The DivaCup GIVEAWAY!!

**Disclaimer- there is "womanly" talk in this post, so if you don't want to hear about my menstrual cycle, feel free to read some of the awesome other posts in the right sidebar! I'm not at all shy in talking about this stuff, so keep that in mind if you're sensitive to "TMI"!!

In my recent post about cloth pads, a.k.a. "mama cloth" (make sure you check it out, there's a giveaway!), I mentioned I also use the DivaCup. I have always struggled with a heavy flow that often kept me from going about life "normally." Before I had my eyes opened to the risks of disposable menstrual products, I thought that super absorbent tampons coupled with super absorbent pads was the answer.

Eventually I began to hear great things about menstrual cups. Of course, in my mind, menstrual cup meant something along the lines of an "Instead Cup," which I'd tried and concluded were awful. As I heard more about the DivaCup, I realized it was not the same as the Instead Cup. When I finally bought my own, I was happy to see that the DivaCup was, in fact, quite unique! The structure of the DivaCup wasn't floppy and flimsy (or prone to mess) like the Instead Cup, nor was it as difficult to insert and remove. Not to mention the benefit of having size options to best fit a woman's needs! There is a bit of a learning curve in inserting it correctly and comfortably, and there were many times in the beginning where I needed to remove it and try again.

I have now been using the DivaCup for 5 years. I've found it to be the only way I can confidently go about my day (particularly out and about) without worrying that I might have some "leaking" issues. On my heaviest days I still find that I'm more comfortable wearing a pad or pantiliner in combination with the DivaCup, but I rarely actually NEED that backup. There have been times where I've had some issues but they have always been due to me either not having inserted it correctly or not removing it soon enough.

The DivaCup is easy to clean between uses, and they also have a DivaWash available (though I just use a mild soap). The cup is recommended to be replaced every year, but I have used mine for longer and don't have any issues. I do "treat" myself to a new one after each baby, though. ;)

I have not used the DivaCup postpartum as it is not recommended, and I am more comfortable just sticking to pads after that anyway.

The DivaCup is latex-free, BPA-free, and plastic-free! There are no dyes, colors, or additives. It is comfortable, reliable, clean and easy to use, and can be worn for up to 12 hours at a time! Isn't it great to know that such a necessary product is not only safe for YOU, but safe for the environment as well??

If you have any questions about the DivaCup, visit their comprehensive FAQ section!

Buy It!

You can locate a retailer where your own DivaCup here.

Win It!!

MANDATORY ENTRY:
Visit the DivaCup website and come back here, telling me something you learned!

For extra entries, leave a separate comment for each of the following that you complete:
-Follow The DivaCup on Twitter
-"Like" The DivaCup on Facebook-Follow Joy Filled Living on Google Friend Connect

-Subscribe to my email

*Giveaway is open to US residents only and ends on August 6th at 11:59pm Mountain Time. Winner will be randomly chosen, contacted by email, and will have 48 hours to respond with contact information, or a new winner will be chosen.
**These are my own opinions of the DivaCup.