Selfsufficientish.com

Hee hee! Reminds me of the Young Ones episode when Rick finds an applicator tampon (hey, am I the first person to use the "t" word in this thread? everyone has been very euphemistic so far) and doesn't know what it is "A present! For me! Oh look, it's a little telescope - with a mouse in it". That cracked me up.

although they can find a mooncup in your bag and ask whats this for, is it a fairy drinking cup? Or decide that it would be good for various things like making into a dalek or wearing as a hat.

For making mini sandcastles. Or for putting turrets onto big sandcastles.

spare nose for a scarecrow (no 1 sons idea!!)

I'm about to start using sea pearls http://www.seapearls.co.uk/ - found them by accident when googling trying to find the phone number for my local health food store. They sound so gentle and kind to the body - much better than some alternatives that I've tried.

I bought a mooncup & when the stem seemed too long I shortened it slightly. Fine the first time, but for 2 attempts after that I really struggled to get it out again. I'm determined to have another go, next month, but need a bit of reassurance.

I can vaguely remember struggling with tampons, when I first started to use them, so am assuming/ hoping it'll get easier with the mooncup as it did with tampons. Did others have this sort of issue early in their useage?

I have a Diva Cup which is the Aussie version of a mooncup. I had a few dodgy months, but wouldn't change back to tampons ever. They definately need 'running in'!

Keep perservering and once you get used to getting it positioned, you'll be fine.

I have been using a mooncup for nearly 3 years now. The first couple fo times it was not easy but it is now. Apart from he environmental issues I have saved an absolute fortune especially as I now reached at stage in my life that things are topsy turvy.

Hi Baldowrie

:welcomeish:

I think these things do take time to get used to - stick with it a bit longer and try to stay relaxed - probably stating the obvious there!

i just cant work out what youre talking about.......this is one of those ladies jokes isnt it...like press on towels.....i thought it was very novell...having those little towells that you can stick onto the wall and dry yourself after a shower ...hands free....they are rather expensive though

Cheers ladies, I'm now reassured & will continue without fear of having to turn up at A&E to request assistance

Bazil, very droll...

I have been using my mooncup for over three years now and I just love it. I had some initial teething problems with it but I can't imagine being without it now! I actually find it more convenient than disposible stuff because its always there when I need it, and it has certainly saved me money.

After a while of using just the cup I treated myself to some washable pads, and they are just wonderful. At present I have tiger print, sun-and-moon print, frog print, cat print and spider print!

Rachael wrote:I have been using my mooncup for over three years now and I just love it. I had some initial teething problems with it but I can't imagine being without it now! I actually find it more convenient than disposible stuff because its always there when I need it, and it has certainly saved me money.

After a while of using just the cup I treated myself to some washable pads, and they are just wonderful. At present I have tiger print, sun-and-moon print, frog print, cat print and spider print!

oo where did you get the washable pads from? I keep meaning to try the mooncup - but this i have been wondering for some time - how do you deal with it when you are out and about? I mean - in a public loo - the cleaning the mooncup part....? Do you just get on with it or what?

red wrote: oo where did you get the washable pads from? I keep meaning to try the mooncup - but this i have been wondering for some time - how do you deal with it when you are out and about? I mean - in a public loo - the cleaning the mooncup part....? Do you just get on with it or what?

Because you can keep it in for 12 hours a lot of people don't even have to change it in a public toilet. I myself haven't done it yet (this is my sixth cycle now). I do do it at my school tho (I don't count that as public as the toilet and sink are in the same room (an old bathroom of a house actually).

Somtimes people do need to tho. Some people just take it out, empty the majority (making sure they don't drop the cup in the toilet!) put toilet paper in their undies, go out of the stall and rinse the cup under the tap, using warm water and soap if they want. Then they go back inside the stall and insert again.

Some people don't do this as they may find it a bit embarrasing, or think they could even offend people. Thos people take a small squirt bottle in the stall with them and once they have removed the cup squirt it down, and wipe with toilet paper.

So you do what ever is comfortable. Hopefully the cups will become more mainstream and people wont find them so weird. So then users don't have to feel so embarrased or whatever.

There are lots of pads around in different styles. Imse Vimse are a Swedish brand (with UK stockists) who make Dambinda pads- you fold a square of cotton and insert it in a waterproof holder, changing as necessary. They do a set of different sizes. You do need to soak these pads unless you don't mind stains. Nobody else will see them, obviously, but if yopu mind soak in cold salt water (eg in a plastic tub tuckewd away behind u-bend of loo, or even in a jar 'disguised' in a fabric drawstring bag that can fit in with your decor! There used to be a WAHM maker of these that did amazing velvet creations, but can't remember who or if she's still making them, I'm afraid. Wouldn't be hard to make yourself from an off cut though)

Fleece pads can be funkier and don't stain, so don't need soaking. Try Real nappy stockists to find lots of makes. Most are 'wings' designs, so they keep in place. Very comfy and v easy to use.


Re: using keepers/cups in public- because they hold so much (approx 1/3 of average monthly flow ) I too rarely need to change in public. If I do, I try to nip in the disabled loo as it usually has a basin in there too, making life v simple

Personally I've never rinsed it in a 'public' basin- I can't see that going down too well in the average Britich loo! I simply wipe it with loo roll and reinsert. Wipe my fingers with loo roll too, and then wash my hands as usual. I've never yet aappeared like lady macbeth....
Not a trip to the loo to do with your toddler in the same stall though- mine would start asking VERY LOUD questions!
I know some women rinse in the clean flush water, but I wouldn't recomend that- you don't know what's in the cistern.


HTH

Hazel