Wednesday, April 13, 2011

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!


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.

45 comments:

  1. Oh enter me please, I would love to try her mama cloth out!!
    I already follow you here and I already love Mom Crafts 4 U on facebook.

    Thank you for a great giveaway and an awesome review!!!

    April
    giggles0401@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. I really like this print from her Etsy shop.
    http://www.etsy.com/listing/71635655/carnival-bloom-floral-printed-cloth-mama

    April
    giggles0401@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. Just Liked Librarian Mom on Facebook.

    Thank you
    April
    giggles0401@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. Following LM via GFC and like Moms Crafts 4 U on FB!
    lindsey_anderson@live.ca

    ReplyDelete
  5. Favorite Etsy shop product: Pretty Rose 12" Postpartum
    lindsey_anderson@live.ca

    ReplyDelete
  6. Liked LM on FB (Lindsey Oele)
    lindsey_anderson@live.ca

    ReplyDelete
  7. Publicly following Librarian Mom via Google Friend Connect
    Already like Moms Crafts 4 U on Facebook

    ReplyDelete
  8. I love the Set of 5 prints!
    Although..we'll see in 2 weeks or so if I will be needing mama cloths....Oy! Shhh... ;)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Favorite print is Sweet Treats Pink Cupcake Cloth

    ReplyDelete
  10. follow with GFC as Brooke Schwaderer

    like Moms Crafts 4 U on Facebook

    anjellfire at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  11. favorite item is
    Pink & Purple Bliss.. Organic Bamboo Velour Cloth Mama Pad SET OF 4 .. PANTYLINER Thickness

    anjellfire at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  12. Like Librarian Mom on Facebook as Brooke Schwaderer

    anjellfire at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  13. my GFC name is allisonbarnes

    already a fan of moms crafts 4 u on FB.

    allison_barnes AT shaw DOT ca

    ReplyDelete
  14. LOve your blog...Hello, Found you via blog hopping. I'm Marilyn from http://theartsygirlconnection.blogspot.com/ hope you can stop by sometime ;)) TY *officially following ya*

    ReplyDelete
  15. New follower GFC-Melissa Harris
    I LOV?E Moms Crafts 4 u on FB and have for quite a while now! I found your giveaway on her site!

    maeg.harris@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  16. This is one of my favorite prints: http://www.etsy.com/listing/69006385/rosie-pink-reusable-cloth-pad-cotton

    maeg.harris@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. I like you on FB too!

    maeg.harris@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  18. I'm a new follower and I like her on FB.
    trishabear1970 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  19. I like her clutch style wet bags. Very cute!
    trishabear1970 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  20. I like Moms Crafts 4 U on Facebook under: Shanda Clark!

    pegasus_aprilof84@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  21. I also followed GFC under: pegasus_aprilof84.
    I am sorry I did these seperate can you add them together!

    ReplyDelete
  22. I like Librarian Mom on Facebook under: Shanda Clark!

    pegasus_aprilof84@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  23. I like the Pink and Purple Bliss Organic Bamboo Velour Cloth Mama Pad.

    pegasus_aprilof84@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  24. If your mandatory entry is entered separately by accident, I will add them together! No worries!

    ReplyDelete
  25. follow you on GFC - Amanda

    aaf of moms crafts for you! - Amanda Herman


    amandaeknittel at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  26. I follow you via GFC as Sheila Larry and I like Moms Crafts 4 U on Facebook - Sheila Larry

    sweetflr18@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  27. love the carnival bloom floral print!

    amandaeknittel at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  28. like you on fb - Amanda Herman

    amandaeknittel at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  29. Liked Librarian Mom on Facebook - Sheila Larry

    sweetflr18@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  30. My favorite print is Camo and Floral Print. I love these pads, I have bought these from Moms Crafts 4 U before and I am always impressed by the quality!

    sweetflr18@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  31. I have publicly followed this blog via Google Friend Connect and liked MomsCrafts4U on Facebook. My "name" on facebook is "Ay Pee" since the only reason I even signed up for facebook after having my account deleted some time ago was to get Veronica's coupon code today!

    my e-mail address is annieamaryllis at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  32. I also liked you on facebook!
    annieamaryllis at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  33. And this is my favorite product available in MomsCrafts4U's etsy store right now: http://www.etsy.com/listing/67720324/live-free-tattoos-eagles-guitars-dragon

    annieamaryllis at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  34. Love the premise of your blog! I'm a librarian and a mama who's obsessed with all things research and all things baby!

    I'm officially a blog follower and I already liked Moms Crafts 4 U on Facebook.

    skmohr7 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  35. I really like Moms Crafts 4 U's trendy wet bags. So cute!

    skmohr7 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  36. Just "liked" you on Facebook! Looking forward to keeping up with you there. :)

    skmohr7 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  37. I love the Pink Love Trendy Wet Bag Small Clutch Style that Moms Crafts 4 U has on their Etsy shop :)

    ReplyDelete
  38. I follow Librarian Mom via GFC.
    I like Moms Crafts 4 U on Facebook

    Since I use the menstrual cup, I think 3 pantyliners would be perfect for my periods :)

    ReplyDelete
  39. I follow Librarian Mom via GFC.
    I like Moms Crafts 4 U on Facebook

    ReplyDelete
  40. I like the modern butterflies design!

    ReplyDelete
  41. I like Librarian Mom on FB - April Hargraves

    ReplyDelete
  42. I follow Librarian Mom via GFC.
    I like Moms Crafts 4U on FB.

    ReplyDelete