Let’s Discuss…Punctuation (Periods and Question Marks)
ByFirst let me warn any male readers that may be visting here today. You really probably want to stop reading now and go…I don’t know…hit a few golf balls or something. This discussion is sort of “for girls only, boys not allowed”.
Okay, ladies…have they all left? Would someone in the back please close the door? Alright now…everyone come closer.
I’ve been wanting to have this discussion for a while. About punctuation. Periods to be exact.
I kind of thought I was the crazy one. The only one. Until I had a discussion with some girlfriends of mine several months ago about…punctuation. They were experiencing the SAME things I was.
I never really thought that the brand of “punctuation products” I used mattered very much so I would just use coupons and get regular ol’ Kotex at the store for a pretty good deal.
Then I started developing a minor irritation which month after month turned into an incredibly horrible itchy miserable rash. And it wasn’t on my elbow if you know what I mean.
Not only that, but my uh…punctuation was lasting forever. A long time. Seemed to be longer each month.
I thought it was just me. Not so…according to some of the people I talked to.
According to one of my friends (and I’m really sorry that I can’t find the research to back this up) some companies are actually putting chemicals on their products to make your punctuation last longer and be heavier so that you will go through lots more of their products and buy more. Are you kidding me? (Again, I have no official research to back this up.)
BUT…I immediately ordered the Natracare brand to test it out for myself. They are chemical and additive free. They are biodegradable and contain organic materials.
I noticed a difference right away.
First, the miserable rash went away. Hallelujah!
Second, the very first month I switched over, my punctuation was several days shorter and quite a bit lighter. The second month…same thing. Third month…same thing.
Uh-huh. Amazing. If at all possible I will NEVER use regular punctuation products from the store again. The Natracare products have made a huge difference for me each month and I love it. (Well, as much as you can love monthy puctuation that is.)
I don’t even care that they cost a little bit more. Actually…I bought a whole case at once and considering that I go through less of them each month…I’m actually not spending more. Hah!
Here’s what I got:
Natracare Natural Ultra Pads with Wings, Long, 12-Count Boxes (Pack Of 12)
Natracare Pads Ultra With Wings 14 ct ( Six Pack)
Natracare Natural Pads, Slender, Case of 12- 20 Count Boxes (240 Pads)
There are tons of other varieties…those just happen to be the ones that work best for me. (Wow, do you know way too much about me or what?)
Now, eventually I’d like to look into cloth cotton pads (Sckoon Organic Plus Cloth Menstrual Pads with Leak Resitant Sheet Mini Daisey
I realize this sounds like an infomercial. Really it’s not. Natracare is not paying me to tell you these things. It’s just that they made a big difference for me and well…I like all of you an awful lot and wanted to tell you about it just in case they can help you too.
Because it is not fun to have question marks about your periods.
————————————————–
This post is linked to Works for me Wednesday.
OMG…I swear I have been wonder why this was happening to me for months. I usually buy kotex as it is much cheaper…and I have had what I swore HAD to be a yeast infection every time grammar exercises came around. It seems to get worse every month. Also, mine have been hurting much worse as they are heavier, and last month I last double- DOUBLE what I usually do!!
I never even though about this..I have no idea why. I read this post to hubby as he has heard me complain for months now about this…he said, “GOOD. Switch and the problem will go away.”
Only thing is, I can’t get all natural stuff…do you know any normal brands that are better than kotex?
[Reply]
Laura Reply:
July 14th, 2009 at 10:11 pm
I assume by “I can’t get all natural stuff” you meant that none of these products are available to you where you live? I’m in the same boat in that I’m only able to find the natural products online as none of the stores around here carry them. I don’t know of any “normal brands” that I trust anymore. I’d try to order the natural ones online since you’re having trouble.
[Reply]
Oh great. Something else to worry about. I had a procedure to remove grammar lessons for multiple reasons. But I do have a daughter who is 10 and so it isn’t long before she will be needing grammar lesson supplies. I used Kotex for years and liked them (hated Always products) so that is what I was planning on going with. Now I don’t know.
[Reply]
Interesting! I wonder if this is the cause of all my punctuation woes?! (Love your humor, Laura!) I have never used Kotex though. I’ve used StayFree.
Actually, I just bought some cloth pads on Etsy. Just today, in fact. I am going to give them a try (trying a couple types from two shops, Crea8tiveMama and Pleat). I had heard that certain supplies cause very very bad cramps with some women. I have had cramps basically all my life since I started punctuating. I am also considering trying a Diva Cup at some point. If I can get rid of the cramps, I will be such a happy camper!
[Reply]
I recently found a website which had a pattern for homemade ‘punctuation’ pads. Apparently her daughter had similar problems to what you are describing. I’ll go see if I can find it again and check back to let you know……
….okay I couldn’t find that actual blog post but I did find this when I was searching for it.
http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com/sanitarypads.htm
[Reply]
Ok~ I am really blonde. I had to read the beginning of this post twice before I got it :)
Thank you so much for the info! I have had the same issue for YEARS (except when I am pregnant) and have tried everything to fix it. Thanks for being so open :) I am going to have to try this.
PS: Someone mentioned the diva thingy. Have you thought of trying it? I am not brave enough unless someone else goes first :)
[Reply]
I just looked on amazon and saw that this company also makes internal products….as one who can’t bear that whole diaper feel :} I think I’m about at the end of my course, but I do have daughters. Thanks
[Reply]
Thanks for the info. I’ve just always had heavy “.”s and cramps so I don’t know if I can blame it on the hygiene companies or not.
I’ve been thinking of switching to cotton to save money and waste. One site I have found is:
http://www.lunapads.com/
[Reply]
WOW. I have had this problem the past couple years, too, but I thought it was hereditary/getting older/third baby and/or because of my IUD.
I’ve got so many variables going on — different brands, tampons and pads, back and forth between cloth and disposable pads, etc. Do you know if o.b. does the same thing? I’ve started using o.b.s recently because of the no-plastic applicator thing.
Time to get out my sewing machine and make some more cloth!!! Have you ever used a menstrual cup? A lot of women swear by them. They’ve worked for me on and off, but I prefer tampons.
[Reply]
Haha – I LOVE your sense of humor, Laura, really. :) It makes for some interesting evenings!
So I made the switch to all-natural products after my midwife made the suggestion that the chlorine in my TOILET PAPER could be “sterilizing” my, “ahem” and causing my yeast infections. (literally, like it NEVER WENT AWAY.) So I switched to the expensive toilet paper. …Saw improvement! Switched to organic cotton panties… saw improvement. FINALLY clued in that maybe organic cotton “internal care” might be a good idea, and WHAT DO YOU KNOW?! :) Cured it. Scary stuff, huh?
I’m going to pass this along to my sister, because she’s all about her Tampax ;) and she has HORRIBLE periods.
Thanks for (over)sharing… ;) It’s good to know!
[Reply]
I had this trouble for a while too and like you, found that research on the chemicals causing more problems than necessary (but don’t know where I read it). After my 3rd child was born and I got my punctuation back a few months ago, I switched to cloth almost exclusively. I made my own from some left over cloth diaper sewing supplies and couldn’t be happier! They are super comfy, no crinkly noises and I have seen a dramatic difference in length and intensity. It’s been awesome to feel like a normal person for those few days I would have otherwise wanted to be a recluse!!
I LOVE your humor, so refreshing!
[Reply]
Did you know you can get cloth ones? You can even make them and they are soooo super simple AND, I think your monthly grammar lesson is shorter. I read an article about the store bought ones having chemicals too, and opted to order some cloth ones from New Moon.. When they got here (pricey to be honest) I took one look at them and realized I really could make my own. So I added to my stash and walla. Really. Very simple.
[Reply]
Ick! I HATE pads! Nothing like wearing a diaper. And tampons were the only alternative until I heard about Insteads, and the Diva cup. I love that w/the Insteads I can do ANYTHING (yes, anything {wink}) during that time, the Diva is more limited.
[Reply]
Wow I am so excited about this post Laura. It is something I have been experiencing also. I am so disappointed that we have all had the same symptoms and companies can effectively be torturing us with the chemicals contained therein.
I have just shared this information with my husband and he is ready to throw out everything in my bath room cupboard once I track down the new brand you have suggested.
May I show my ignorance however and ask whether to be successful with the Diva cup, do you need to have strong pelvic floor muscles?
Thanks for your wise and brave post Laura.
Julie
[Reply]
I’m a cloth & cup girl. No problems to report, and no more cramping either.
[Reply]
Hi! I thought everyone would enjoy this link as well. It is about making & buying cloth pads!
http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2009/07/make-your-own-cloth-pads.html
Jessica
[Reply]
I switched to cloth pads that I got from a seller on etsy about three months ago. They are so cut! :) I know, funny, to say, but true! :) They are very easy to care for – I am using cloth diapers for my son so I do all that laundry together but even if I wasn’t it would be hard. Put them in a wet/dry bag (you could make one too), spray with Charlie’s Soap stain remover, wash once on cold and then another on hot. Lay flat to dry. Three months, and there are no stains either.
I knows much lighter punctuation this month especially. Hmmmm….
Just search for cloth pads on etsy and you will get tons of options! :)
[Reply]
I learned about what you are discussing on my favorite forum, Christian Moms Forum (CMF). Many of the women there used cloth pads so I decided to try them. They are quite comfy and it’s so nice to know that I am keeping the chemicals away from my body. You can find many cloth pads on ebay and Etsy. These are the ones that I bought: http://www.joyfullivingnaturals.com/jln/index.cfm. Great Christian wowman and great pads!
[Reply]
Another cloth and cup fan here. I switched to cloth 3 1/2 years ago, trying to save some money, and never went back. For me, the skin irritation and cramping diminished, and each “week” or so really did shorten. That right there was enough to motivate me to not go back!
The hillbillyhousewife site has a great pattern. That’s what I used to make mine. Then I took that pattern and lengthened it some in the back for overnight pads, which I discovered later make WONDERFUL postpartum pads as well.
I’ve also used both the Instead and the Diva cup. The concept of both is pretty much the same, but they’re really different from each other. The Instead is a lot bigger than the Diva, but you fold both of them to use them. The Instead isn’t reusable, the Diva is. Personally, I don’t like the Instead as well because I cramp so badly with them. I’ve wondered if the same chemicals in the “paper products” are in those as well.
The Diva cup has a bigger learning curve. I never got the hang of mine because I found out I was pregnant before I could really use it! That’s ok though. ;O)
All that said, I’m pregnant with a little girl, and even though it might not be the “in thing” when she becomes that age, I will be having her use cloth supplies as well. The comfort level is that different.
And I have to admit – using pretty cloth supplies every month sure beats the sterile Always ones that say “Have a happy period!” on them!
[Reply]
Interesting that we are discussing grammar here as I was just having this discussion with my dh the other night while watching tv. (Don’t worry, he is a nurse, lots of grammar lessons) Did you know that the bleach used in products converts to dioxin which may be linked with cancer… great, another thing to worry about! I am considering using a cup and would appreciate any feedback on experiences with that.
[Reply]
Wow. Not that I’m shocked that companies would be above trying to manipulate consumers, but wow. I really am shocked! Thankfully I haven’t experiences any of the mentioned problems, but I would really like to switch to either cloth or a reusable cup of some sort.
Thanks for the informative post!
[Reply]
I’ve switched to cloth and the Diva cup and couldn’t be happier! I thought about it for a long time, but just wasn’t sure. I wish that I had switched earlier! I don’t know of anyone that has made the switch and regretted it. The cup kind of has a learning curve for putting it in, but once you get the hang of it there are no problems.
[Reply]
I had the same problem too! After trying all the regular brands, I finally got a clue and tried Seventh Generation products. My problems disappeared! I was not able to find the products locally, so I ordered from Drugstore.com. They offer free shipping on your first order of $25 or more, so I stocked up! (Since then, they have sent me several emails offering free shipping as well). They have a whole variety of options…I highly recommend them.
I thought I was just really sensitive, since I had not met anyone else who had experienced trouble with this (not that I was really asking around, though). Thanks for writing this post!
[Reply]
Wow. We MUST all be friends now! Seriously, though, this is a timely discussion because I just used up the last one of those products and need to get some more. I looked up Natracare products on Azure’s web site and found that they’re cheaper (though shipping isn’t free, but it’s not much). Thank you for cluing me in to this important notion! I’ve never had problems in this regard (I mean, reactions to feminine products) (that I’m aware of), but it sure makes sense not to introduce any more chemicals to my body than has already happened over the years.
[Reply]
I’ve never had any problems with grammer curriculum. :) But I don’t wanna start now. This makes me concerned. When I’ve done with my current grammer lesson I am gonna sew some. I’m not a good at sewing, but who’s gonna judge and who’s gonna know. I hate the diaper feeling I have now. Thanks for bringing this out in the open.
[Reply]
Ha ha!! I had to read the WHOLE thing twice before I got it : )
[Reply]
Umm… maybe it’s because I grew up with sisters and had a lot of female friends in high school, but I don’t know why you tried to kick all of us guys out! My wife needs to hear this message too!
Very good way of broaching this subject, though. Thanks for sharing. I’ll pass on the info to my wife… but since she hates buying the things, I’ll probably be the one who uses this information on her behalf anyway [smile].
~Luke
[Reply]
Okay…so I won’t go into too much detail here – however pads and tampons were always my arch-nemesis. I found a product called “Instead” and fell in LOVE with them – as much as you can with a “feminine care product anyway (@ $8 for a 7 day supply). Then since I was buying them every couple of months I wanted something that I could purchase just once so I found the “Diva cup” (@ $20) – it has to be washed, but as far as comfort, nothing compares to these two products and it lasts for up to 10 YEARS! I plan to stay away from pads as long as I can!
[Reply]
I’m a cloth and diva user for over a year and would never ever go back! I love my cup(plus you only have to change it 2ce a day!!!) it totally cured my cramping!
[Reply]
Wow, that is crazy. Thanks for sharing.
[Reply]
Don’t tell anyone- but I made some cloth punctuation pads for myself. And they work great. Granted I have fairly light punctuation times. I found a free pattern online (I could send you my links if you like) and went at it. Super easy and way cheaper than buying them. Good to know about the regular brands though- I will share this with my sister and mom. They are not too keen on the reusable types yet. = )
[Reply]
I love your um, grammar lesson! You crack me up! Anyway, I guess I’ll have to look into the naturals. I guess thinking back my punctuation is longer than it used to be when I was younger…
[Reply]
Ummmm WOW!
I have to try it!
[Reply]
Azure Standard (my food co-op delivery) also delivers by UPS and they carry Natracare by the case. They put them on sale at 15% off at various times each year. You will need to get a customer number, but it is an option.
These are what we use and I love the fact that my 3 daughters and I are getting “bleached”.
[Reply]
Here’s another vote for the Diva cup!! It does have a learning curve but once you got it it’s wonderful!! If you have tried Instead and didn’t like it, the diva cup is different and well worth a try!
[Reply]
When I moved here I started struggling with the same thing. I couldn’t figure it out. About a year ago my doctor switched my pill, now it’s only a few days and WAY lighter. I still use kotex. I don’t think I’m brave enough to go cloth, yet.
[Reply]
I have clearly lived a sheltered life…I have no clue what a Diva Cup or an “Instead” are…and, to be honest, I’m a little scared to google them. :) Fortunately, I’m pregnant and can not think about this for the next 5 months…
Cloth pads, huh? Just not sure about that.
:-)
[Reply]
I use only cloth. I had hard labor and I had to use pads about six months. I can’t use disposables, they make me really itchy. You don’t want to know all details LOL
[Reply]
This seems to be such a popular subject! I am another one who switched to using a cup. I bought a lunette and am loving it. I also whipped up (seriously, you can make these sooo fast) some cloth pads out of an old flannel sheet, an old terrycloth towel, and some fleece I already had. I just traced a pattern out of the disposable size that I like best and used some online patterns for sewing tips. So soft and comfy! After I made up the first one, one of my boys picked it up and was carrying it around with him. I forget what he said that it was but he asked for one of his own. I saved him from any future embarrassment by telling him no :) Thanks for the link of the natural disposables. I didn’t know about them!
[Reply]
You should try out the cloth pads. That’s what I wanna do but I can’t afford them.
[Reply]
Just to put a plug in for Diva Cup. Been using it for a year. I think it is WONDERFUL. I do have to supplement with reusable pads on those heavier days. I will say (just like breastfeeding) give yourself at least 3 months to work out the logistics!
[Reply]
Great post! You know that “Ah Ha!” moment when you went from popular brands to natural brands? Yea, you’ll get that same feeling if you switch to cloth, like … “Why in the world didn’t I start doing this sooner?!” There are huge health benefits to cloth, on top of all the environmental ones. They’re also ridiculously easy to make, as the other posters have indicated.
I’m glad you’ve figured your punctuation problem out. Great euphemism.
[Reply]
Can I just say, when I read the topic I thought you were going to give us a grammar lesson! I was like ok, I don’t always use correct punctuation, and now she’s going to give us a lesson! lol.
OR, you were going to talk about how some don’t use correct punctuation. And I would have been 1,000% guilty!
[Reply]
I also love, love, love the Diva Cup! (I’ve always really disliked pads.) Mine was less than $30 upfront. Considering I don’t have to buy disposable products any more, that seemed really cheap to me.
[Reply]
Wow! Since we’re being so honest… I bought a Diva Cup last month and the thing won’t stay put! The directions suggest kegels might be in order if this happens. One more item to add to my to-do list:) It cost me $45 cnd too so I’m kinda motivated to make it work for me. Also, I was slightly disappointed that the instructions say it “should” be replaced every year! I think i’ll make myself some cloth pads too. A few years ago I’d never have considered these changes but I like that, little by little, we’re building a healthier life and home for us and the next generation!
[Reply]
Well consider the cost of buying disposable feminine products vs buy a diva cup once a year.
[Reply]
Kika Reply:
July 16th, 2009 at 1:31 am
Since my period is fairly light and doesn’t last long, I don’t spend tons of $ as it is. I was hoping the savings would be greater but I’m also wanting to make the change for health and environmental reasons.
[Reply]
IF I ever decide to do cloth, is there a way to make cloth tampons? There is NO way in God’s green Earth would I use pads again.
[Reply]
So that’s why my punctuation has turned into a run on sentence!!!! (tee, hee) Seriously, I’ve noticed things getting longer and heavier too and I couldn’t figure out what on earth was going on. Nasty chemicals and companies!!! I currently use Always and I literally cannot stand to wear them for more than 2 days before I’m itchy and irritated. I sew, so I think that I’ll just make my own cloth ones and see how it goes. Thanks for bringing this up.
[Reply]
well, I haven’t had to use much grammer in the last 5 yrs, but when I do I have tried the skoon pad and they are great. To save money I started making my own and it’s easy smeasy and I dont sew at all well! I throw them in with the cloth diapers for wash and it’s just fine.
[Reply]
I started using Lunapads after I resumed with punctuation after my daughter was born. I am convinced. At first, I was nervous but I find them a lot more comfortable and things are much easier for me in terms of length and amount these days. I still use what I used to use at work but at home, I always go natural.
[Reply]
i had not ever even imagined using cloth pads before, but one day I was shopping on etsy for cloth diapers and there they were. I’ll admit, my first thought was: Who would use cloth pads?
But here you all are, telling me that you use them. And of course, becasue what else did they use for that last 40 centuries. Is there anyone out there who doesn’t mind givng explicit details in how you clean the pads. i am a bit wary of just throwing them in with the diapers, but maybe I shouldn’t be?
[Reply]