I’ve been asked to keep this really short and sweet. 

So let me, in my capacity as a mum myself and a gynaecologist try and make it a bit easier for you to educate your girls about the first period or “menarche”. Here’s what you can tell her. You may begin by making a diagram of the uterus ( your biology books will help ) or take the help of the net.

What are periods? 

Periods are bleeding along with shedding of some tissue of the uterus which happen every month in a young lady who can now bear a baby . Tell her that periods will come every 21-45 days. They may last 4-7 days. And they’re not more than 2-3 tablespoonfuls. She may fear she’ll gush like a tap. Reassure her that it’s not that much at all. Also when you tell her this openly she does not think it’s shameful or scary. You may tell her that you too have them and that she’s now joined the league of young women. 

When will she have her first periods? 

Generally at 11-12 years, though it may happen as early as 10 years and as late as 16 years depending on her body clock. We expect periods 2 years after the development of breast buds and about 6 months after pubic and armpit hair. 

What will happen if she starts bleeding suddenly in school? 

It’s a good idea to keep an emergency kit in her school bag or locker. This contains a panty liner, a sanitary pad and a clean panty. Most schools also have sanitary napkins handy so a trusted teacher and nurse in the infirmary may help. Tell her not to be scared of “ leaking” and if it happens she can just throw that panty away and use a fresh one. Also, tell her that other girls in her class are also going through similar changes and they can watch each other’s backs. 

What should she use during periods? 

There are some wonderful pictures on parenting sites on the net that show sanitary pads, tampons and menstrual cups. You can be a hands-on mum by showing her a sanitary pad that can be stuck on the panty using one of your own. It’s best, to begin with, these. Tampons can also be used but it’s better to use them slightly later once she gets used to her periods. You must teach her how to insert tampons( the teen ones which are narrowest) since it seems terrifying to insert these. 

You have to teach her hygiene. Tampons and pads must be changed every 4-8 hours depending on the flow. And she must wash herself every time she uses the washroom; keep herself clean since menstrual blood can lead to infection and bad odour. Disposal of napkins and tampons must be taught to your young one. It’s important to wrap it in a newspaper and dispose of this in the bin rather than flushing it down. 

What are the other things that can accompany periods? 

Tell her that there may be cramps, backache, thigh pain and headaches that may happen. But these can easily be cured with simple pain killers or a hot water bottle on the abdomen. Exercising may also help to take care of all this. 

In a nutshell, tell her this is part of a normal growing up process.  Empower her to continue with normal activities including sports and involve her in the beautiful world of youthfulness. Your little girl is now a young lady …. and do remember your own attitudes about menses will train her for life. So here’s to knowledgeable mommies with their assured, educated and empowered adolescent daughters capable of taking on menstruation and everything that comes with it!