The first period - each of us connects very individual experiences and emotions with this event. And these experiences leave their mark on us as women and as mothers. So it is helpful to feel inside yourself and answer a few questions for yourself: how did I feel when I got my period for the first time? Did I know what was happening to my body? Did I have good conversations and felt understood? Was I surprised or did I know exactly what to expect?
Whatever the answers to these questions are, one thing is clear. Each and every one of us wants his/her daughter to be well prepared. We want every girl to know what is going on in her body. Every girl should feel comfortable in her body and shoud not be afraid of her first period.
As mums, grandmas, aunts, sisters and of course dads, we can do a lot to ensure that our girls are well prepared for their first menstruation.
If a girl knows that her mom has her period, that blood is flowing from her vagina every few weeks and that this is normal, then she will not be surprised if she will too. The more we talk to our daughters about our own menstruation and don't make it a taboo subject, the better. Do not hide your sanitary towels, cups and sponges. Explain to your daughters what it is and what you need it for.
Sometime around 10, 11 or 12 years old (sometimes earlier, sometimes later) a girl gets her days. There is one important sign that happens before the first bleeding: the white flow. If a girl discovers this discharge in her underpants, it is an important information: the body is preparing for the first period - also called menarche. How long it will then be, whether just two weeks or a few more months, nobody knows for sure. But the girl now knows that it could soon be time.
We want to make our daughter feel good. So we talk to her and explain that the first period is a sign that her body is healthy and strong. This message is very important to all girls: “When you are big and mature enough, your body decides that you can start bleeding now. There is no too early and no too late. Everything is right and good the way it is. "
Girls who are getting their days are in the middle of puberty. Much has already changed in their body. Maybe their breasts have grown a bit, maybe their thoughts and feelings have already changed. When we, as mothers, notice these or other changes in our daughters, we also know that things can start soon.
Other cultures show us how to do it, and even here more and more women are taking the menarche of their daughter or a girl close to them as an opportunity to celebrate together. Maybe a nice trip that the girl has been wanting for a long time? Or a real girls party with all the trimmings? The girl will definitely associate her first period with something very special. Let's all be brave and creative!
So that the girl does not stand there helplessly and without a plan when she is surprised, for example at school or while doing sports, that she has just started menstruating, she should be well equipped.
Why don't you pack your daughter a small package for "emergencies": a nice sanitary towel and delicious chocolate in a nice little bag. If your daughter always has this package with her, she can easily help herself when on the go. And if your daughter's friends need a pad, your daughter can always help out.
You can find many Questions & Answers in our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).
Unsure about the right size? See our size chart!
Click one of the items below to get started.
