This Summer I wrote a pretty lengthy series about Mama Cloth. If you're interested in reading up on it, please do so, but here's the shortened version for you – Mama Cloth is another term for re-usable cloth menstrual pads. They're easy to care for, safer for your body and the environment than disposable products, and will save you money in the long run. I tried Mama Cloth as a part of the It's a Girl Thing Period! Cloth Challenge and am so glad that I did.
But, I did get lots of feedback from readers who talked about their love for a menstrual cup! So, I decided to see what that was all about – and share it with those of you that may be in the dark about the DivaCup.
Did you know that the first menstrual cup was patented in the 1930s? I didn't. I had never even heard of a re-usable cup until I began reading Mommy blogs. It's important to realize that this is not a new concept, the idea of being able to re-use personal items in order to save money, save the environment, and have a healthy alternative to disposable products that can cause health problems.
You probably have a ton of questions about the DivaCup – especially if this is your first time reading about such a product. Fortunately, they cover just about every FAQ about the DivaCup on their website.
I do want to share my experience, though – as compared to my experiences with Mama Cloth.
I was totally freaked out by this product – and honestly, still am a bit. I ordered a size 2, which is recommended for any woman who is over 30 and/or has had a baby {whether naturally or by C-section}. The first time I tried the DivaCup, I couldn't get a comfortable fit. Sometimes I still don't – but it gets easier the more you use it and get comfortable with the product.
Without going into too many personal details, I really am now preferring the Cup to my Mama Cloth. It's much less messy, I can wear it for longer periods of time {up to 12 hours}, it's much more travel/out in public friendly than Mama Cloth {or disposables even}, and because it's made out of highest grade healthcare grade silicone – it will last for a very long time. {Although the DivaCup recommends that you change your cup every year, I've read many other stories that say it will last much longer, if kept clean and sterilized between uses.}
It doesn't have to be an all or nothing type choice though – Mama Cloth or the DivaCup. I often use a thin cloth panty liner as a back-up with the Cup and sometimes find it easier to just reach for a cloth pad. It's absolutely wonderful that we have these green choices when it comes to menstrual products!
Buy It: You can purchase the DivaCup online, as well as at a variety of in-store retailers. To see where you can purchase, visit here. The DivaCup retails for around $39.99.
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I’ve never used the cup. I haven’t ever even used a tampon. I’m hesistant to try it, but I want to be free of disposables menstrual producs.
I’ve heard good things about the DivaCup and have really been wanting to try it! I actually have one sitting in my Amazon cart but have been waiting till I have the money. Getting one for free would be awesome.
Seriously, I can’t tell enough people about The Diva Cup, it’s SO fantastic!
I use a mooncup UK and love it and now I’m trying to win a cup for my sister to try since she’s interested, but worried about the initial output if she doesn’t like it. I’ve never understood how all the brands of cups are different. Is the Diva Cup a different size or shape? How do you know which one to go with?
I have never used a diva cup before, but I just wanted started with the mama cloth and I want to take my greening even further!
I’ve heard and read about it, but I have never tried it. My fear is not being able to use it properly and then trying to remove it without making a mess. I love the fact you can wear it to sleep; and it’s so cost effective.
I have not tried a cup yet but always wanted to….just kind of worry that it will not hold my menstrual flow as well as my current system – - – Paul T/Pauline T aka Paul Tran….. emscout9 at Hotmail dot com
I’m kind of intimidated to try one but I’m willing to!
I have had my Diva cup for a while now and I LOVE it to death! I recommend it to everyone I know
I’ve been using the DivaCup for almost a year-and I could use an extra one for in my purse in case I start away from home!
Denee recently posted…Be a skeptic!
I am going to try a cup as soon as I am not pregnant. I have one that it actually still in the wrapper and found out I was pregnant before I got to use it
I am a little leary, but have heard wonderful things about it
I’ve been using OB for years so I’m hoping that makes the learning curve smaller. Diva is one of the brands I’m looking at as I have a sensitivity to bananas and am concerned about so much latex exposure in such a sensitive area.
My sister has used the Diva Cup with mixed reviews. I have never tried it myself, and am a little worried about it being comfortable, and fitting right. But I would like to give it a try. When not pregnant, I use both Mama Cloth and disposable pads.
-Hannah
I haven’t tried try the cup yet but I have really wanted too.
After almost 20 months without one my cycle has returned so I’m looking in to giving a diva cup a try. It does freak me out a bit, but I’d like to at least try it.
Michelle Ferguson recently posted…Travelin’ With Baby Giveaway Hop! #babytravels
I’m very hesitant to try it, but would love to if it really works!
I am using another brand of cup and while it works, I’m not real happy with the fit (mainly the little stem part on the bottom). I have been wanting to try the DivaCup but don’t want to shell out another $30-40, if I’m not going to like it! I was a tampon girl before finding greener alternatives so this is more in my comfort zone than using mama cloth all the time (not too mention with my job, there’s no way I COULD use mama cloth – too hard to carry around!)
Been using the Diva cup for maybe 4 cycles now and I LOVE it. It does take some getting used to, but about as much as tampons took to get used to at first. I would recommend it in a heartbeat. The best tip I could give for any newbies is to relax when you use it. It will not work if you are tense. Thanks for the giveaway!
I am so ready to not use other products. Any type of pad is annoying to me and tampons are leaky. I tried the disposable cups but I’d love to try one that can be reused.
Heather Lei recently posted…Apparently You Still Have to DO It
would love to try it…. might still wear a cloth pad just in case
Anne Perry recently posted…Mama Bird’s Fleecy Blog: Sunbaby cloth diaper giveaway
I am a little apprehensive about trying the cup. Though I never really used tampons either – but that was partially for fear of Toxic Shock Syndrome. I would definitely work up the courage to try it though if I won one.
I have yet to try the diva cup but I definitely want.to try it
I’ve never tried it but I’m so intrigued. Definitely want to do something “greener” once it comes back after having Haley.
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I want to try the Diva Cup but for some reason I can’t get myself to buy one.
i have not tried a diva cup yet but i would love to. i most look forward to be able to sleep with it in and not worry about sleeping more than 8 hours like i have to with tampons.
Is it hard plastic it looks like it would hurt
No! It’s very pliable/bendable silicone.
I have used the Diva cup for 3 months and so far, I love it. I find it to be slightly messier to insert/take out, but I think it is so much more sanitary and better for the environment and my pocket book!
I have been wanting to try these and I have been waiting for them to appear on babysteals or babyhalfoff, but if i win one, so cool!!!
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I’ve never tried it, and I’d definitely be very reluctant! I’d be worried about it not working probably or not being inserted right and making a mess. I’d give it a shot though. I’d love to stop using disposable products.
I have tried the Lunette but would like to try the Diva to see if it’s better than the Lunette.
I am new to the diva cup! I plan on trying it out on my next cycle!
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I have used one for a few months now. I do like it, but am hesitant to try going about and about for an extended period of time. (No pun intended.)
I don’t use a cup, but have always wanted to try.
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I would like to try one but am a little nervous it will be difficult to remove
I’d love to try it but hate to make the investment if I’m still skeptical…
I’m hesitant to pull the trigger on one of these cups but I would like to try one.
I would love to try the Diva Cup! I’m trying ti find easy ways to save money so I can stay home with my LO. Cloth diapers…check. Now working on mommy!
very cool!
Id love to try the DivaCup! I hate pads, and ive heard the DivaCup is a loooot Better than Than using tampons !!
I have one!
I’m really anxious to try a Diva Cup. I used Instead Soft Cups (disposable) back about 9 years ago and had terrible leaks with them because the sides are soft. Every time I sat down or moved too much the sides compressed and everything leaked. I’m hoping since these are reusable they’re firmer and won’t leak!
I’ve tried to use a cup a couple of times, but I just can’t seem to get the hang of it! Granted, I tend to have a toddler trying to climb me while I’m trying to figure it out…so I’m sure that doesn’t help!
I would love to try the Diva Cup. I have tried another brand of cup and did not have much success. I have been told by friends that I needed to try the Diva instead.
I had never heard of the Diva Cup until recently when I also was enlightened by the fact that some tampons (the ones in the applicators – the ones I’ve used forever!) have been found MOLDY! & how are you supposed to see that when it’s inside the applicator?! You can’t. Immediately changed my mind about tampons & I will never use one with an applicator again. Very anxious to try the Diva Cup though – so glad there are other ‘green’ options than reusable pads.
I really want to try one!! I’m typically not a pad wearer, so this would be an Eco friendly alternative to tampons for me!!
i’ve been using the diva cup for about 6 years and absolutely love it!! i basically never have leaks, i don’t feel it at all, and it’s so much easier and less messy than anything else i’ve used! i think there is a learning curve when you start using it–just figuring out the best way to get it in, but once you figure it out, i think it works great! and i know they say to replace it every year or so, but honestly, i used my size 1 cup for about 4-5 years (sanitizing it every month) with absolutely no issues. I just bought the next size up after having my son last year, so we’ll see how long it lasts
What method do you use to sanitize yours at the end of your cycle?
I had heard of the Diva Cup in passing before but hadn’t thought much about it, but thanks to the wonders of Facebook, it came up again on a friends’ discussion of re-usable menstrual products (who also posted the link to your blog, of which I’m a new follower). Some of her friends swear by it and claim it is more comfortable than it looks, so I’d love to give it a shot. It would definitely be better for the environment and better for my pocket book. I did not know that this was not a new concept going all the way back to the 30′s, so thanks for sharing!
Amanda P. recently posted…My Blogiversary: One Year of Overseas Adventures
I use a cup and love it…. but I rarely come close to filling it and usually have difficulty putting it in (never hurts, just a struggle sometimes). I wonder if the smaller size would work better for me. Either way, I LOVE my cup!
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Have you tried running it under hot water before inserting? That can make the silicone a bit more pliable.
I’ve been wanting to try one for years, but somehow never have! My friends that use it rave about the Diva Cup, though, so when I get back on cycle after baby, I’m definitely giving it a shot!!!
I use cloth pads but have never tried a cup. I’m a little leery, but it might be nice to try one.