Prepare Your Daughter for Her First Period

Many mothers worry about their daughters getting their first period at school, camp, or at a place or time when they aren't around to guide them. Well, you can't see the future, but what you can do is make sure your daughter is prepared. A girl's first period, or menarche, can be a time of innumerable questions, for girls as well as their parents. It’s not uncommon for parents to be unsure of how to respond to the barrage of questions they may be asked as their growing teenagers learn about menstruation. 

We’ve taken the liberty to help you with a guide on how to help your daughter prepare for her first period in a manner that is both healthy and informative.

1. Make Her Feel Ready and Assured

The best way to reduce a girl's concern about menstruation is to educate her in advance so that she is prepared and confident when the time comes. A preteen's period can be worrisome, but with a little education and support from you, she'll be able to handle the changes with confidence. By preparing your daughter, she will understand that there is no need to be concerned about when her period will start because she will be prepared when it does.

2. Discuss the Changes During Puberty

Have open conversations with your daughter to help her understand menstruation and the usual changes that come with puberty. Explain the common changes that girls may experience before the arrival of period, such as cramps, headaches, lack of energy, mood fluctuations among other things. Make her understand that menstruation is a normal body function and nothing to hide or be ashamed of.

3. Give Her a Demo on How to Use Menstrual Products

Show her how to use menstrual products properly so that she will know what to do if you are not around. Explore the different options available, like sanitary napkins, cloth pads, menstrual cups, tampons, etc. and help her decide which one suits her. Furthermore, once your daughter has started menstruating, you can help her keep a  track of her period. This can also alleviate some anxiety.

4. Prepare a Period Kit

Buy a tiny zippered pouch and fill it with a couple of menstrual products, along with a clean pair of underpants to make sure your daughter is ready for unexpected arrivals. Ask her to carry one such kit with her every time she steps out of the house.

5. Educate Her About Personal Hygiene

It is critical that you instill in your daughter the value of personal hygiene. Recommend her to rinse her genital area at least twice a day. If she is using sanitary napkins or tampons, tell her to change it every 4-8 hours depending on heavy or light bleeding. Educate her on how to dispose of sanitary napkins, rinse underpants and wash her menstrual cup twice a day. Suggest her to use some personal hygiene products from trusted brands like Imbue Natural.

6. Explain Her What to Do if Her Periods Arrive at School

Although getting periods at school is inconvenient, keep in mind that there are people who can assist. Tell her not to panic if she is at school or camp and it feels like her period has arrived before time. If her clothes become stained, tell her not to be shy of seeking assistance from the school personnel or her favourite teacher, who will be able to provide her with an immediate solution.

7. Maintain Open Lines of Communication

You must remember that you grew up in situations where menstruation was spoken about only behind closed doors. So, when your daughter asks questions, be open and nonjudgmental, and encourage conversations. Assist her in selecting a trustworthy adult to whom she can turn for assistance when she is away from home. It could be a friend's mother, a coach, a teacher, or a counsellor.

8. Tell Her That Her Menstrual Issues are Normal

Educate your daughter about some common symptoms like cramps, back ache, bloating and sore breasts before or during periods. Help her with some natural remedies for period cramps like applying heat to their lower tummy or back, consuming nonprescription pain medicines like Rosa Period Potion, and massaging affected regions with Rosa Period Pain Relief Oil.

9. Go to the Doctor

Most girls have no issues with their periods. However, if your daughter exhibits the symptoms like bleeding between period cycles, significant pain or diarrhoea and vomiting, a lot of bleeding, or if her menstruation lasts for more than seven days, it’s recommended to consult your doctor.