Review & Giveaway: Mama Cloth from Moms Crafts 4 U

{CLOSED! WINNER: Sunflower Joy!}

Mama Cloth???

Two words: mama cloth.

The first time I saw that phrase in a shop’s Facebook celebration giveaway album, I had no idea what item was up for grabs. I entered for the chance to win a variety of WaHM products, including blankets, reusable wipes, and jewellery. But “mama cloth?” I skipped over that one, lest I be the winner of something for which I had no use.

Then I noted a post on another group’s Facebook page asking how fellow mama cloth users went about storing and cleaning their mama cloth. One replied that she washed hers with her child’s cloth diapers. Wait now. I have a child. I know what parts their cloth diapers touch. What in the world is mama cloth if it’s being laundered with baby poop catchers?

There was my light bulb moment! But you probably already know that mama cloth refers to reusable menstrual pads made of various materials.

Waste Not ...

During her lifetime, a woman will throw away approximately 300lbs of disposable menstrual products. Moreover, while there are various estimations of how much an average woman will spend on disposable menstrual products, but most sources agree that this amount is anywhere from $300-600 every 5 years. Since most women begin menstruating between the ages of 10 and 14, and will continue to menstruate until the age of 45-55, a single woman could spend nearly $1900 on disposable products, if not much more!

The answer to this horrible financial and environmental nightmare: mama cloth.

Moms Crafts 4 U

I was recently given the chance to try out some mama cloth made by an Atlantic Canadian WaHM. Moms Crafts 4 U is owned and operated by Veronica Perrin. She claims that “once you try [her mama cloth], you will never go back to those store-bought, disposable pads.” Well, Moms Crafts 4 U, I think you might be on to something!

Veronica sent me three pads to try: an 8” Light Coverage pantyliner (cotton-topped), an 8” Normal Coverage pad (also cotton-topped), and a 10” Normal Coverage pad (cotton knit-topped). Veronica uses the following fabrics in her mama cloth: 100% Cotton, 100% Cotton Flannel, ZORB (a super absorbent layer that holds 10x its wright in less than half a second), PUL (an anti-leak fabric that does not allow liquid to go through), and Fleece (the fleece is not only used as an anti-leak layer, but it also helps them to stay in place well, so they don't slip around). One thing is for sure: this is some gorgeous menstrual wear! Who says mama cloth can’t be pretty?

Review

This is what I loved about my mama cloth by Moms Crafts 4 U:

•    Ease of use: They were super easy to put in place thanks to the poly resin snaps. The 10” Normal Absorbency pad even came with two snaps so that I could choose the appropriate width. And Veronica “labels” each of her pads (1-Pantyliner, 2-Regular, 3-Heavy) so that you always know at quick glance which absorbency you’ve grabbed. These pads are idiot-proof!

•    Comfort: These pads feel amazing against your delicate skin. They are soft, and do not chafe like disposable pads. What’s more, they absorb without being overly drying. They are breathable. They do not crinkle or bunch, and you can’t even feel them! And no sticky backing necessary -- the soft fleece holds them in place nicely. I went for a walk and my pantyliner didn't budge!

•    Portability: They fold up very easily to fit in your purse, no matter how small a clutch you might be carrying.

•    Absorbency: Let’s just say they wick moisture away, protect your underwear, and you only have to change them as often as you would change a disposable pad of similar absorbency.

•    Zero “ick factor”: To remove the soiled pad, you simply unsnap it, and then put it in a waterproof bag. If you’re stuck, you can use a plastic baggie like I did, but you can also use a wet bag (which Veronic also makes). You don’t have to wash them right away, but when you’re ready, you can throw them in with your towels or you can launder them with your child’s cloth diapers. Check out Veronica’s detailed washing instructions.

•    PEACE OF MIND: No harsh chemicals. No excess, non-biodegradable garbage each month.

I do not have any true cons or downsides to list. Of course, there are start-up costs to switching to cloth menstrual products. You’ll need about 10-20 pads to go completely disposable-free. But you're in luck -- Veronica carries a few variety packs and starter kits to help you offset your cost. For about $120, you could have 25 pads and a wet bag! And the best part is: the average life of each cloth pad is 6-7 years. Do the math! That's only $17-20 a year!

EDIT: Here is the Moms Crafts 4 U 2011 Price Guide

Giveaway!

You don’t have to take my word for it! Moms Crafts 4 U is generously donating a set of 3 Pantyliners to one lucky reader!

(Actual pads may not be as pictured)

To enter:

Mandatory Entry*:

• Publicly follow Librarian Mom via Google Friend Connect
• Like Moms Crafts 4 U on Facebook
• Comment here that you did both (this is one entry)!

Extra Entries (one comment per entry):

• Check out Moms Crafts 4 U's Etsy Shop and tell us your favourite print or product!
•  Like Librarian Mom on Facebook

Giveaway open worldwide! Contest ends on April 30, 2011 at 11:59pm NST. I will use Random.org to choose the winner. Winner will be announced via email as well as on this post. The winner will have 48 hours to respond. At that time, if there is no response, a new winner will be drawn.

Good luck!

* If your profile is set to private, or if you choose to submit as Anonymous/without an account, make sure to leave your email address so I can contact you!

Disclaimer: Moms Crafts 4 U provided these pads for me to review. I was not compensated in any way for this review. These opinions, and any oversights or mistakes herein, are my own.