I used to have horrid heavy periods, but they thinned out while I was on the pill for a year and a half, and they didn't come back too badly when I stopped birth control. Not looking forward to going back to that life, but at least I'm prepared...I still have like 4 packages of super plus pads in a storage bin in the bathroom!
@sliztee - some people love them; some people hate them. If you have problems with your own blood, I would say you’ll hate it. If I leave it too long the first day of my period, I always end up with blood on my hand when I remove it; otherwise, it isn’t any grosser to me than dealing with a tampon or pad.
However, I find that they don’t have odor issues (which I always had with both pads and tampons), they don’t leak unless they get too full (tampon strings always seemed to cause spotting), and I don’t accidentally insert two or forget to remove it (I honestly forget it is there unless I’m using the toilet).
Wait, some people are grossed out by their own blood? Like any bleeding at all or just period blood? I’m confused. I also used to lick the blood off any cuts or scrapes as a kid instead of using a bandaid though so I guess maybe I’m the weird one here.
This baby is part of the diva cup curse. I thought about buying one for ever but for some reason never pulled the trigger. Finally ordered it and haven't been able to use it because I got pregnant that cycle! Apparently it's a thing. Who knew?!
All - I missed a “Not” in my salesperson comment, but I think it is better as it stands...
@nasalot188 - I keep a stash of tampons for emergencies. Occasionally, I have difficulty reinserting the cup because of bad dreams. (Nightmares apparently cause me to tighten up down there so it is impossible to get anything wider than a tampon in...) But as soon as I can get it back in, in it goes.
I'm going to apologize ahead of time for naivete, but if you use the cup and are at work and have to use a shared bathroom, how are you supposed to clean it out?
Really just curious because I was considering using one but didn't because I couldn't figure that out.
I also dread not being able to use my cup... I hadn’t used pads/tampons in over a decade until I had Tom send my H out for pads when I had a bleeding scare around 10 weeks.
Theres a bit of a learning curve but it’s so much better... and I love that I’m not shoving something that is treated with chemicals up my vag!
@nasalot188 - I’m not a germaphobe, but yeah, I don’t think I could do that. I had an OB/GYN tell me once that the biggest issue with cups was staph infections, but that boiling it every month would significantly reduce the risk.
I should clarify that I thoroughly clean it with soap and hot water at the end of each period...I just don't get around to actually boiling/sterilising very often.
But, honestly, I can understand why someone might be weirded out by the thought. If that were the case, I’d just pick up a dedicated pot and pair of tongs at Goodwill.
You could also get the microwave bags used to sterilize breastpump parts, and use those. They can be used up to 10 times each, and then get tossed/recycled.
I know finding time to cook and eat with a newborn will be difficult, and if I’m BFing I will probably also have to contend with always being hungry and thinking a bit about getting enough nutrients. Even without any kids I suck at motivating myself to plann a meal and cooking it. The only way I cook is if I get Blue Apron delivered or a similar meal kit. I doubt I’ll even be up for that once baby arrives. What have STM+ found to be satisfying realistic meals? I know use seen PB&Js mentioned. Curious what else I can plan to have on hand to make life easier. Otherwise I’ll probably end up eating all microwave meals which are (mostly) terrible for me. If any others are interested in this topic too I would be happy to start a separate discussion so we don’t get derailed here, but unless I hear otherwise I’ll assume I’m the only one thinking about this so early! Admittedly and selfishly I have no contribution to the discussion and want to learn from everyone else.
Someone started a recipe share thread a few months back; I think it was too early for most of us to think about this. This is probably a good place for this discussion.
@rabtaido1214 I felt like I did not eat healthy at all when on leave last time and I'm determined this time to get freezer meals ready and portioned so I can just heat them up
Back to the cup thing. You get to know how often you should empty it but most you can leave in for 12 hours at a time. There is no risk of shock shock like tampons. It is nice if I am unable to get to a bathroom (used to change pads liners every couple of hours or they would smell) you don't have to worry! You can pee with them in not worry about removing them. I have done this many times when my only bathroom was a Porta potty. So much nicer than trying to change a tampon while sweating in a Porta potty and not touch anything gross before touching your body or during lol
I've been so curious about the cup but have always been hesitant due to the learning curve. Is it easier to try it when you know you'll be home or something for a cycle and have less risk of leaking in public from accidentally doing something wrong? It might be an irrational fear I just dread the possibility of bleeding through at work or something. How easy was the switchover/adjustment period? Did you do anything specific to help the transition or am I just being paranoid?
ETA I've always had really long and heavy periods even while on BC which could be adding to this fear
Is it easier to try it when you know you'll be home or something for a cycle and have less risk of leaking in public from accidentally doing something wrong? It might be an irrational fear I just dread the possibility of bleeding through at work or something.
I prefer to insert it at home on the first day of my cycle. I usually have a pretty good idea of when it will start, so I will insert it even if my period hasn’t started yet.
I find it easier to insert when it is wet.
Also, I suggest having your regular products available so if you get frustrated, you can just do your regular thing.
How easy was the switchover/adjustment period?
My only difficulty was that the first style of cup I tried was a poor decision. It is called a Soft Cup, and is a very different style from most cups (such as the Diva Cup I linked previously).
The Soft Cup is not conducive to squatting- it literally dumped the contents. At least I was at home with nothing better to do than wash my underwear and jeans.
Again, this should not happen with most cups, such as a Diva Cup.
Did you do anything specific to help the transition or am I just being paranoid?
I also use two different brands of cup and switch them out every other month. (So one month, cup A, the next month, cup B.) I find this to be more comfortable.
Also, if you know you have heavy periods, the first two days of your period, plan to empty the cup more frequently. You might want to use a panty liner or pad until you figure out what works for you. It will leak if the cup gets full.
I typically empty mine first thing in the morning, mid-day at the office, when I get home from work, and before I go to bed. I also empty it in the middle of the night when I get up to pee. After the heavy part of your period, you should be fine to empty morning and night.
I'm a little torn with this thread because on one hand I was never scared of labor, as I figured the baby's gotta get out SOMEHOW, right? But idk, reading this makes me really nervous about it all. I'm with @kiwi2628, it's the unknown! And also... hemorrhoids. My SO had one last month and...
@jellybelly114 get one and like knottieamusements said insert it wet or even use a little lube on the edge to get it in the first time. I also suggest not doing the first insert when you have your period. It is safe to insert when you don't have your period. Also watch the videos on the manufacturer websites as they show different ways of 'folding' it for insertion and you can try all of them without worrying about blood added to the mix right away. Removal was a learning curve for me and I also suggest liners when you first start. One way to ensure it is in correctly and not partially folded yet was to spin it. That helps make sure it opens up and seals.
Anyone with the cup use the nuvaring for BC? I'm curious if the insertion is somewhat similar. (I realize it will be different since we're talking a small ring vs a cup, but they are similar diameter)
@sammierose464 - It has been like 15yrs since I used a nuvaring, but I found the insertion of the ring to be a lot simpler. The cup can be kind of fiddly, and sometimes it pops open while trying to insert it.
That said, I generally prefer removing the cup because I don’t have to go “fishing” for it.
+1 to practicing removing the cup. I don’t do it the way the videos I watched suggested; I prefer to grab it at the base of the cup instead of the stem. If it is going to make a mess on my hand it does either way, but this way I have a better grip to pull it out and don’t feel like I am going to drop it in the toilet.
Re: Postpartum Prep Thread
I still don't know what they are, but I imagine them to be really gross and unappealing.
However, I find that they don’t have odor issues (which I always had with both pads and tampons), they don’t leak unless they get too full (tampon strings always seemed to cause spotting), and I don’t accidentally insert two or forget to remove it (I honestly forget it is there unless I’m using the toilet).
Diva Cup Model 2 Menstrual Cup https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FAG6XA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_WF0rBb5VDR4R9
TTC since 2016
Due: October 12, 2018
Location: Ontario, Canada
@nasalot188 - I keep a stash of tampons for emergencies. Occasionally, I have difficulty reinserting the cup because of bad dreams. (Nightmares apparently cause me to tighten up down there so it is impossible to get anything wider than a tampon in...) But as soon as I can get it back in, in it goes.
Really just curious because I was considering using one but didn't because I couldn't figure that out.
After some practice, there's limited mess involved.
(I also boil it for 7min between every period.)
Theres a bit of a learning curve but it’s so much better... and I love that I’m not shoving something that is treated with chemicals up my vag!
I should clarify that I thoroughly clean it with soap and hot water at the end of each period...I just don't get around to actually boiling/sterilising very often.
I’m single, so I just use one of my pots!
But, honestly, I can understand why someone might be weirded out by the thought. If that were the case, I’d just pick up a dedicated pot and pair of tongs at Goodwill.
@jennybean80 I’ll check out the bags, thanks!
Someone started a recipe share thread a few months back; I think it was too early for most of us to think about this. This is probably a good place for this discussion.
I bumped it, but it is here:
https://forums.thebump.com/discussion/12728632/recipe-share#latest
ETA I've always had really long and heavy periods even while on BC which could be adding to this fear
One way to ensure it is in correctly and not partially folded yet was to spin it. That helps make sure it opens up and seals.
That said, I generally prefer removing the cup because I don’t have to go “fishing” for it.
+1 to practicing removing the cup. I don’t do it the way the videos I watched suggested; I prefer to grab it at the base of the cup instead of the stem. If it is going to make a mess on my hand it does either way, but this way I have a better grip to pull it out and don’t feel like I am going to drop it in the toilet.