Mama Cloth

A few years back (has it really been that long?), I switched to cloth pads instead of using disposable products. Between pregnancy and breastfeeding, I have not used them a ton, but enough to know that the switch was 110% worth it. Now I know what some may be thinking, but honestly there is nothing really gross about them.

There are quite a few advantages to using cloth menstrual pads, just like there is to using cloth diapers. For one, it is economical. Reusable products, IMO, pay for themselves fairly quickly. Now, just like cloth diapers, you can spend as much or as little as you like. There are some fancy fancy cloth pads out there, trust me. Or you can use some old flannel sheets and an old fleece jacket and re-purpose them into something new.

There are also environmental reasons. Disposable tampons and pads contain chemicals and synthetic materials. Most are made from paper products, wrapped in plastic, packed in plastic bags, have plastic backing........well you get my drift. Disposable products are something we try to avoid, so avoiding disposable menstrual products would be fitting.

Then there was the health issues. Like I just mentioned, disposable menstrual products contain synthetic fibers and chemicals. The deodorants and perfumes in some menstrual products alone, leave me questioning why on earth someone would buy something scented and place it next to such a sensitive area. But that's just me, haha!

I've heard from others and also experienced myself, a decrease in length of my cycles, less cramping, and a lighter flow. Who wouldn't want that? There is no chaffing and irritation caused by a layer of plastic next to our skin. They are also much more breathable, cutting down on the potential for any yeasty's to grow.

I have purchased a few cloth pads from WAHM's, with my favorite being from Sweet Cheek Diapers, and was thinking about buying some more. I only had enough for 2-3 days and wanted enough for 4-5, that way I wouldn't have to worry about washing and running out. I browsed for a few days, thinking I could make my own, but like I said before there are some darn pretty pads out there. I was having a moment of weakness and wanted to buy. Wow, consumerism at it's finest huh!

Anyways, I decided to save myself the money and use what I had on hand. Now that I'm done, I'm mad at myself for even thinking of spending the money on buying some. Seriously easy to make and fun to look at once your finished!
Supplies are basic, just some scrap flannel. I have plenty, trust me. Some heavy weight fleece, this was left over from some fleece diaper covers I made for Oliver and Clay a long time ago. It's a medium weight Malden Mills fleece, got it on clearance for about $7 a yard (if I remember). A serger, not needed, but a lot easier than using a sewing machine. I have a severe love/hate relationship with my serger. Also a pad for a pattern, you can use a cloth pad or any disposable would work too. A nice hand-crank radio made the project fun. I love that radio!

Draw your pattern on your fabric, I used anywhere between 7-4 layers of flannel and back with one layer of fleece. The fleece helps put up a waterproof barrier so there is no leakage and it also helps keep the pads in place. I based my pattern loosely from a cloth pad I all ready had, just a rectangle with rounded edges. Nothing fancy.

Now I do not like snaps or wings on my pads. Nor do I like to use PUL on them, I really prefer the fleece. I made some postpartum pads for myself with PUL and had a heck of a time, PUL is harder to work with IMO. I did not think it would do a good job holding in leaks when I first got them either, but it does a fabulous job. Trust the fleece. Keep it simple. I prefer the plain pads with no bells and whistles, snaps or wings. Just some comfy flannel and a little fleece on the back. You may decide you want wings or a PUL backed pad, different strokes for different folks. I'll give you some links these later. *wink wink*


Serge the outline of the pad, and voila. It's that simple. It does not have to be perfect. No one will be seeing them except for you anyways :)


After about 30 minutes, I whipped up 1 heavy pad (7 layers of flannel), 2 medium/heavy pads (6 layers flannel), 2 medium/light pads (5 layers), and 2 light pads (4 layers flannel). I also decided to make up some new cloth wipes. Here's another secret, I use cloth wipes for myself. But only for #1, not quite there for #2, I lack crunchiness for that one I guess.

So, 7 pads and 10 wipes in about 30 minutes. Not bad at all, the cost was minimal and they will last for a while. Whew, thank goodness I got over my momentary need to spend and just sucked it up and made my own. I think I'll whip up another batch here again soon and maybe have a my first little give-a-way :)


There are also other tutorials out there for making cloth pads if your interested and looking for something different.

Paulines Menstrual Pad Sewing Pattern
Pattern With Snaps
Circle Pad Tutorial

One more to add, probably has everything cloth pad related you ever needed to know. I could have skipped this whole post and only passed on this one link, haha!!!

Making Your Own Cloth Pads