Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Toilet movements with the cup
Some women find that it's harder to urinate while wearing the cup. This is probably due to the rim of the cup apply pressure to the urethra from inside the vagina.
If this is a problem for you, you can always remove the cup right before you go, though removing and inserting often can be irritating and make you sore.
You can also try pushing the cup up a little higher right before you go, or angling it back more by pulling the base/tail forward toward your pubic bone.
Also try to push harder when you are going.
If you have this problem, be very careful about making sure that you have completely emptied your bladder as not doing so can lead to a UTI (urinary tract infection).
If this is a problem for you, you can always remove the cup right before you go, though removing and inserting often can be irritating and make you sore.
You can also try pushing the cup up a little higher right before you go, or angling it back more by pulling the base/tail forward toward your pubic bone.
Also try to push harder when you are going.
If you have this problem, be very careful about making sure that you have completely emptied your bladder as not doing so can lead to a UTI (urinary tract infection).
Spotting? - Details on Kegels and Finding Your Cervix
Heavy leaking ?
Make sure the cup is under your cervix and not up beside it.
Minor spotting ?
Probably from blood that was already on the vaginal tissues when the cup was inserted, and so is below the cup. Use a peribottle, or a small water bottle with a squirty top, to rinse the entrance of your vagina. You can also wipe around the entrance of your vagina with toilet paper, a moist toilet paper wipe, or a baby wipe.
Insert a finger and learn how your vagina angles up or down. If you can, try to find your cervix. This will help you determine the angle/position best suited for your cup.
Kegel, kegel, kegel. Strengthening your PC muscles will help your vag grip the cup better and also may make your cup sit higher. (Not to mention the other very good side benefits!) - Refer below.
Once inserted, try to twist the cup in a circle. This will help generate suction which should help alleviate leaking. Twisting can also help a cup that hasn't opened properly to 'pop.'
Play with the angling (knowing the lay of your vagina will help here). Try angling the base or tail of the cup in different directions: back toward your bottom, forward toward your pubic bone, or angle to the left or right.
Run a finger around the base of the cup once it's inserted - it should be completely round. If you feel any dents or folds the cup isn't open and will leak. At this point, twisting may help it open or you might have to take it out and start over. If this is a recurring problem, see the tip for letting the cup open earlier.
Try running the cup under COLD water. Some say this makes the cup stiffer and creates better suction.
When you insert the cup, try letting it unfold a little early - when it's about half to three quaters of the way inserted.
------------------------------------------
Finding your Cervix:
If you've never located yours before, the best time to try is right before your period (the cervix is generally at it's lowest point during the luteal phase).
Assume a squatting position and insert your middle finger.
It may help to bear down as well.
If you are indeed in your luteal phase (that is, you have already ovulated) it should be round, cylindrical-shaped, and firm with a small dent in the middle. If you are in your fertile phase however, it will generally be higher, squishy-er feeling, and the cervical os (the opening) will be larger.
------------------------------------------
Pinching or irritation at the entrance of your vagina ?
Try trimming the stem. Many find the cup isn't completely comfortable until they cut off the entire stem.
------------------------------------------
How to Kegel (your Man will love this!)
Kegeling can be very helpful if you'd like your cup to sit higher or you are having problems with leaking (not to mention help problems with urinary incontinence and spice things up in the bedroom).
To identify your PC muscles, the next time you urinate try to stop midflow (while doing this once is fine for locating the correct muscles, it is important to note that you should not do this regularly when urinating as it could lead to a urinary tract infection).
3 kegel exercises are:
You want to do 10 of each type, eventually working up to 10+ sets a day.
Do them as often as you can; when you're sitting at the computer, in the car, standing in the check-out line at the store, etc.
There are also aids that you can buy to help you kegel. While most tend to be very expensive, anything that adds resistance is going to help you get stronger and gain more control faster.
If you are interested in aids, google ben-wa balls + kegel, kegelmaster, or jade eggs.
Make sure the cup is under your cervix and not up beside it.
Minor spotting ?
Probably from blood that was already on the vaginal tissues when the cup was inserted, and so is below the cup. Use a peribottle, or a small water bottle with a squirty top, to rinse the entrance of your vagina. You can also wipe around the entrance of your vagina with toilet paper, a moist toilet paper wipe, or a baby wipe.
Insert a finger and learn how your vagina angles up or down. If you can, try to find your cervix. This will help you determine the angle/position best suited for your cup.
Kegel, kegel, kegel. Strengthening your PC muscles will help your vag grip the cup better and also may make your cup sit higher. (Not to mention the other very good side benefits!) - Refer below.
Once inserted, try to twist the cup in a circle. This will help generate suction which should help alleviate leaking. Twisting can also help a cup that hasn't opened properly to 'pop.'
Play with the angling (knowing the lay of your vagina will help here). Try angling the base or tail of the cup in different directions: back toward your bottom, forward toward your pubic bone, or angle to the left or right.
Run a finger around the base of the cup once it's inserted - it should be completely round. If you feel any dents or folds the cup isn't open and will leak. At this point, twisting may help it open or you might have to take it out and start over. If this is a recurring problem, see the tip for letting the cup open earlier.
Try running the cup under COLD water. Some say this makes the cup stiffer and creates better suction.
When you insert the cup, try letting it unfold a little early - when it's about half to three quaters of the way inserted.
------------------------------------------
Finding your Cervix:
If you've never located yours before, the best time to try is right before your period (the cervix is generally at it's lowest point during the luteal phase).
Assume a squatting position and insert your middle finger.
It may help to bear down as well.
If you are indeed in your luteal phase (that is, you have already ovulated) it should be round, cylindrical-shaped, and firm with a small dent in the middle. If you are in your fertile phase however, it will generally be higher, squishy-er feeling, and the cervical os (the opening) will be larger.
------------------------------------------
Pinching or irritation at the entrance of your vagina ?
Try trimming the stem. Many find the cup isn't completely comfortable until they cut off the entire stem.
------------------------------------------
How to Kegel (your Man will love this!)
Kegeling can be very helpful if you'd like your cup to sit higher or you are having problems with leaking (not to mention help problems with urinary incontinence and spice things up in the bedroom).
To identify your PC muscles, the next time you urinate try to stop midflow (while doing this once is fine for locating the correct muscles, it is important to note that you should not do this regularly when urinating as it could lead to a urinary tract infection).
3 kegel exercises are:
- tighten and hold for 3-5 sec. then release;
- pulses where you tighten and release as fast as you can;
- pretending your vag is an elevator by slowly tightening over a count of 10 and then slowly releasing over a count of 10.
You want to do 10 of each type, eventually working up to 10+ sets a day.
Do them as often as you can; when you're sitting at the computer, in the car, standing in the check-out line at the store, etc.
There are also aids that you can buy to help you kegel. While most tend to be very expensive, anything that adds resistance is going to help you get stronger and gain more control faster.
If you are interested in aids, google ben-wa balls + kegel, kegelmaster, or jade eggs.
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Cleaning
it is very important to keep your Mooncup clean
Wash it regularly with mild soap and hot water and rinse thoroughly with clean water
Use a soft brush to clean the ridges if necessary
For both sanitary and suction reasons, it is important to keep the Air Holes on the rim of the cup clean (they become easily clogged). You can use a small safety or sewing pin to make sure they're clean. An Alternative Method:
------------------------------------------
The 'water gun method':
Fill the cup with soapy water, cover the top with the palm of your hand, and turn upside down.
Squeeze the cup so that water shoots out of the air holes.
Repeat with fresh water to rinse.
Also, scrubbing the cup gently with a tooth brush helps keep the holes clean.
And finally, if there is junk that is particularly stubborn, sterilize a sewing pin with rubbing alcohol and push it through each air hole.
------------------------------------------
Between periods, sterilize your cup by boiling it for 5 minutes in an uncovered pot with enough water to cover it (make sure you have enough water to cover it or it will damage your cup), OR soak it in sterilizing solution for no longer than 30 minutes
Never Use:
Some discoloration will happen over time - this doesn't affect the Mooncup's effectiveness and can be easily removed by soaking in sterilizing solution.
---------------------------------
If you notice any other changes in the appearance / texture of your Mooncup, stop using and replace it.
Keep your Mooncup in the storage bag provided when not in use. Do not store in a plastic bag or sealed container (this doesn't allow the cup to "breathe")
With proper care, cleaning and storage, the Mooncup lasts for years!
------------------------------------------
Cleaning in a public restroom:
There are several options.
You can be brave and just go out to the sink to wash the cup off ( a perfect opportunity to convert others to the cup).
Or you can carry a small bottle of water (one with a squirty top is best) into the stall with you and rinse the cup off over the toilet.
You can bring wet paper towels into the stall with you and wipe the cup off.
You can wipe the cup off with toilet paper.
You can just empty the cup and reinsert as is.
Wash it regularly with mild soap and hot water and rinse thoroughly with clean water
Use a soft brush to clean the ridges if necessary
For both sanitary and suction reasons, it is important to keep the Air Holes on the rim of the cup clean (they become easily clogged). You can use a small safety or sewing pin to make sure they're clean. An Alternative Method:
------------------------------------------
The 'water gun method':
Fill the cup with soapy water, cover the top with the palm of your hand, and turn upside down.
Squeeze the cup so that water shoots out of the air holes.
Repeat with fresh water to rinse.
Also, scrubbing the cup gently with a tooth brush helps keep the holes clean.
And finally, if there is junk that is particularly stubborn, sterilize a sewing pin with rubbing alcohol and push it through each air hole.
------------------------------------------
Between periods, sterilize your cup by boiling it for 5 minutes in an uncovered pot with enough water to cover it (make sure you have enough water to cover it or it will damage your cup), OR soak it in sterilizing solution for no longer than 30 minutes
Never Use:
- Petrol based substances like Vaseline
- Essential Oils like undiluted Tea Tree
- Harsh Cleaners
Some discoloration will happen over time - this doesn't affect the Mooncup's effectiveness and can be easily removed by soaking in sterilizing solution.
---------------------------------
If you notice any other changes in the appearance / texture of your Mooncup, stop using and replace it.
Keep your Mooncup in the storage bag provided when not in use. Do not store in a plastic bag or sealed container (this doesn't allow the cup to "breathe")
With proper care, cleaning and storage, the Mooncup lasts for years!
------------------------------------------
Cleaning in a public restroom:
There are several options.
You can be brave and just go out to the sink to wash the cup off ( a perfect opportunity to convert others to the cup).
Or you can carry a small bottle of water (one with a squirty top is best) into the stall with you and rinse the cup off over the toilet.
You can bring wet paper towels into the stall with you and wipe the cup off.
You can wipe the cup off with toilet paper.
You can just empty the cup and reinsert as is.
Removal
At first you should try to empty your Mooncup as often as you changed pads or tampons. You'll see from it's fullness how often you actually need to empty it.
As a general guide, Really Heavy Flow-ers usually empty every 2 hours in the first day, while Medium Flow-ers are ok with every 5 to 6 hours.
Don't worry - you'll be able to feel when you need to empty - as the fluid reaches the little holes in the Mooncup you'll feel a "bubbly" sensation which is caused by the fluid breaking the seal. This means you usually will have around 1/2 an hour to go empty your cup!
Step 1:
Wash your hands with soap!
Sit on the toilet / sqaut (whatever's good for you)
Step 2:
"Push down" with your pelvic muscles (like you're giving birth) until you can grip the base of the cup.
Squeeze the base (above the hard part) with your finger and thumb, gently, to release the seal. There may be a sucking noise as the seal releases.
Step 3:
At the same time, push down with your pelvic muscles and pull the cup out with your fingers.
If you don't think the seal has been broken (i.e. if it hurts slightly when trying to remove), slide your index finger up alongside the cup and try pushing it in at the top - this will definitely break the seal.
Angle the cup slightly sideways to remove 1/2 of the cup before angling it the other way to release the other 1/2. This ensures the cup slides out smoothly.
Empty the cup into the toilet
Step 4:
Wash it with water (either with a small bottle you've taken into the toilet with you) or wipe it with toilet paper or just reinsert as is.
Easy!
If it sounds very complicated - it's not. After a very few tries you'll soon figure out the best way for you and you can remove, empty and reinsert in seconds.
--------------------------------------------
Insertion tips from Ladies who Know:
As a general guide, Really Heavy Flow-ers usually empty every 2 hours in the first day, while Medium Flow-ers are ok with every 5 to 6 hours.
Don't worry - you'll be able to feel when you need to empty - as the fluid reaches the little holes in the Mooncup you'll feel a "bubbly" sensation which is caused by the fluid breaking the seal. This means you usually will have around 1/2 an hour to go empty your cup!
Step 1:
Wash your hands with soap!
Sit on the toilet / sqaut (whatever's good for you)
Step 2:
"Push down" with your pelvic muscles (like you're giving birth) until you can grip the base of the cup.
Squeeze the base (above the hard part) with your finger and thumb, gently, to release the seal. There may be a sucking noise as the seal releases.
Step 3:
At the same time, push down with your pelvic muscles and pull the cup out with your fingers.
If you don't think the seal has been broken (i.e. if it hurts slightly when trying to remove), slide your index finger up alongside the cup and try pushing it in at the top - this will definitely break the seal.
Angle the cup slightly sideways to remove 1/2 of the cup before angling it the other way to release the other 1/2. This ensures the cup slides out smoothly.
Empty the cup into the toilet
Step 4:
Wash it with water (either with a small bottle you've taken into the toilet with you) or wipe it with toilet paper or just reinsert as is.
Easy!
If it sounds very complicated - it's not. After a very few tries you'll soon figure out the best way for you and you can remove, empty and reinsert in seconds.
--------------------------------------------
Insertion tips from Ladies who Know:
- Breaking the suction is VERY important before you remove or it will feel like you are sucking your uterus out. Many hear a "shlurp" noise which indicates the suction is broken. To break the seal, try pinching the base. However, for many pinching the base does nothing. In that case reach a finger as far up as possible and push in on the side of the cup or hook your finger over the rim and pull down.
- If you're having trouble passing the rim, try folding the cup into a U-shape while it's still inside. Also try angling the cup to one side as you remove it, so that you are passing only part of the rim at a time.
- Let your jaw hang loose -- helps vaginal muscles relax (don't know why, but it works!)
- Try different position for removing (standing with one leg up, sitting, squatting, lying down). If you have trouble reaching the cup, bear down as though having a bowl movement. If you still can't reach, try squatting and bearing down.
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Feminine Options
I haven't had a chance to use these yet either, but really love the design and the concept.
This is the Light Flow Package (1 daytime holder and 4 large liners) and it cost me $29.50 (including shipping).
There are also longer holders and liners for Overnight / Post-partum use.
Lisa also kindly included a sample serve of "Alternative Coffee". Detailed pad care instructions are included.
Material
The holder is made out of a water proof muslin and the wings join together using a long strip of velcro (noisy to open, but doesn't matter as you'd only change the holder at home).
The Liners are made out of 100% Cotton (also available in organic cotton).
There is a reasonable choice of Fabric choices on the site for both holders (15) and liners (9). You can also buy a liner pattern to make liners yourself!
Note the lovely curved in sides of the holder - this means (theoretically at least I haven't tried them yet) that it would be a more slender fit when being used, and not such a "bulky" feel.
This is the Light Flow Package (1 daytime holder and 4 large liners) and it cost me $29.50 (including shipping).
There are also longer holders and liners for Overnight / Post-partum use.
Lisa also kindly included a sample serve of "Alternative Coffee". Detailed pad care instructions are included.
Material
The holder is made out of a water proof muslin and the wings join together using a long strip of velcro (noisy to open, but doesn't matter as you'd only change the holder at home).
The Liners are made out of 100% Cotton (also available in organic cotton).
There is a reasonable choice of Fabric choices on the site for both holders (15) and liners (9). You can also buy a liner pattern to make liners yourself!
What I got in the mail
Everything was in a large size ziplock plastic bag - which can be re-used for storage.
The bottom of the holder
Note the lovely curved in sides of the holder - this means (theoretically at least I haven't tried them yet) that it would be a more slender fit when being used, and not such a "bulky" feel.
Holder with a liner in
Simply change the liners as necessary. Convenient and cost saving as liners cost much less than an entire pad.
Quality
The holders and pads are beautifully sewn. Compared to other pad options out there these would require a little more work to make (the unusual shape and multiple parts of the holder).
More of the review to come...
Quality
The holders and pads are beautifully sewn. Compared to other pad options out there these would require a little more work to make (the unusual shape and multiple parts of the holder).
More of the review to come...
Monday, September 05, 2005
Hag Rag - MissM's Cloth Pad review
I haven't actually used these pads yet, but I received them in the mail today and was so blown away by the whole package I had to post these photos now!
Detailed review will be forthcoming after use, but I hope you enjoy these photos for now...
I am reviewing the 7 Pad sample pack which cost me (including shipping) US$49. The set was for:
1 Original Round pad (light flow days)
1 Original Diamond pad (regular flow days)
1 Goddess Round pad w/Original Liner (over nite)
1 Goddess Diamond pad w/ Tsunami liner (extra heavy flow days)
1 Totally Organic Panty Liner (ultra light, super soft protection)
1 Mini Panty Liner (super light days)
1 Mini Pad (a "lil" pad)
Plus she gave me a free Original Round Pad ! - it is the one with dolphins on it (below)
Material:
Hag Rag uses 100% certified organic cotton (except for the printed fabrics as any fabric that's been dyed doesn't qualify as organic. She does offer 100% undyed organic pads, such as the panty liner in this set).
The pads are used pattern side down on your panties so your skin is only in contact with the Certified Organic Cotton side.
All pads are winged and close with a white plastic "snap" button.
Fresh out of the box
Fresh out of the bag - Look at that packaging *swoon*
Unwrapped package
All opened up
All wrapped up - as they would be after use (with the soiled part on the inside)
Diamond Pads organic side up - this is the side which is bled on
Note the embroidered Hag Rag logo and "Goddess" on the Goddess pad. I really like this design. So far, the cloth pads which have been labelled (not all are) have used a sewn in label and don't specify the type of pad. The sewn in thing just adds unnecessary bulk!
This means the Hag Rags, so far have been the trimmest. Very clever design - and classy too
Diamond pads on the pattern side up.
Round Pads - organic side up
Round Goddess with liner taken out
Wouldn't you just kill for that cat pattern? It's so vibrant and lush.
2 Regular Round pads (one was free!) and a Mini pad
You can't see it here but the strawberry one is sparkly! Divine!
Mini Panty Liner
Close up of stitching
(Preliminary) Conclusion
Overall, I was totally impressed with the entire purchase, and can't wait to try these out.
Please let me know if you'd be interested in trying these pads as I'm planning a wholesale order soon. (I know I should wait until I use them first, but I can't imagine I'd be disappointed!).
Detailed review will be forthcoming after use, but I hope you enjoy these photos for now...
I am reviewing the 7 Pad sample pack which cost me (including shipping) US$49. The set was for:
1 Original Round pad (light flow days)
1 Original Diamond pad (regular flow days)
1 Goddess Round pad w/Original Liner (over nite)
1 Goddess Diamond pad w/ Tsunami liner (extra heavy flow days)
1 Totally Organic Panty Liner (ultra light, super soft protection)
1 Mini Panty Liner (super light days)
1 Mini Pad (a "lil" pad)
Plus she gave me a free Original Round Pad ! - it is the one with dolphins on it (below)
Material:
Hag Rag uses 100% certified organic cotton (except for the printed fabrics as any fabric that's been dyed doesn't qualify as organic. She does offer 100% undyed organic pads, such as the panty liner in this set).
The pads are used pattern side down on your panties so your skin is only in contact with the Certified Organic Cotton side.
All pads are winged and close with a white plastic "snap" button.
Fresh out of the box
Fresh out of the bag - Look at that packaging *swoon*Included lots of vouchers with discount codes for online retailers (and they were a lovely bunch as well).
That little badge you see is a "I *heart* Hag Rags badge.
That little badge you see is a "I *heart* Hag Rags badge.
Unwrapped package
All opened up
All wrapped up - as they would be after use (with the soiled part on the inside)
Diamond Pads organic side up - this is the side which is bled onThis means the Hag Rags, so far have been the trimmest. Very clever design - and classy too
Diamond pads on the pattern side up. The tie dye one is the Goddess with Tsunami (heaviest flow). The liner is 2 pieces of liners sewn together for extra protection (normally liners are only one layer).
Round Pads - organic side up
Round Goddess with liner taken outWouldn't you just kill for that cat pattern? It's so vibrant and lush.
2 Regular Round pads (one was free!) and a Mini padYou can't see it here but the strawberry one is sparkly! Divine!
Mini Panty LinerHas a sewn in extra layer.
Close up of stitchingI was so impressed with the stitching and quality of work. Some of the pads I've received (for example Glad Rags) have "loose" stitching where the overlock machine wasn't set carefully and there are loose loops. All of these pads had beautiful overlock stitching - very small, tight and did not create any extra bulk at all. Skuld also double stitches the pads which makes them even stronger (using 2 different color threads by the way - just goes to show the love and care gone into making them).
These pads are not sewn together - they're overlocked together. This method creates the least bulk (in my experience) and is very neat, except for some initial "fray bits" from the cloth.
These pads are not sewn together - they're overlocked together. This method creates the least bulk (in my experience) and is very neat, except for some initial "fray bits" from the cloth.
(Preliminary) Conclusion
Overall, I was totally impressed with the entire purchase, and can't wait to try these out.
Please let me know if you'd be interested in trying these pads as I'm planning a wholesale order soon. (I know I should wait until I use them first, but I can't imagine I'd be disappointed!).