I was nervous about the upkeep and care these products needed, but I was desperately hoping after learning about reusable pads that they may offer me some relief. How do you take care of them? How will I use them at my office? Will others be bothered by my choice? I decided to go for it, and I am so glad I did. I ordered my first set of PLS pads in December, and by February my cycle had undergone major changes. Obviously disposables were irritating me more than I ever knew—after only a couple of months, my period was noticeably lighter, 2-3 days shorter, and I was experiencing zero rash or chafing and little to no cramping. I felt comfortable for the first time in my life while I was on my period! A year and a half later, I know I would never take a glance back at disposables. My period is now 4-5 days of moderate flow and I hardly notice it. I supplement my PLS with menstrual cups, but rely mostly on pads and they never disappoint. I have never, ever leaked through a PLS pad. Not even on my heaviest nights. I feel comfortable with the soft, plushy fabrics that provide a little cushion when I am feeling most sore. I don't constantly worry about changing them, because I have so few problems with leaks. Using my pads at work is honestly easier than using disposables. All I do is switch the old out for the new, store them in my wet bag, and rinse when I get home. No tampons or used pads in the work trash can, no smell, nothing. Care is so much easier than I thought it would be: rinse in cold water after wearing until the water runs clear, and then throw them in the washer with everything else on warm with a Tide pod. Stick them in the dryer, and voila! Good as new. These pads are literal lifesavers and I don't know what I'd do without them!
Besides all of the very practical benefits outlined above, I love PLS for other reasons too. The prints and fabric selections are so fun! I have a stash of about 30-35 pads now along with 3 wet bags and 4 menstrual cups. They are soft, colorful, and make your period so much more enjoyable. There is something about them that makes you smile a little bit (which is always good on your period). I have also found that since I started using PLS, I feel much more in tune with my body and so in awe of what it can do! When you use disposables, you are never really faced with your period. I have actually learned to appreciate my body so much more now that I am more up close and personal with my cycle. Not something I ever foresaw happening, but it was a great unexpected benefit.
I know it sounds like a dramatic statement, but PLS has changed my life. Before I used PLS, a day of my period meant a day called in from work or school, a day spent in pain and constantly worried about leaking and running to the bathroom—and now a day of my period is just another day. From someone who has always struggled with their cycle, you don’t understand how much it means to me to be “free” from it. Before you bash reusable products, give them a shot. I will continue to recommend Pink Lemonade Shop products to anyone and everyone, because everyone should know they have other options!