Want to try a cup

[youngones]

For those ladies who use cups - both my sister and I want to give it a go. We both used cloth naps, so feel a bit hypocritical about using disposables ourselves. My sister hadn't heard of them before, but I first heard about cups when I was in Canada a few years ago and a friend of mine was using a Keeper.

I have a six month old bub and my sis has 3 kids, all natural deliveries. Her youngest is 8 now, but I'm just wondering how I'll go with a cup having only recently had a baby.

AF has been back for two cycles and I'm hating it now, it never bothered me before. It seems heavier (probably just the fact its been gone a year and I'm outta touch!), but I also have the feeling that tampons are slipping, especially close to time they need changing (sorry if TMI). I know this will improve with time/Kegels, but I am just finding tampons so scratchy and uncomfortable now. I'm so CONSCIOUS of them and using pads overnight is awful - I have really interrupted sleep because I'm getting up for bub, so because I'm getting up, its heavier than it used to be at night when I just slept for 8 hrs.

How soon after a baby have you been able to use a cup?

I've read some testimonials on a few sites - how true are they really?

I know there is a size for women who've had babies, but is there anything else I should know?

[gremily]

I'll send you a pm with the link to Obsidian's site with the page on cups. One of the most informative sites, compares cups, pros and cons,etc.

Not sure about how soon after childbirth they can be used. I think it'd be something like a few weeks or so and it would be fine.

I believe the testimonials are extremely valid. I use a Mooncup and cloth pads and since using them my periods went from being 4-5 days to 3-4 days. I never really used to get much cramping, but often my vulva used to feel swollen. I haven't experienced this at all since the cup/cloth pads.

It's great you and your sister are going to try one. I haven't heard of anyone so far (in my cup circle anyway!) that hasn't loved them. It does take a little bit to get used to putting it in and taking it out, but once you get the hang of it it's quite easy.

[faery]

I've been using the keeper for almost 10 years. i absolutly love it. now i have a diva cup, as i was given the larger size after my bubba.

it took a few cycles before i really had the hang of it. you have to try putting it in a few times and spill on the way out. but don't give up! it only takes a few months to really get the hang of it.

i've only had 2 periods since having ds. and they didn't return until after a year. i have used the diva cup. they say to use "size b" after vaginal childbirth. and its true. i tried to use my old keeper and it leaked. it felt a bit strange at first but i think after birthing, everything just feels a bit different ya know?

before birth, i would just pop it in and be on my way. now I find that if it is off slightly or not really well inserted it drives me a bit nuts and i have to fix it. just more sensetive i guess.

give it a go!! they really are fantastic! no more money spent, no rubbish, healthy plants!

[InSaneOne]

i have only used mine for 1 cycle. my sister actually got it for my birthday in april after i was going on and on about the cups and cloth pads. she loves dd's funky cloth nappies.

i can't believe how much more comfy it is. yes it does take some practise and it is easier to practise in the shower - that way it is easier to clean up spills i love my cup and i can't ever think about having af again without using my cup.

[youngones]

Thanks for the support. I think we'll either try the Diva or Lunette.

I find that all the hoohaa about the environment now is really grating on me. While caring for it is now somewhat fashionable, why are cups and cloth pads still so taboo? From what I can tell, cups are actually LESS messy than using tampons. No one can tell me that flushing a bit of liquid is worse than having a few smelly packages in the bin for a few days. I can't believe people could actually think that sticking one foreign object up your fanny could be more yuk than another - its blood, we've been dealing with it for years, we're women, just get on with it!

Rant over. We'll order this weekend.

[faery]

cool!
a tip: you can rinse the cup out in a small bucket of water and then pour it on plants. they love it and it is a beautiful way of giving back to the earth. better than just pouring it down the toilet.