Gorgeous, Soft, Reusable Cloth Menstrual Pads
I purchased the pictured items myself. I was not asked to write, nor was I compensated for this post. All opinions are my own. Post updated with affiliate links. Any time the topic of reusable menstrual pads came up, several Change-Diapers moms enthusiastically recommended Pink Lemonade. I ordered some in early November and as always seems the case when I’m anxious to try some new cloth pads or a menstrual cup, my cycle was late. So I waited & waited and finally got to try them!
Despite my conscious effort to use the terms “reusable pads,” “cloth pads,” or “reusable menstrual pads,” I find myself slipping into the habit of saying “mama cloth.” I’m aware that non-mothers use cloth pads, including teen girls and transgender males. Please know that the term “mama cloth” is common in the cloth diaper world, so if you are outside of this circle and hear the term, it’s not meant to be offensive or exclusive in any way.
Pink Lemonade offers many styles and materials, and I chose the 9 inch day pads in minky, 2.5″ width ($18.50/pair), a 7.5 inch liner in bamboo velour, 2″ width ($6.75) and a 6 inch mini liner in cotton, 2″ width ($4.75). There are also 8, 10, 11, 12 and 13 inch pads for light through postpartum use and even thong liners. Tip: Not sure what length to try? Measure a disposable pad that is the right length for you.
Pads have poly resin snaps on the fold around wings, and are backed with Windpro fleece. I prefer fleece backed pads to PUL packing, because I find fleece stays in place better while PUL tends to shift a bit. Any cloth pad works best with snug fitting underwear.
The full size pads are wider in the front and back for better coverage, while the liner is narrower, and the mini-liner has more of an oval shape. There are tons of beautiful prints to choose from in every fabric.
I used the 9″ pads on the first day of my cycle since I was woken up at 6 AM with the telltale feeling and preferred to snap on a pad and go back to bed vs. fumbling around for my cup. I rinsed the pads immediately in cold water (hold by the clean ends and rubbed the middle a bit) then washed. The pads didn’t stain at all.
After I switched to my cup, I used the regular and mini liners as backup. The size of the mini was perfect to sit right on the lined part of my underwear to make the pad seem invisible. Bamboo and cotton does tend to stain a bit more, but it’s great as a cup backup since it’s unlikely to get very soiled. Rinsing right away seems to help a lot as well. Both also worked well on the last day of my cycle when I typically ditch the cup and just wear a liner.
One “complaint” I have about cloth pads in general is that since they aren’t filled with super absorbent chemicals, they rely on the material to absorb, meaning they can’t possibly be as trim as a disposable pad. The only issue I have with it is feeling like the rear of the longer pads is visible through my pants. I’m not a seamstress but I wish there was some way to make the rear edge of the pad thinner/flatter. Probably a logistical impossibility, but a girl can dream!
Cloth pads can seem expensive but you can use the same stash for years (rather than throw money in the garbage) and you have soft fabrics instead of chemicals on your most sensitive parts. I love not having gross garbage to take out and not having “diaper rash” from disposable pads!
Maria wants to live in a world where cloth diapers are the norm and moms can make parenting choices without judgement. When she’s not chasing her 18, 14 and 11-year old kids around, you might find her checking out the latest gadgets, organizing something (again) or exercising in the fresh air. 
I would love to try mama cloth sometime, I’m just nervous to take the plunge. I’m not normally a menstrual pad user. These look really nice though 🙂
You want a longer pad with a trim back. Try homestead emporium. Their ultimini and ultimax pads are just that and they are luxurious. Bamboo velour top is soft. They are based in Canada
I have other brands where the edges are serged vs. turned and topstitched and/or the absorbent inner doesn’t go all the way to the edge, the the edges are just two layers. They are MUCH trimmer and I find myself reaching for them more. I don’t know anything about sewing cloth pads so I assumed there was a reason all pads weren’t made that way. 🙂
I’ll check out Homestead Emporium. May I ask why you suggest a longer pad? I’m very petite/small framed so even the 9″ are borderline diaper feeling to me. Or do you mean going with something longer but where the absorbent portion doesn’t go to the edge?
These are actually the first cloth pads I purchased (I think), the rest in my “stash” were review items, save for a Roots pad I received in an Up On the Hill club shipment. Thanks for your input!
I just looked at their site, the ultimini looks awesome!