Meeting Kimmie

VyNL was running out of time before her period would start without a jam-sponge to catch it. That meant we were in store for a trip to Bluestockings Bookstore on the Lower East Side. We arrived to find cute cloth pads, Diva Cups, Keepers and colorful ways to allow women to stand up and pee (what were those called again? I’d call ‘em pee-pods, but they probably had a better name). While we were looking, we were fortunate enough to meet Kimmie who works there and was ever so helpful and willing to be interviewed on the spot about alternative menstrual products.

She had been through the conventional pads and tampons, but recalled reading Cunt at the age of 17. The section called “On the Rag” introduced her to the possibilities of alternative menstrual products and she has been using them now for 5-6 years.

Although I have fallen in love with the Diva Cup, Kimmie’s perspective demonstrates that everyone is different and we all develop preferences whether conventional or alternative. She had tried the DC but felt that for her, the Keeper was easier to insert and doesn’t pop out or cause leakage. When people ask her which one is better, she explains that it is anatomy dependent and difficult to pick one on general terms. Additionally people have to be careful because of allergies. *For me, I am allergic to latex, so the DC works wonders, however, I think the keeper has natural rubber and latex properties are lurking!

We asked about the return policy and discovered that via the company, both the keeper and DC companies will accept them back. The DC offers a 90-day guarantee. This gives women a great opportunity to try something new without investing in something they might hate at a greater cost than the average pack of maxis.

VyNL had warned me, I was forgetting the questions, so here VyNL…here are the questions:

What about your friends? Do you have many friends who use alternative menstrual products? (Are you happy VyNL?) J

Kimmie says – I probably have more friends who use alternative menstrual products than the average person. I even have a sister who uses cloth pads. I too have used cloth pads. I’ve made my own or used washcloths. (Aha! Someone who mastered the rag for reals!)

AND she’s used the sponge. Sorry for VyNL, but Kimmie alluded to the sponge having more potential cons than pros. For an average to heavy flow, the sponge cannot hold enough and requires frequent emptying. Pressure can cause leakage. It’s better for lighter flows or the beginning/end of your period. She offered a backup suggestion to use a cloth pad with the sponge. VyNL *loves* pads. Actually, I’ve come to believe that VyNL is more of an equal opportunity pad hater – whether they’re winged, woven, hand-made or ragged.

How do you feel about being in a public place (rest room) with alternative menstrual products?

Kimmie responded that the sponge is more inconvenient in a public place because you have to squeeze it out. With the cup, you don’t get blood on your hands. She is pretty calm about emptying the cup and has no issues, though it took a couple cycles to get used to the Keeper. Nowadays, she doesn’t feel it.

Thinking about my own mishaps with the DC the first time I used it sparked the question if Kimmie had ever had any of her own issues while using the keeper.

She said she had none (I guess I am the only one who drops my cup into the toilet) but does recognize that forgetting to empty it or not having backup protection *in case* can be problematic.

We asked Kimmie about the benefits of the product-

Even if we aren’t sure of the environmental footprint left by products, half of the population uses disposable menstrual products. For Kimmie, this evokes a mental image of a landfill of bloody pads- cotton, plastic liners, etc. For me, this makes me think of Staten Island as a giant maxi pad surrounded by a bloody bay. But she has a great point that was reinforced by the images we saw of the thousands of tampon applicators in the sewage plant in the scene of one of the movies we watched in class.

Kimmie also reminded us that it is awesome when you don’t have to spend money on products every month. Sure, a cloth pad might be $12, but you only have to buy one every 3-4 months as opposed to an entire package of pads or tampons every month. Besides, the packing is more compact and convenient too.

Kimmie mentioned that she has used the cup/cloth pads to track her cycles as well. I wish I had asked her to elaborate because I wasn’t sure where she was going with that. But she did mention that she is aware of her mood patterns and the regularity of her cycle. Readers, does anyone else have experience with this?

We asked her if there was anything else she would like to add-

She says that using alternative products has opened discussion with her partners. She doesn’t feel like she needs to sneak off and change a tampon before or after sex. Washing a pad in a sink is more visible and allows for good conversation.

*In class, we had related alternative products to being more in touch with one’s body. Perhaps by being able to talk about it more with others, there is an even greater sense of understanding that spreads from self to a circle of friends/family. I think it’s great that she is so open to talking about it. People need to learn about these things.

She also let us know that while working at Bluestockings, she has been able to sell alternative products at readings and parties. I think that puts an awesome twist on the outdated Tupperware parties.

If you ever need assistance with the issue of alternative menstrual products and are in the area, Bluestockings Bookstore is a friendly place where people like Kimmie are eager to be of assistance. You can even get a great cup of coffee or tea while you’re in. We had a great time talking with her and look forward to hearing from others at Bluestockings. Check them out any day between 11:00 am and 11:00 pm : 172 Allen Street between Stanton and Rivington :: 212.777.6028

www.bluestockings.com

You can reach Kimmie at kimmie@bluestockings.com

Schwinn