Periods
Talking to daughters about their periods can be a tricky subject, this section is for you to gain more information about a period. Products that you can suggest to your daughter and little hints and tips to help her through this experience. [1]
The average age for a period is usually around 12-13 years old this is called a Menarche, depending on the development of your daughter, this talk should take place a little before this age as some females can start having a period at the age of 9 or as late as 16. You might be surprised with how much knowledge your daughter already has about this from talking with her friends. [1]
What is a Period?
Periods are also known as a menstrual flow.
Periods are natural for people born female at birth. Menstruation is caused due to hormones that make the uterus lining shed and flow out through the vagina. It’s not just all blood so there can be different consistencies. [1]
PMS !!! Premenstrual syndrome
Image supplied by https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/10132-menstrual-cycle
This is real, symptoms of PMS are irritability, pimples, bloating and fatigue (tired) [1]. When your daughter is tired and starts to get angry easily, while being in the age rage of a period, as much as I know this would be hard, try not to match the anger and irritability this could be a sign she is going to have her first period, or the period is on its way so stock up on supplies. It’s known that PMS is worse in teenage years and when your daughter is reaching menopause. Please don’t be alarmed if your daughter complains of sore breast as this is also a sign and should usually go away at the time the period starts [1].
Why not make her a Period Basket, talking to other women and being a women myself this could contain:
-Chocolate
-Lollies-Chips
-Period Products
-Movie-Heat pack (for the period cramps)
Tracking
A period cycle is usually around 28 days, but this is different to everyone. Day 14 is ovulation where an egg is released and a female is more likely to fall pregnant [2]. Periods themselves can last from 3-7 days [3].When a period is new it’s great to track the period so your daughter can know her cycle and when she will be nearly due for the next one. There are many applications on the phone to assist with tracking or even just a little diary can help her as well.
Products [2]
Pads
Pads come in many forms. Pads with wings have a section that wraps around the undies. You can also get wingless pads that sit inside the undies. Depending at what time of the period it is your daughter may need different absorption of pads, Pads should be changed every 4 hours. You can also purchase cloth pads which are reusable [4].
Tampons
Tampons go in the vagina and have a string at the end to pull this out when it's time to change. Tampons should only be kept in for 4-6 hours to avoid Toxic Shock Syndrome. Please let your daughter know they cannot flash the tampon down the toilet. They can be a bit uncomfortable and tricky to put in [4]. Please be mindful that the tampon “sizes” are not the size of the vagina but how heavy the flow is.
Period undies
These are just like pads but in undie form. Cleaning involves washing them in cold water than machine wash but please remember to follow the instructions given with the purchase of the undies. There are different flow undies just like in pads [4].
Menstrual cups
These are small flexible cups that are inserted into the vagina and will take a while for your daughter to get used to. Cups can be inserted for 8-12 hours depending on the flow. They are required to be boiled for cleaning either daily or before and after each cycle depending on the instructions in the cup [4].
References
Extra Topics
Heavy Periods
Coming Soon
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