Moms Teach These 5 Menstrual Hygiene Tips To Your Girl Before Her First Period

"Mumma, what happens during periods? Do we wear a diaper?" my youngest cousin, then barely ten years old, innocently asked my aunt. Her question fell amidst amusement and realisation- realisation of how overwhelming and confusing the journey into menstruation can be for young girls if they are not adequately prepared.

For most young girls, their first menstrual experience is memorable, but may also be anxiety-ridden, especially if caught off guard and when menstruation is stigmatised and carries a negative aura. According to the WHO, there are 1.8 billion people worldwide who menstruate, and this is, paradoxically still considered a subject that is covered in shame or even forbidden by many households or communities. Such stigmatisation leads to misunderstandings and myths, social ostracization, among others.

A negative first-period experience can cause permanent psychological and emotional scars. It may encourage girls to be isolated, make them avoid seeking help, and dissuade them from practicing menstrual hygiene properly. Being a mother, talking openly and sincerely with your daughter is not just a responsibility but an opportunity to empower her with the knowledge and confidence to accept her body.

If ever the topic of menstruation is raised, it must be done so in a safe and non-judgmental manner. Whether your daughter has some form of awareness or is completely oblivious to menstruation, your task is to comfort her and make this biological experience normal. Start with your own story-this makes it less scary. Encourage her to ask questions and answer without hesitation. Never dramatize or sensationalize the experience. You should rather treat her period as just another change that is happening to her body. This balanced approach ensures that she views periods as part of life and not as a burden.

Educating your daughter about menstrual hygiene goes hand-in-hand with breaking the stigma surrounding periods. Discussing menstruation openly and positively helps dismantle any lingering feelings of shame or embarrassment. Normalize conversations about periods in your household and challenge any cultural myths or misconceptions that may persist. Encourage your daughter to continue her regular activities, including sports and physical exercise, during her period. This reinforces the idea that menstruation is not a limitation but a natural part of life that shouldn't hold her back.

A supportive attitude at her first period may make all the difference. She may need concrete help, such as teaching her how to put on a sanitary pad, and also emotional comfort. Little gestures like making her favorite snack or just sitting with her could help create an association with this new phase that is positive.

Menstrual Hygiene Tips Are for Your Teenage Daughter

As your daughter learns to adjust to menstruation, it's time to get beyond the basics and teach her the essential practices of menstrual hygiene. This will help her maintain her health and lay a foundation for a lifetime of good habits.

Dr. Geetha S., Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist, underlines the crucial role mothers have to play in guiding their teenage daughters. She outlines five important hygiene tips that every mother must impart:

1. Personal Hygiene is Non-Negotiable

Teach your daughter to maintain cleanliness during menstruation. Teach her to wash her hands ahead of and after visiting the toilet. Loose, soft clothing and a daily shower make a person feel fresh as well as prevents discomfort.

2. Proper Use and Disposal of Sanitary Products

Tell her the proper use of sanitary pads with the change needed every four to six hours. This is a way to prevent rashes and infections. Cloth pads can also be used and she should learn how to properly clean, dry, and store them. Tease her how to wrap a used pad with paper before she throws it inside the trash, and never attempt to flush these down the toilet as this causes plumbing problems.

3. Menstrual Cups as an Eco-Friendly Option

If she decides to use menstrual cups, be sure to advise her on their maintenance. She needs to know how to clean the cup every day and sterilize it by boiling after every cycle. This is how hygiene is preserved and infections prevented.

4. Genital Hygiene Matters

Emphasize cleaning the outer genital area at least twice a day with mild soap and water. Trimming pubic hair regularly maintains hygiene and diminishes the chance of bacterial proliferation. However, instruct her to avoid using perfumed products or harsh soaps because they can cause irritation or disrupt the natural pH balance.

5. Recognizing Signs of Infection

Teach your daughter to be watchful about her body and to recognize potential signs of infection, such as abnormal discharge, itching, or rashes. If any of these symptoms occur, encourage her to speak up and seek medical attention promptly.

Moms you’re not just helping your daughter navigate her first period; you’re equipping her with the tools to embrace her body confidently and healthily. Dr. Geetha aptly sums it up, “Proper awareness and practices can prevent infections, ensure comfort, and promote a positive attitude towards menstruation.”

She alone can shape her daughter's perceptions about menstruation. So use this opportunity to teach, guide, and empower her — for every girl deserves to feel confident and informed about her body.

Dr Geetha.S is Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at Natus Hospital Women and Children Hospital in Bengaluru, India.