What is they...

Natracare have been making sanitary towels and tampons made without the use of chlorines or other toxins for 16 years. Now, they've produced a range of Natural Maternity Pads and Natural Nursing Pads for new mums.

Why MumKnowsBest Loves them...

When I first heard of environmentally friendly, chlorine-free sanitary wear I immediately had visions of unsightly bits of grey cloth. Thankfully, nothing could be further from the truth! While most of us have only just cottoned on (excuse the pun) to organic food and organic toiletries,

They look the same and are just as soft as leading brands except that they are a fashionable ‛antique white' colour rather than bleached bright white. They also compare favourably in price.

What I didn't realise is that chlorine bleaching, used in many conventional sanitary brands, produces unwanted by-products called dioxins, which have been linked to cancer, endometriosis, and immune system suppression.

Natracare pads are free from rayon, plastics, synthetics and superabsorbents made from petro-chemicals, which not only harm the environment but have also been linked to Allergic Feminie Irritation, the symptoms of which are often mistaken for thrush.

What's the point in sanitary products being gleaming white if it means using chemicals which harm the environment and possibly us, especially when it all ends up in the bin or down the loo?

• New Mother Natural Maternity Pads are available in packs of 10 for ¬£1.99
• New Mother Natural Nursing Pads are available in packs of 25 for ¬£1.99
• Natracare is available nationwide in Boots, Waitrose, Sainsbury's, Mothercare, Independent Health and natural stores, and natural pharmacies.