc I could just make that out of a t-shirt. My mom was like “my mother made these during the Great Depression, why is this $12 dollars?!”
preciousstars. co .uk has starter packs, the liners are about 4$ pads are about 5$ and they have heavy/overnight pads that start at almost 6$. Ive ordered from them before, they ship pretty fast and have a lot of different period stuff on the site.
Speaking of birth control, if anyone is worried about the packaging of the Pill or nuva rings switchung to a copper IUD might be ideal. To some it may be invasive but it's only inserted once and you don't have to worry for years. It can be removed at any point and you body can be back to normal. I'm on the Pill and it's so much packaging and to think that I've used it for almost four years. Could be one small switch to like about? And using the ancient techniques is so brilliant! Our female ancestors managed just fine without disposables. Definitely will be switching to reusable sanitary products whether it's the cup or the reusable pads. Your videos a brilliant and helpful and I'm glad I discovered you!
I have been using menstrual cups and cloth pads for years. It is so freeing to not have to literally throw away my money. I also reccomend cloth bathroom wipes and dry/wet bags to keep all these items in between washes.
I find that if you get reusable pads that have smaller wings that wrap snugger around your panties are less likely to slide around! I love love LOVE my reusable pads! There is barely any learning curve and washing them really isn't bad as long as you have a few extra around to use and you're prepared to carry them if you're out of the house.
Cloth pads can be so expensive! I made my own from some scrap fabric, and they work so well! I know sustainably vegan has a tutorial on making them, I used dark blue flannel for mine to hide stains, and two layers of old wash cloths inside. I love them for when my flow is light, or sometimes I cramp more with something inside my vagina, so they're great for that too!
Thank u for this i thought it was the only zero waste person that doesn't use a menstrual cup i tried it but honestly i hated it and i feel like it's just messy and blood makes me pass out so it just wasn't good lol cloth pads where really what got me into the zw life style they are great
There's so many different fabrics, backs, and cores for cloth pads, not just what's available through Tree Huggers. Honestly, flannel or fleece backs with cotton tops are my favorites because they do not move and they are so comfortable. The material on the inside of the wet bag is called PUL, and it's used in the cores of pads a lot of times to make them leak proof and thin (it's also used in cloth diapers, which is where pad makers got the idea to use PUL in pads lol). For most typical cycles, 8-12 pads are needed. Usually more moderate flows, probably 2-3 heavy, and then a couple light/panty liners. It all depends on length of cycle and heaviness of flow lol. There's also the period underwear, which there's more options than just Thinx. You can easily search the web and find ones that will work best for your personal flow, and I recommend even checking Etsy for handmade period underwear as they will most likely be way more comfortable than mass produced underwear, and potentially more absorbent. And for cleaning pads, it's best (unless your in public) to immediately rinse the pad with cold water to remove as much blood as possible. I like to scrub the pad back and forth with itself and squeeze out the water until it runs clear or almost clear. Just be sure not to ring it out by twisting it as this will shorten the lifespan of the pad and weaken the absorbency. When you put it in the washing machine, use cool to cold water, never use fabric softener. In its place, I often use hydrogen peroxide just to make sure that stains come out. Then, either air dry or dry on low heat to preserve the absorbency and lifespan of the pads. Note that air drying can make pads feel a bit stiffer, but running them through the dryer can preserve softness and flexibility. They're pretty easy to take care of, and they're so much more comfortable than disposable pads. As someone with very sensitive skin and eczema, I was very prone to flair-ups when on my period because of the bleach and chemicals in disposable pads, but ever since switching to cloth, I've not had that problem. It's all a matter of finding what works best for your body, what materials are nicest to you, and how much you need. I always recommend looking at multiple different sellers for pads because different sellers/companies are better at certain things than others, and you made need someone else's specialties more than another's some days. And yes, what Shelby said about them moving is very true lol. Tighter underwear with full back definitely helps keep them in place. No boyshorts or cheekies unless you like playing the tug game. Sorry for this essay, I've just been a huge proponent of cloth pads for years lol
Thank you for this video! I don't do tampons or menstrual cups and was nervous about cloth pads. I just tried cloth pads on my last period and omg it's a game changer!!!
Same brand I bought for my daughter. She’s had periods for a year now and has only used disposable pads when we were on vacation. I’ve never soaked/rinsed/used stain remover on her pads. I just toss them in the washer at night with regular laundry and in winter they go in the dryer. I dry them in the sun when it warms up. After each period I wash them all on their own with vinegar and then they go back in the drawer for the next time. They still look brand new. I bought a tree hugger set. It has 3 different sized pads (I can’t remember how many of each size), a large wet bag, and a small wet bag that fits two pads. I bought the set ages ago so that it was ready for her. At that time i wasn’t as aware of best fabrics for the environment and I bought the minky ones. That would be the only thing I would change about the type I chose.
I've had the nexplanon implant for just over 2 years now, didn't have one until the past several months. It was such a relief! But now they are coming back and are so irregular :(
miss rae yeah, I was really hoping that I’d be one of the people that doesn’t get a period but the fertility is too strong I guess lol. I love everything else about my mirena though.
I'm actually having a terrible time atm. I'm going through the menopause and it's horrible. I have my period right now (it just shows up whenever now and hurts) tampons are no longer for me so I'm grateful to find out about these reusable pads and the fact they don't stink. I have a complex about pads and hygiene and this video is very reassuring. Thank you so much for talking about periods, it's been taboo for too long.
You sold me! I bought one just to try it out, if I like it, I’ll purchase more! Thank you so much, knowing my little grain of sand contributes for a cleaner earth , makes me smile.
I use reusable pads but ONLY when I’m at home. But when I’m in public or out with friends or at the gym I use tampons or the lily cup I don’t feel comfortable using reusable ones around people ig idk that’s just me
I don’t want to spook anyone because I think it’s definitely worth a shot but I used a diva cup and I couldn’t get it out (I think it was too big) so I had to go to the gyno and have her remove it (she was really nice and encouraged me to try again but I was traumatized) so these reusable pads are a GAME CHANGER for me! I love them. I am so glad they exist.
Thanks to your video, Shelbee, at almost 40, I'm making a change in my life to reusable period products. I wish I had done it sooner but your advice finally made it seem more possible. Im sick of living in a disposable world.
oh i’m so happy you posted this !! i don’t use tampons and don’t want to use a menstrual cup and have been looking for info on reusable pads. thank you so much :))
I switched to cloth pads about 6 or so months ago and I am SO glad I did! They are 10 billion times more comfortable than disposable ones, so easy to wash, never have to worry about running out, investing in them is really a win, win, win. I preach them to all of my friends that will listen lol. I personally have 15 pads and will wash them halfway through my cycle as I tend to have a suuuper heavy first few days (at night is actually the worst for me because I tend to toss around a lot in my sleep) I keep I bucket of cold water with a bit of oxyclean in it in my bathroom and will quickly rinse my pads then soak them as I use them. When I’m ready to wash I give them another quick rinse and throw them in the wash with a little more oxyclean and my laundry powder. I do wash mine by themselves because I’m paranoid about running them on anything other than delicate. Also I noticed when you rinsed your pads that you ball them up and scrunch them, I heard that doing so can make them inside layers all wonky? I’m not so sure about that, but even so I always just roll mine up and squeeze them out when I’m rinsing.
You tube... Periods are not rude, dirty, wrong or something to be hidden away. Many young ladies only have wonderful ladies like this content maker to educate, inform and reassure them. Please support her and allow her to continue her great work. Shame on you tube if you demonetize this. Shame on you indeed.
Cloth pads are actually more sanitary than disposables. If you are prone to infection, you might find doctors even recommending you switch to cloth pads because they're more sanitary.
I had repurposed my children's shaped cloth diapers to be washable reusable pads. They were several layers of cotton terrycloth covered in soft cotton flannel. I used the rectangular section, about 3" x 8", for overnight use, weekends and lighter days of my cycle. No leaks ever, practically no smell compared to plastic lined commercial single use disposable pads. I rinsed them out in the sink and washed them with bleach and hot water with towels. They never shifted, and they were free as I didn't need to buy another product. They lasted until I stopped needing them at menopause.
I've been using clothpads for over a year now and I will NEVER go back! I've started seeing my own from scrapfabrics I have around the house anyway and I make the membrane from a couple of thin layers of say, old pillowcases that have been worn colourwise but are still durable or old towels. It works fine and especially the thinner ones are great alternatives to panty liners if you have that need (which I do when I ovulate). I've got endometriosis with a heavy flow and first of all, they actually keeps me dry with no spilage! I've had spilage over and over again when I used plastic pads and I sometimes woke up with blood on my innerrhtighs. No more! Secondly, it NEVER smells! Never. Also, I used to get yeast-infections every time I'd spend that week covered in plastic - those are gone. Have'nt had one since I switched. When changing I just put them in the sink and let cold water run over it a couple of minutes - and it dos'nt stain, not even if I have to carry them around in the wetbag for a while. And THANK YOU for a zero waste non-cup period vidoe/guide. I think it's really important because I've met a lot of women (yes, I talk about periods!) Who wants a more natural alternative but can not deal with the cup. Because of my endometriosis it's quite painfull for me over time, even after I had my daughter and I just feel like it's important to spread the word. Especially a lot of young girls struggle with the idea of cups (and tampons for that matter, which has also never worked for me), so giving these options attention can make a world of difference.
So glad to hear you talking about periods without shame! My cycle is naturally light enough that I don't use any products. My flow is extremely light and I'm happy to not need pads/cup.
I use pads too and have heavy flows. Thanks, for going over these products thoroughly. I also got an ad for Thinx when I watched this video. PS: shame on TH-cam for demonetizing 💙💚💗
You are so amazing for making this video! I am on my period atm and the cramps are pretty bad! This helped me mentally and also gave me a lot of useful info! Thank you!
I switched to cloth pads from disposable tampons and pads when I was 19 yrs old. I'm currently 34. I made my pads myself. I'm still using some of the first pads I made. They are now approximately 15 years old and they still work. They're a bit ugly, beaten up, and stained but they still do what I need them to do. So the pads can last a long time depending on how they're cared for, what materials were used, etc. The ones showed here look like they're of decent quality so they'd probably last a long time.
I decided to try cloth pads around the time my oldest son was born (he's 4 1/2 now) and it solidified my decision to cloth diaper, as well. They are much more comfortable and less irritating. I still have my menstrual cup for certain occasions, but I prefer the pads (I was never really a tampon user either).
I love your video!!! I agree with you, it shouldn't be something we are ashamed to talk about. It's normal and it's all of our reality. Extremely sad how videos about menstrual cycle/period get demonetized. Keep being honest!
I use Wemoon pads and I’ve used them for well over a decade now. I use them in conjunction with tampons. It’s saved me a heap of money and I originally bought 3, then bought a further 6 to replace two which eventually wore out. I totally love them. They’re Aussie made and cost around $17-20 from memory. I bought some darker coloured purple paisley print ones and they don’t stain so much. Would highly recommend them.
I like to just use old clean socks at night. I also don’t bleed much when sleeping and have found this to be a good way to reuse what I got. I personally like my menstrual cup during the day, but it’s nice to only have to clean it once a day♥️
I've been using my reusable pads for years and I love it! So much more comfortable than regular ones. I have thicker ones for heavy days and light ones for light days. I bought pads with a dark fabric so that I don't see any stains.
I’m 17 and wear reusable pads too! I have been ever since I started my period (and went vegan) at 14. I sometimes wear a tampon if I’m going to the gym but I recommend to even just try and where reusable pads when you’re at home! My mum puts them in the washing machine to clean them which is really convenient xxxx
To get out stains try sun bleaching, just laying/hanging them out to dry on a sunny day. This worked like magic for cloth diapering and I'm assuming it would work for pads as well. It also helps kill bacteria if you don't have a sanitize setting on your washer.
UPDATED PERIOD ROUTINE HERE ▸▸▸ th-cam.com/video/VQtQxE_te8E/w-d-xo.html
Hope this video helped you a ton! Here are the items I talked about!
Reusable Pads - bit.ly/2IwAt0G
$10 OFF Thinx Period Underwear - www.shethinx.com/shelbi
The minky isn't the only source of microfibers- fleece backs are prime offenders. I use a Guppyfriend bag when washing my pads, to stop as many of those little bastards as I can before they can enter the water supply.
I don’t understand why periods have to be taboo, so thank you so much for this video!
@@333br I know right, periods are so modest compared to that!
Evelyn G same reason why a dudes boner is taboo.
Because they are gross
Bec A you must be gross... because thanks to YOU, your mom didn’t get her period for 9 months... ☺️
Ok why the heck does TH-cam demonetize videos that mention menstruation? That is so backwards. IT’S 2019 TH-cam, you should know better!!!
Cause of and blood that could be either talked about or shown
Because some people/guys/parents thing that this “stuff” should be kept super duper private and not publicized for others that shouldn’t have to know about it
Had a female friend at the age of 12 find out what a bra was and periods BY ME....
Don’t know how she never knew about this stuff, but I found out that her mother likes this stuff SUPER private and wasn’t ready to “have the talk” with her daughter.
Yes mother felt bras and hairs were also part of the “birds and bees” talk....
Maybe they have a problem with the year and still think they are in 1920 instead of 2019
I was told my 13 year old niece was to young to know about periods brawl's and where meat comes form. also they were to young to know why everyone was crying at a wake. no one was allowed to tell her it was because grandpa Steve passed away. because she is to young and fragile to know about death.
edit she started her period at the next party we were at and she thought was dieing and her mom was out at the store at that time lucky I was there since everyone else was a male.
as someone who menstruated since being 8 I find it super amusing. are periods considered offensive? what's the deal?
I really hope reusable menstrual products become more normalized. I switched to cloth when I moved into my first apartment at 19 years old and haven't looked back. I never have to worry about running out, there's more money in my pocket in the long run, and most importantly there's so much less waste in the landfill.
thinking that reusable pads used to be what women have used for millennia before tampons and single use products became available it's sad how fast they have been forgotten
It will once people get use to hand cleaning their items again and becoming more comfortable with blood.
@@Shetasen That's everyone past early puberty, I think. At least most people aren't scared of their own period blood, right?
Personally I had my worst periods at 13-14, when I learned what pain and blood were all about... So there was a learning curve right there at the beginning; how to wash blood off by hand in attempt to hide from your parents that you bloodied "everywhere", how to wipe blood off your panties at school with damp toilet paper, emergency wrappings, how to pretend you're doing work when you're too much in pain to do much... And also how to deal with the shame or embarrassment and accept the fact that you're going to bleed and people are going to notice. I think those are things most women go through and learn. So when you've washed blood stains from your underwear enough times, why not wash them off pads or period underwear intentionally? It excludes the shame of washing things that weren't supposed to get bloody. So it should be better right?
They are.
it reminds me of back in the day when I was young, we used material too, had a bucket of salted water with a lid for soaking, then boiled them on the stove to wash them, I have to admit though I was so gad when sanitary towels were available.
I'm so glad I'm not the only adult that's scared of cups and tampons lol
Girl me too! I cant do them... but I love my cloth pads
I’ve only used pads once and I just can’t... I understand and respect other people’s choices but for me they’re like a diaper
JJ Math a wet, soggy, baggy diaper😖
I’m a tampon girl too. So much easier to move and do everything in general. I’m a collegiate athlete (track) and I have work and a full class load and a pad just isn’t practical for all that running and moving. I’m in the middle of transitioning fully from tampons to cups tho (about 85% of the way there) coz it’s better for the environment and my wallet. But I completely understand how some women don’t wanna be shoving cotton and silicone cups up their vaginas. Can’t, relate, but I get it.
Me too! I tried tampons but I could always feel them, and on my heavy days the blood just seemed to flow right past them 😩
Dont worry, im terrified of them too!!
In India, there is this really awesome cloth pads brand called EcoFemme, been using it for about 6 months now. They provide employment for women too!
I like the idea of employing women in a country where that’s an issue, but do they work in safe and ethical conditions?
Yes, they do! To be honest, I'm not a huge fan of the panty liners (there are a little short), but I love the pads. ecofemme.org/about/
Thank you so much for that comment. I was looking for a brand that supports women (and has cute patterns!)
I mix baking soda, Castile soap, and hydrogen peroxide as a stain remover. Leave it for 10 minutes and rinse off.
Hi. They also say white vinegar added water is good to remove stains. Leaving the pads in that liquid, of course, for about an hour. I just bought them, not tried yet
Also a great house hold cleaner if you add tea tree oil 😁
I'm going to try this!!!
@@ozi9888 Vinegar will set the stain not remove it.
Dhynasah James hydro perox is my shit for that
Where was all of this when I had periods! I was in pain and bled soooooo heavily! Keep talking ladies, we need to stand together and help each other. Keep doing the good Shelby xxxx
I grew up in Tennessee! We made pads like these in Home Ec! We were really poor and couldn't afford store bought pads! This was in the 70s!
Linda they arecalso a great substitute for depends pads as well 💜
Hydrogen peroxide complete removes blood from cloth if used right after taking the pad off or shortly after! :) I rinse mine with cold water, squirt hydrogen peroxide on top and throw into my washer! ❤️ I love how stress free reusable pads are. I used to freak out if I was running low on disposables and now I can just wash what I have and start again!
I used to do this until it removed the dye from my pads. Plus it's a really harsh chemical so not great using it on something that is used near intimate areas and properly not great for the environment either.
How many bottles of hydrogen peroxide do you go through on an annual basis? It defeats the purpose of reusable pads a bit, no? Even more so if they are packaged in plastic bottles.
My pads (have been using them for maybe six years) still looked very good until a couple of weeks ago. I was cleaning with vinegar and thought that vinegar would do a good job cleaning and disinfecting my pads. Not a good idea. It set the blood to stains that can not be removed. I think vinegar is used in fabric dyeing. Even with bleach I can't remove the stains. I used so much bleach that the fibers became thin. Time for new pads and no more vinegar.
@@____Ann____ vinegar is different than peroxide. Different reaction.
If the peroxide is rinsed out good enough, it ain't a problem. And it isn't like peroxide is hard to get out. Especially if you then throw it in the washer, the peroxide definetly goes out.
Can possibly ruin some of the fibers thoo. But I'm not sure on that. Haven't looked that up since personally i am a biotex (enzyme stuff) to get blood stains out. And still use single use pads and liners. But also a cup. (I don't bring my cup everywhere. So when i'm out it's tampon +pad. Cause i have that in all my bags. And am very forgetfull) since my flow is just really spotting or light for a few days. And I am super forgetfull. Would definetly forget to take em out of my bag, given I wasn't stressing about it. I know it's bad. It's one of the most wastefull ways of what I do.
@@dutchik5107 If you're forgetful and have a light flow (me too!) you can probably easily just use the period underwear if you want, no pad or tampon required. They're designed to be enough on their own for lighter flows.
I'm a medic we use peroxide for blood stains all the time. I also use it on my mattress or sheets and underwear all the time and have never had an issue with it changing fabric colors.
I started using cloth pads TODAY, bought 6 and hope that will be enough. Also I had never left a comment before on any video in TH-cam but I felt compelled to support you talking freely about periods as everyone should :)
I had bought 2 few months ago. And as I use a cup for the heavy days and one before and then wash and one each day for the light days.
I hope they work well for you
I only have 3, and haven’t used them yet. Do you think that would be enough? (I usually change when I wake up, when I come home from school and before I go to bed)
@@maisy4432 if you are only going to use them, not with a cup or anything, you'll need a few more. I have 1 night pad, 4 day pads and 2 panty liners and I've had to put on a wash every day this cycle, so I'll definitely be buying some more!
Pippa B thank you!
Yay! A video about ecofriendly periods that is not about cups! I tried a menstrual cup before and I don't like it!!!
I asked my ex wife to remove it for me because I had a really hard time. She said I scarred her for life.
Almost had to have my boyfriend come to my JOB to remove it because I couldn’t reach it. Never again
I had the same horrific experience with the Diva cup !
I was in my bathtub crying by myself trying to get it out.
Never used it again for like 6 months.
Then I kept watching videos on TH-cam and came across precious starts pads and tried a different brand and it went so well!
I use Luna cup now and I LOVE it !
Have not used a tampon in 6 years.
There was a learning curve.
So if you ever get the inspiration again, I would say go for it.
The other thing I did when I was first learning to use the cups was I used a nitrile glove to get it out sometimes if it was too slippery. It helped immensely.
@@bladynebula346 Yeah I feel you. I lost my menstrual cup in there the first time I used it because I didn't realise I bought a regular one and I have a freakishly long cervix T-T. Traumatised me the first time cause I couldn't even grab the stem cause that too was somehow completely out of reach.
But yes it is a learning curve and once I figured stuff out it was fine. Still don't use them at night though
I don’t want to use a cup - I love my pads really and less pain for me x
I like to see you natural it’s really relatable you’re a beauty either way! 😊
I’ve been using cloth pads for awhile- it’s weird but I think my period has been easier since I switched to reusable/ more natural period products.
True. I don't notice much difference, but it is there.
Same. And the reusable pads feel better against my skin, too.
Without a doubt. Idk what it is... maybe the anxiety associated? You get really comfortable with your body through this process. Lol
True!
Hannah Stogdill
I did the same !
I stopped using tampons because I felt it was drying me out too much in addition to the allergy Meds that I take.
Started using a cup and it’s been a whole of difference !
I've been wearing cloth pads for a long time but still learned like 3 new things from this. So glad you're talking about them.
It makes me angry that a video that mentions periods gets demonetized. How are periods not safe for kids to learn about? They relate to sex but they aren't active sexual acts.
demonetized doesn't mean the video is banned or unsafe, where are you getting this?
The odor associated with periods is your bodily fluids reacting to the chemicals in tampons and pads. Obviously, there will still be odor, but no where near as bad.
Lorie Diaz I noticed the “period odor” I was used to all but disappeared when I switched to organic tampons and pantry liners. It’s horrific how many chemicals can be found in feminine hygiene products. For most of my life I had no idea?!
Very true, huge HUGE difference in terms of smell when I switched
This is so true ! I had chronic UTIs my whole life I would get them every month or every other month and my body became so immune to medications , I saw a urologist and all he asked me is if I was sexually active and if I'm wiping properly and drinking enough water and he said some woman's lining in the bladder is just prone to infection. He wanted to prescribe me medication to take in low doses for a few months after I had a day surgery to figure out what was wrong .. I never took the medication .. I just drank lots of water and peed before I went to sleep .. I switched to a diva cup a few years ago then I also used some organic pads as well and two years ago I started using cloth pads , one time I couldn't use mine because I was at my parents house so I used regular pads that my sister's had in the cabinet .. a few days after my period I got a UTI .. I haven't had one since . I am really convinced that it was those pads ! They are so toxic they have so many chemicals in them and they screw with your body . I am so happy I made the switch now I don't have to worry about getting infections .. I wish the urologist talked to me about that but I'm glad I finally figured it out for myself
omg i just noticed you are right
I only get that period smell when im using those pads! When i dont wear any i dont have that Problem
Lorie Diaz true! The smell stopped being as strong when I switched!
Am I the only person who doesn't care if my pads stain? Lol to me there are there to do a job as long as they do that job I am happy
I really don't care.
I use rags rather than pads but yeah I really don't care I only use them for that purpose, and specific pairs of underwear as well
Same. I just ringe out as much blood as i csn under water. Dont soak them. Dont think about it. Throw them in the wash. If it stains it strains 🤷♀️
same. unless someone is embarrassed when doing laundry i guess
Cold salt water helps remove blood without staining.
To expand on materials:
You described the topper fabrics Tree Hugger uses, which are minky, bamboo velour, and cotton. These are all great toppers depending on your personal preference. Minky doesn’t stain, but some do find it “hot”. There are also a ton of other topper fabrics in the cloth pad world- knit, crushed velvet, cotton woven, cotton flannel, cotton velour, bamboo velour, cotton or bamboo Sherpa, athletic wicking Jersey, pique, French terry etc.
For core fabrics, Tree Hugger uses Zorb 1, which is a blend of polyester, cotton and bamboo fibers. This is a great material but can be a bit thick. Other core materials in the cloth pad world include bamboo fleece, cotton fleece, terry, flannel, bamboo terry, hemp fleece etc.
For backer materials, Tree Hugger uses polyester anti pill fleece. This is a water RESISTANT backer, but not water proof. It works great for most people, but for people who are heavy center bleeders, it MIGHT not be the best (it will depend on you personally! A lot of people love anti pill fleece). Other backers in the cloth pad world include wind pro, soft shell fleece, power shield, and organic cotton Sherpa bonded PUL (all pretty much waterproof backers).
ccgg112 That’s for the great information!
@ccgg112 thanks for this comment
ccgg112 also keep in mind that polyester is plastic.
Love this video! But also if you're super busy it's totally cool to just stick the used pads in the washer! Depends how fussy you are about stains really! I've been using cloth for almost 5 years and have had no trouble just putting them straight into the washer with no pre-soaking or scrubbing 😊
Love that you are talking openly and honestly about periods and promoting these zero waste products!!
I've used reusable pads for a year now. They are so much more comfortable and I never leak. I love them.
Wow TH-cam 😓 Totally behind you when you say we should be more comfortable talking about periods!! Never thought about reusable pads 🤔 thanks for the vid 😁
For those who are new to cloth pads, I would recommend joining these FB groups (these are closed groups, so you have to request join). These FB groups are great for cloth pad trouble shooting, cloth pad reviews/into, how to sew cloth pads, and where to find destashed cloth pads:
-C.R.A.M.P.S.
-SSOPA
-Sewing Cloth Menstrual Pads
-Amy Nix Cups and Cloth Group
-Cloth Pad Destash
-The Cloth Pad Exchange
-Free Speech Cloth Menstrual Pads
also cloth b/s/t is another good one :)
Mary Rosser That’s a great one!!
My periods are also irregular and no doctor can find out why. I will get a few periods in a row or not have one for an entire YEAR like now. It's awful!!! But thank you for the video Shelbi, no one should be ashamed of their period. We need to be able to talk about it.
I appreciate you filming while not wearing makeup or anything and also not apologizing for it. We shouldn’t have to wear makeup to be “presentable” to other ppl. Your videos are great. Thank you.
Ikr? And I genuinely prefer her no make up look:)
Thank you for the video! I can’t wrap my mind around the fact that it is 2019 and there’s still a stigma around talking about such natural things. Love you and your channel!
Any type of oxygen bleach (I use Branch Basics Oxi Boost) really helps out with stains! I dry store my pads until the end of my cycle, then I soak them in cold water and a scoop of oxi boost overnight. After I dump out the water, I use a stain stick to rub any stains there may be left and then I throw my pads in the laundry with the rest of my clothes!
Thanks for the oxygen bleach tip! I always just use the stain stick for stains. Rock on
I noticed the odor thing when I switched, too. Not just the scent, but the lack of itchiness and sweatiness. Didn't realise the similarities with diaper rash and smell until my baby nephew was born. I also used to use reusable panty liners, because I had a lot of discharge that was quite aggressive on my underwear's dyes. After a few months of not basically cling-wrapping my underside, my body decided to stop attacking my panties. Go figure.
Also, best starter material, in my opinion, is 100% knit jersey cotton. Second place: cotton flannel. Easy to care for, biodegradable and easy to source from well-loved garments if you want to diy this.
I also use cloth. I use panty liners and my daughter uses cloth diapers. I wash our stuff together. We don't have stains, I spray things I feel will stain with a mixture of seventh gen "bleach" and sal Suds. I do our laundry with tide free and clear and vinegar. If the laundry is extra stained or soiled and stained I use baking soda and citric acid.
I love it. I will never go back to single use pads and diapers!
@FearnTuckerBentley You are clearly pretty ignorant about the topic at hand. They are mostly called diapers in America and Nappies in the Uk. We call them nappies in South Africa. Depending on the type you get they can be a like you describe but most are completely reusable. Please do your research before you comment.
You should get a small lided (metal) trashcan to put by your toilet. Every day I fill mine up with water + bac out to let them soak for about 24hrs before I do laundry! I have enough for about 2 days of my cycle, so I let them soak between washes.
Alyssa Stephanie what’s bac out
@Alyssa Stephanie yes, what's bac?
@@lovealwaysjasmine biokleenhome.com/product/bac-out-stain-odor-remover/
@@Angie_978 biokleenhome.com/product/bac-out-stain-odor-remover/
I`m about to sew my own reusable pads - but it isn`t until about a month ago, I found out they were a thing😅
I have also sewed some myself
I started using reusable pads in January and am loving it! I had been seeing ads for them for a little bit, but didn't decide to "take the plunge" until then and I wish I'd done it sooner! I'd say my two biggest pieces of advice are:
1) The type of underwear you wear with the pads definitely affects how much it will shift. Tighter/fuller underwear has the least shift, but you'll want to check that the snap width of the pad is able to go around your underwear without bunching. If you have underwear that isn't as tight try wearing those legging-type shorts over your underwear so it all stays in place.
2) Don't be scared to try it or think it's a huge extra amount of work needed to go into it! Sure you need to either pre-rinse or soak before you wash them, but you certainly don't need to hand wash. I throw mine in the washer and dryer. And if you're out and about during the day or at work, just get a cute wet/dry bag to store your used pads and ones to change into and you can rink/soak when you get home later!
Cloth pads actually don’t smell, the only reason disposable menstrual products smell is because of the way our blood reacts with the chemicals in the products. if your cloth pad smells it might be an indication of a bacterial infection or some other problem
I've tried a menstral cup and It just hurts too damn bad. I've been using cloth pads for 4 years now.
maybe you need a smaller size? Mine changed my life I can't even imagine going back to pads and the ew feeling.
Props for figuring out what works best with your life!:]
I have the same problem! I feel you girl
I bought my first cup (like diva cup) and it wasn't comfortable. But I was determinated to try other brands and bought fun factory cups. they are amazing! Different kind and shape than diva cup. Worth to try
Same here. I was determined and now have four different brands and multiple sizes of cups. I had horrible cramps with them all.
I soak mine in vinegar and water in a little container w/ lid in the bathroom and then toss them in with my regular clothes when I do laundry :)
I get what you mean with people thinking the more sustainable switches will take longer or be inconvenient. I felt that way about my safety razor so I put off using it for months also because I was scared of it but now I love it!
Since I switched to these, my period pain has substantially decreased. I have very sensitive skin and suffered from horrific pad rash with disposable products up until about 7 years ago when I switched. I am in Australia and use a brand called HannahPad. They're organic cotton made in Korea. The initial cost is high, yes. But I am using the same set I bought 7 years ago because I take care of them. These were truly a life changing product. And so eco friendly.
Thank you so much for covering this topic. I am nearly 40 and not new to periods but I have fought using any commercial products for years. I did get toxic shock syndrome just a few years ago and was in severe condition. I can't stand the diva cups (they are painful and uncomfortable IMO) and I have always preferred tampons. I now make my own pads as my experiments at making tampons have failed over the years. I always love to hear how to's for a "friendlier" cycle.
I appreciate you bringing this topic up to enlighten younger gals and expose folks to the normalcy of caring for yourself during your cycle without needing to be bleached, commercialized and expensive "required" products.
I fear for the many women that get offended and grossed out at this topic. Remember, women have bled a long time before the commercialization of our existence and I back their wisdom creative solutions. Women, we are a collective and need to educate and support one another!
-I like sea sponges (Pearl) as tampons (stay close to home and don't cough though!)
-I also like to use peroxide as my stain cleaner when hand washing. No one has told me any negatives to this old trick and it's a miracle on bloodstains.
That is insane ur vids talking about something only women have to deal with gets demonitized!!! Shame on u TH-cam!!!
Utopia Williams It's sad because Most period videos are about educating about them and most educational videos are monetized!!! get it together TH-cam!
Utopia Williams lots of people have periods who aren’t women, so it affects a huge part of the population!
I love my cloth pads! I have two sets of 6. I started using cloth pads for the environment, but have found that they are SO much more comfortable than disposable ones. I don't really feel these when I'm wearing them and my skin doesn't get irritated anymore. I use them at night too, and wear them under tight jeans, skirts etc. They don't move around and I haven't had any leaks. 100% recommend!!
I've been using cloth pads for 5 years. Will never go back. I personally don't like menstrual cups because I get a lot of yeast infections and I wouldn't want to make it worse. Also I'm just not comfortable having something up there especially because I've got soooooo many problems with my uterus.
I prefer pads too. Reusable one's work so much better than the disposables. I was using those up until my 30s then I discovered these ones and am showing my 11 year old daughter about all of these options. Pads are so comfortable!!
@@LauraMartinez-lb4gi si mi mamá me hubiera enseñado las toallas de tela las hubiera amado desde muchísimo antes!
I use cloth pads with my cup because I'm paranoid. I'm so glad that you're open about the cup not being right for you--we're all different and deserve to do what works for us ♥️
Great video, thanks Shelbi!
Btw you look naturally beautiful!
Totally can relate to the 0 energy during periods!!
Not sure why TH-cam would have issues with period videos!
Side note - I had 1 shot of Depo at 18... had a 3 months long period because of it was very irregular for months after that and gained tons of weights. I hate that thing but i have a fried no has been on Depo for a really long time and lives it.
I gave up on soaking long ago when the novelty wore off lol. I do a "rinse & spin" on their own in the washer first before adding in other things and add a stain remover to the load. I haven't gotten any stains since I've stopped soaking. My grandmother swore by salt for blood stains back in the day.
Thank you so much for sharing this! A zero waste period can be so hard to navigate at first! I have been struggling with this too, trying to find a good reusable brand of pads and underwear! Also, you always look beautiful, and before you said anything about fighting the urge to say anything about your appearance, I was thinking about how great you looked! Thanks for keeping it real ❤️
I use reusable pads from Pink Lemonade Shop. They are super comfy and easy to clean. Also, to all of you writing comments like “that’s so gross” or “ew. Why do you do you do that”- Periods are NOT gross they are just a normal bodily functions.
Omg. I LOVE my tree huggers! I bought them to use post-partum with my son because I wanted to be more sustainable and because they are like a soft hug when you are dealing with your period. I love how comfortable they are and I wear mine with a thong and have no issue! I love them as a back up to my menstrual cup or just by themselves. Thank you for doing this vid. There are so many sustainable options and I wish this was the norm.
Shel!!! You look fabulous, honey. For real. No makeup Shelby is gorgeous. And amazingly, your hair is great, too. And btw, NEVER apologize for looking like you. None of us should. On the materials, cotton is rough on water use, so that’s an issue to consider, too.
I don't know how much it would break down the pads (I have some really old organic cotton ones and they are fine)...but Borax can help if there is any lingering smell after wash.
Also, I want to reach out as having personal experience with horrible periods and now a practicing Herbalist because of this experience, that I am available to work with you Shelby or anyone who would love to dare I say enjoy their periods instead of half dead on the bathroom floor like I used to be. One plant completely changed my life, as far as pain, blood flow, and no more cysts (I have (had) PCOS). It hurts my heart to hear how many suffer just for being female.
Thank you so much for all you share, it's like you are a global voice for all I rant about in my head daily 🤣 I love your videos and your realness!
maybe a little tip.
place the pads in a salt cold water bath before the wash.... The salt will break down the iron in the blood making it 100% clean.
As for how long they last. I had mine for about 15 years. I only stopped using them when I hit menopause.
Tip if you run out of cloth pads, if you find them too expensive or if you want to test the concept before investing in cloth pads is to use old rags. Something like an old bath towel can be cut up and used as a pad. Cut it into squares, roll it up to make it nice and thick and place it where you'd place a pad. Works like a charm.
How does it stay in place though?
To speak to the longevity of the pads, I started using cloth pads thirteen years ago, and they are still going strong (despite me being terrible and never soaking them). Last year I treated myself to a new bunch because I only had enough for like three days and the laundry factor was annoying. Now with the mix of old and new, I have enough for my whole cycle, and it's amazing. I've spent like $200 on period products over a decade; it's fantastic. Also 100% agree about the reduced smell. It's way more comfortable, and I noticed less painful cramps. I have very heavy cycles, so I do have to stack up my liners sometimes (I use Lunapads and love their versatility). I very occasionally use a Divacup but vastly prefer pads. Thanks for spreading the word; I adore my reusable menstrual products :) Also on a random note, I liked the lighting of this video!
I use a menstrual cup on my heavy days or when I have a heavier period than normal and I use reusable pads for my lighter days. The wet bag is great! It's perfect and discreet. The initial investment did cost some money but I built up my stash over time however, I have not only saved a ton of money by switching but I feel so much better about the reduced waste I produce. I have 12 total pads in varying sizes as well as "period panties" which aren't actual period underwear but undies I wear on my period. More full coverage and a tighter fit definitely does help to keep them in place! When I was mine I too wash them with towels after hand soaking. Love your videos as always!
I absolutely love my reusable pads! They are reasonably comfortable in the summer but does get a bit warm. Still worth it 100%
Omg this reminds me of this grocery store selling cotton reusable pads for $12 per pad (idk the price of treehugger but with them being a small business, handmade, and a variety of materials with a solid design, I’d be willing to pay whatever they’re priced) and omg it pissed me off, bc I could just make that out of a t-shirt. My mom was like “my mother made these during the Great Depression, why is this $12 dollars?!”
preciousstars. co .uk has starter packs, the liners are about 4$ pads are about 5$ and they have heavy/overnight pads that start at almost 6$. Ive ordered from them before, they ship pretty fast and have a lot of different period stuff on the site.
Speaking of birth control, if anyone is worried about the packaging of the Pill or nuva rings switchung to a copper IUD might be ideal. To some it may be invasive but it's only inserted once and you don't have to worry for years. It can be removed at any point and you body can be back to normal. I'm on the Pill and it's so much packaging and to think that I've used it for almost four years. Could be one small switch to like about?
And using the ancient techniques is so brilliant! Our female ancestors managed just fine without disposables. Definitely will be switching to reusable sanitary products whether it's the cup or the reusable pads. Your videos a brilliant and helpful and I'm glad I discovered you!
I have been using menstrual cups and cloth pads for years. It is so freeing to not have to literally throw away my money. I also reccomend cloth bathroom wipes and dry/wet bags to keep all these items in between washes.
I tried using menstrual cups too and I can’t get them to work. This video is so helpful, thanks so much!
I find that if you get reusable pads that have smaller wings that wrap snugger around your panties are less likely to slide around! I love love LOVE my reusable pads! There is barely any learning curve and washing them really isn't bad as long as you have a few extra around to use and you're prepared to carry them if you're out of the house.
Your cat is literally me right now. At 4:20, she thought she might get up off the couch to go do something, but then she was like, "Nope." XD
Cloth pads can be so expensive! I made my own from some scrap fabric, and they work so well! I know sustainably vegan has a tutorial on making them, I used dark blue flannel for mine to hide stains, and two layers of old wash cloths inside. I love them for when my flow is light, or sometimes I cramp more with something inside my vagina, so they're great for that too!
Thank u for this i thought it was the only zero waste person that doesn't use a menstrual cup i tried it but honestly i hated it and i feel like it's just messy and blood makes me pass out so it just wasn't good lol cloth pads where really what got me into the zw life style they are great
There's so many different fabrics, backs, and cores for cloth pads, not just what's available through Tree Huggers. Honestly, flannel or fleece backs with cotton tops are my favorites because they do not move and they are so comfortable. The material on the inside of the wet bag is called PUL, and it's used in the cores of pads a lot of times to make them leak proof and thin (it's also used in cloth diapers, which is where pad makers got the idea to use PUL in pads lol).
For most typical cycles, 8-12 pads are needed. Usually more moderate flows, probably 2-3 heavy, and then a couple light/panty liners. It all depends on length of cycle and heaviness of flow lol. There's also the period underwear, which there's more options than just Thinx. You can easily search the web and find ones that will work best for your personal flow, and I recommend even checking Etsy for handmade period underwear as they will most likely be way more comfortable than mass produced underwear, and potentially more absorbent.
And for cleaning pads, it's best (unless your in public) to immediately rinse the pad with cold water to remove as much blood as possible. I like to scrub the pad back and forth with itself and squeeze out the water until it runs clear or almost clear. Just be sure not to ring it out by twisting it as this will shorten the lifespan of the pad and weaken the absorbency. When you put it in the washing machine, use cool to cold water, never use fabric softener. In its place, I often use hydrogen peroxide just to make sure that stains come out. Then, either air dry or dry on low heat to preserve the absorbency and lifespan of the pads. Note that air drying can make pads feel a bit stiffer, but running them through the dryer can preserve softness and flexibility. They're pretty easy to take care of, and they're so much more comfortable than disposable pads.
As someone with very sensitive skin and eczema, I was very prone to flair-ups when on my period because of the bleach and chemicals in disposable pads, but ever since switching to cloth, I've not had that problem. It's all a matter of finding what works best for your body, what materials are nicest to you, and how much you need. I always recommend looking at multiple different sellers for pads because different sellers/companies are better at certain things than others, and you made need someone else's specialties more than another's some days. And yes, what Shelby said about them moving is very true lol. Tighter underwear with full back definitely helps keep them in place. No boyshorts or cheekies unless you like playing the tug game.
Sorry for this essay, I've just been a huge proponent of cloth pads for years lol
Thank you for this video! I don't do tampons or menstrual cups and was nervous about cloth pads. I just tried cloth pads on my last period and omg it's a game changer!!!
Same brand I bought for my daughter. She’s had periods for a year now and has only used disposable pads when we were on vacation.
I’ve never soaked/rinsed/used stain remover on her pads. I just toss them in the washer at night with regular laundry and in winter they go in the dryer. I dry them in the sun when it warms up. After each period I wash them all on their own with vinegar and then they go back in the drawer for the next time. They still look brand new.
I bought a tree hugger set. It has 3 different sized pads (I can’t remember how many of each size), a large wet bag, and a small wet bag that fits two pads.
I bought the set ages ago so that it was ready for her. At that time i wasn’t as aware of best fabrics for the environment and I bought the minky ones. That would be the only thing I would change about the type I chose.
I really need to pick up a few liners. I have a mirena IUD so my period is very light but I always get caught off guard by it.
I've had the nexplanon implant for just over 2 years now, didn't have one until the past several months. It was such a relief! But now they are coming back and are so irregular :(
miss rae yeah, I was really hoping that I’d be one of the people that doesn’t get a period but the fertility is too strong I guess lol. I love everything else about my mirena though.
the thinx panties or another reusable period underwear might be a good option for you!
I'm actually having a terrible time atm. I'm going through the menopause and it's horrible. I have my period right now (it just shows up whenever now and hurts) tampons are no longer for me so I'm grateful to find out about these reusable pads and the fact they don't stink. I have a complex about pads and hygiene and this video is very reassuring. Thank you so much for talking about periods, it's been taboo for too long.
I love how honest and natural you are. This was really helpful! Subscribed from now on! ♥
You sold me! I bought one just to try it out, if I like it, I’ll purchase more! Thank you so much, knowing my little grain of sand contributes for a cleaner earth , makes me smile.
I use reusable pads but ONLY when I’m at home. But when I’m in public or out with friends or at the gym I use tampons or the lily cup I don’t feel comfortable using reusable ones around people ig idk that’s just me
The cinematography, editing, and general quality of the video is so great! Also I’m jealous of your four day length... mine is ten days 😓
I don’t want to spook anyone because I think it’s definitely worth a shot but I used a diva cup and I couldn’t get it out (I think it was too big) so I had to go to the gyno and have her remove it (she was really nice and encouraged me to try again but I was traumatized) so these reusable pads are a GAME CHANGER for me! I love them. I am so glad they exist.
Thanks to your video, Shelbee, at almost 40, I'm making a change in my life to reusable period products. I wish I had done it sooner but your advice finally made it seem more possible. Im sick of living in a disposable world.
oh i’m so happy you posted this !! i don’t use tampons and don’t want to use a menstrual cup and have been looking for info on reusable pads. thank you so much :))
I switched to cloth pads about 6 or so months ago and I am SO glad I did! They are 10 billion times more comfortable than disposable ones, so easy to wash, never have to worry about running out, investing in them is really a win, win, win. I preach them to all of my friends that will listen lol. I personally have 15 pads and will wash them halfway through my cycle as I tend to have a suuuper heavy first few days (at night is actually the worst for me because I tend to toss around a lot in my sleep) I keep I bucket of cold water with a bit of oxyclean in it in my bathroom and will quickly rinse my pads then soak them as I use them. When I’m ready to wash I give them another quick rinse and throw them in the wash with a little more oxyclean and my laundry powder. I do wash mine by themselves because I’m paranoid about running them on anything other than delicate. Also I noticed when you rinsed your pads that you ball them up and scrunch them, I heard that doing so can make them inside layers all wonky? I’m not so sure about that, but even so I always just roll mine up and squeeze them out when I’m rinsing.
You tube... Periods are not rude, dirty, wrong or something to be hidden away. Many young ladies only have wonderful ladies like this content maker to educate, inform and reassure them. Please support her and allow her to continue her great work.
Shame on you tube if you demonetize this. Shame on you indeed.
Cloth pads are actually more sanitary than disposables. If you are prone to infection, you might find doctors even recommending you switch to cloth pads because they're more sanitary.
I had repurposed my children's shaped cloth diapers to be washable reusable pads. They were several layers of cotton terrycloth covered in soft cotton flannel. I used the rectangular section, about 3" x 8", for overnight use, weekends and lighter days of my cycle. No leaks ever, practically no smell compared to plastic lined commercial single use disposable pads. I rinsed them out in the sink and washed them with bleach and hot water with towels. They never shifted, and they were free as I didn't need to buy another product. They lasted until I stopped needing them at menopause.
I've been using clothpads for over a year now and I will NEVER go back! I've started seeing my own from scrapfabrics I have around the house anyway and I make the membrane from a couple of thin layers of say, old pillowcases that have been worn colourwise but are still durable or old towels. It works fine and especially the thinner ones are great alternatives to panty liners if you have that need (which I do when I ovulate).
I've got endometriosis with a heavy flow and first of all, they actually keeps me dry with no spilage! I've had spilage over and over again when I used plastic pads and I sometimes woke up with blood on my innerrhtighs. No more! Secondly, it NEVER smells! Never. Also, I used to get yeast-infections every time I'd spend that week covered in plastic - those are gone. Have'nt had one since I switched. When changing I just put them in the sink and let cold water run over it a couple of minutes - and it dos'nt stain, not even if I have to carry them around in the wetbag for a while.
And THANK YOU for a zero waste non-cup period vidoe/guide. I think it's really important because I've met a lot of women (yes, I talk about periods!) Who wants a more natural alternative but can not deal with the cup. Because of my endometriosis it's quite painfull for me over time, even after I had my daughter and I just feel like it's important to spread the word. Especially a lot of young girls struggle with the idea of cups (and tampons for that matter, which has also never worked for me), so giving these options attention can make a world of difference.
So glad to hear you talking about periods without shame! My cycle is naturally light enough that I don't use any products. My flow is extremely light and I'm happy to not need pads/cup.
That would be a dream.
I use pads too and have heavy flows. Thanks, for going over these products thoroughly. I also got an ad for Thinx when I watched this video. PS: shame on TH-cam for demonetizing 💙💚💗
How is it for leaking?
You are so amazing for making this video! I am on my period atm and the cramps are pretty bad! This helped me mentally and also gave me a lot of useful info! Thank you!
I switched to cloth pads from disposable tampons and pads when I was 19 yrs old. I'm currently 34. I made my pads myself.
I'm still using some of the first pads I made. They are now approximately 15 years old and they still work. They're a bit ugly, beaten up, and stained but they still do what I need them to do.
So the pads can last a long time depending on how they're cared for, what materials were used, etc. The ones showed here look like they're of decent quality so they'd probably last a long time.
I've been using thinx for a few years now love them
You look great with and without getting all done up!
I decided to try cloth pads around the time my oldest son was born (he's 4 1/2 now) and it solidified my decision to cloth diaper, as well. They are much more comfortable and less irritating. I still have my menstrual cup for certain occasions, but I prefer the pads (I was never really a tampon user either).
I love your hair. No need to apologize about how you look. Beautiful as you are and I love your cat too. Thanks for sharing.
I love that your cat is chilling and listening to the girl talk. So cute 😘🥰
Cloth pads are amazing. Comfortable, absorbent, and they don't stink! I use Cozy Folk brand.
Hydrogen peroxide is an amazing stain remover
I love your video!!! I agree with you, it shouldn't be something we are ashamed to talk about. It's normal and it's all of our reality. Extremely sad how videos about menstrual cycle/period get demonetized. Keep being honest!
I use Wemoon pads and I’ve used them for well over a decade now. I use them in conjunction with tampons. It’s saved me a heap of money and I originally bought 3, then bought a further 6 to replace two which eventually wore out. I totally love them. They’re Aussie made and cost around $17-20 from memory. I bought some darker coloured purple paisley print ones and they don’t stain so much. Would highly recommend them.
I've completely switched over to Thinxs and HannahPads reusable pads.
I like to just use old clean socks at night. I also don’t bleed much when sleeping and have found this to be a good way to reuse what I got. I personally like my menstrual cup during the day, but it’s nice to only have to clean it once a day♥️
I need to try this. I can’t use a menstrual cup I just can’t. Thanks for making this video Shelbi
I've been using my reusable pads for years and I love it! So much more comfortable than regular ones. I have thicker ones for heavy days and light ones for light days. I bought pads with a dark fabric so that I don't see any stains.
I’m 17 and wear reusable pads too! I have been ever since I started my period (and went vegan) at 14. I sometimes wear a tampon if I’m going to the gym but I recommend to even just try and where reusable pads when you’re at home! My mum puts them in the washing machine to clean them which is really convenient xxxx
What a breath of fresh air you are. Well done for broaching the subject. As for TH-cam demonetising you they should be ashamed.
To get out stains try sun bleaching, just laying/hanging them out to dry on a sunny day. This worked like magic for cloth diapering and I'm assuming it would work for pads as well. It also helps kill bacteria if you don't have a sanitize setting on your washer.