We all know that reusable is the way to go but how far are you prepared to go? I became fascinated with reusable sanitary pads simply because I already knew how much waste is caused by tampons and disposable pads. But let's face it there is always the 'yuk' factor when we start talking about something involving bodily fluids. But should we really be like this? Periods are natural and something half the population experience so why not start the conversation about reusable sanitary pads???
Ok first things first.... Full disclaimer,,, I am actually the seller of these pads so you can decide amongst yourselves whether you are convinced by the below or not! This is MY Diary of a first time reusable sanitary pad user so take all the below as MY PERSONAL experience and this may or may not correlate with your own!
Day 0: I take out my little stash of CocoBabbit reusable sanitary pads that I have been sent to test out. I have all the sizes from light to heavy. I look at them all brightly patterned and looking quite innocent. Am I really going to do this, I think? I was a seasoned pro with tampons and panty liners. I loved the convenience of just throwing them away once I was finished with them with no much as a second thought. I had only really become interested in reusable sanitary pads by accident as I was researching reusable makeup pads. I had told my family and partner that I was going to do a trial use of the pads and well honestly opinion was divided. My mum thought it was a great idea said she would have even considered using them if she was still having periods. My older sister was horrified by the idea and had the school of thought that really periods were bad enough without creating more work. She also pointed out that the idea of washing them out quite frankly repulsed her. So, would I be delighted or disgusted I wondered?
Day 1: I begin with the heavy pad. I am at home so reckon this is perfect so if there is any leakage it won’t matter because hey, I am at home. I put the pad on the knickers and clip the fastening at the back of the pad. Definitely not suitable for knickers like a G-string you need to be wearing normal knickers to use them. They are more comfortable than I expected even if they are a bit bulky in feel so I would not recommend putting a slinky dress on when wearing. I then proceed with my day and pretty much forget about it. After a few hours I check for leakages and there are none. On a plus side I notice they are quite absorbent and not as gross as I thought they would be! I change it after a few hours and rinse the pad then I hand wash it with soap and warm water. Took two minutes then I leave it out to dry so that I can use it again the next day once dry. Wasn’t as gross as I was expecting you couldn’t actually see much as the pad is dark grey on top and absorbed most of the blood. I put another pad on and carry on with my day repeating the same system as before.
Day 2: Same as day 1 but I decide to get creative and do a home workout (side note they are not designed or recommended for exercise but I decided I wanted to do a true test). The workout is fine but I sometimes find the pad shifts around a bit.
Day 3: I shift to the normal pad which is less bulky and I would say comfier. I put the pads from the first two days which have already been hand washed into the washing machine on a 40-degree wash to see how they come out. Once finished I examine them and they are clean. I pull them into shape and leave to air day. I am quietly impressed as to how they have come out.
Day 4: I continue with the normal pads and check on the now machine washed and air-dried heavy pads. I see no staining and they look clean. I am feeling confident so I venture out into the big wide world. I am wearing baggy trousers so I don’t feel too conspicuous and more importantly no leaks occur.
Day 5: I shift down to the light pads they are thinner and ok comfort wise.
Day 6: Still wearing the small size and quite happily go about my day without thinking about the pad apart from when I go to the bathroom.
Conclusions: Having finished my ‘test’ week I have to say that I was reasonably happy with the pads. They weren’t as difficult as I expected to use and maintain. It is certainly true if you have around 9 to 12 then the work involved is quite minimal. Would I wear a tight little black dress or skinny jeans whilst wearing them? Nope, but in normal everyday clothes I was quite happy and as an update to the above I have since used them quite happily outside without any problems. Would I use them to exercise in? I did home exercise using them but I would not use them at the gym or on a long run. But this would be something entirely personal. Will I still occasionally use tampons? Yes, for nights out or for outside exercise definitely. Will I use them at night time? Yes, I didn't have any problems using the pads at night.
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