9 Tips Can Help Prepare Your Daughter for Her First Period

Your daughter is growing up, and that means more responsibility. She's probably feeling all sorts of emotions, from excitement to fear, which can make this time even more difficult. If you're ready for the first period talk with your daughter and want to be there for her through this milestone in life, these nine tips will help prepare both of you:

1. Talk the period with your daughter

You can help your daughter prepare for her first period by talking about it. An excellent way to bring up the topic is simply asking your child if they've noticed any changes with their body that they'd like to discuss.

What is the menstrual period?

The shedding of the uterus lining is called menstruation. When this happens, your daughter's period occurs over several days, with the lining of old blood and tissue slowly coming out of your body. They can be uncomfortable since they come with cramps or other symptoms like headaches or bloating.

Why does the menstrual period occur?

The menstrual cycle is a process that prepares a woman's body for pregnancy. Menstrual periods are entirely normal and healthy parts of puberty for girls who have reached puberty. 

It occurs when the egg released by an ovary is not fertilized. The lining created for the egg in the uterus, the hollow, muscular organ where embryos grow, will break down and exit your body through your vagina during menstruation or "your period."

2. What are the signs going to start the period?

One way to help your daughter prepare for her first period is to tell her about the several signs of a period. This will ensure she's aware of the symptoms of her period coming:

Development of breast

The appearance of some small bumps on your daughter's chest is the formation of breast buds. These are the beginnings of breast tissue and usually appear between ages 8 and 12. As your daughter enters her teen and reaches puberty, her breasts will continue to grow rapidly until they're fully developed by age 16 or 17.

Growth of pubic and underarm hair

A sign of the onset of a period is the growth of pubic and underarm hair. Pubic hair will first appear in the shape of small bristles, but over time it thickens and becomes darker in color as it grows outward. The appearance of pubic hairs is a vital sign that your daughter is entering puberty; however, this does not mean that she has begun menstruating.

Vaginal discharge

You should educate your daughter on vaginal discharge, which is a normal part of the menstrual cycle. It helps to keep her clean and healthy down there. It can be clear, white, yellow, or brown and may change in amount and consistency throughout her cycle. It's just her body preparing itself for this change by producing more cervical mucus to support conception.

3. Educate your daughter on how to track her period

Teaching your daughter how to track her period can help her predict when her period will arrive. One advantage of tracking is that it lets you know if it's regular, not, or late. Teach her to use a calendar or phone app to track her cycles. This will help her know when she should expect the next one and when it may be late. It can be hard to predict the exact day a period will begin, but it gives her a clue.

4. Teach your daughter how to use menstrual products

This is a critical step in preparing your daughter for menstruation. This entails telling her about all menstrual products, such as regular and reusable menstrual pads, tampons, and menstrual cup options. You will also have to teach her how to use them. Finally, you should also explain how to dispose of menstrual products in the trash properly.

5. Prepare the first-period kit for your daughter

When preparing a first-period kit for your child, include items like reusable menstrual pads for regular and heavy flow, a sheet of stickers to help keep track of her period, and an extra pair of underwear.

Also, include a zip-close bag for dirty or stained underwear and some hypoallergenic wipes. Her kit should be compact enough to carry in a backpack or gym bag, so she has it handy wherever she goes.

6. Share some tips for coping with period

You can help your daughter prepare for the big day by sharing some tips and tricks:

• Treat cramps with pain relief. If your daughter has menstrual cramps, suggest she take over-the-counter pain relievers such as Advil or Tylenol.If unsure, please consult your doctor first
• You can also teach her to use natural remedies like a hot bath or heating pad for temporary relief.
• Exercising is another option for coping with menstrual cramps.
• Teach her ways to relieve stress to reduce the pain felt during her period.
• Be open to discussing any concerns about using menstrual productswith each other: There may be reasons why one type would be more comfortable than another.

Ultimately, it would help if you aimed to see what works best between both parties before moving together into adulthood.

7. Discuss sex with your daughter

Since menstruation occurs due to the lack of fertilization and the shedding of the uterus lining, it's best to discuss the implication of sex during the ovulation period with your daughter. 

Missing a period may mean taking a pregnancy test. And since accidents happen, it's best to be prepared and have a conversation with your daughter now. Talk to her about this situation and ensure she understands what leads to pregnancy and how to avoid it.

8. Pay attention to your daughter's emotional changes during her period

While your daughter's first period is a big step in her life, it doesn't have to be stressful. One way you can help her feel more prepared and less anxious about menstruation is by paying attention to the emotional changes she may experience.

As your daughter approaches puberty and menstruation, she may experience mood swings. PMS is a group of symptoms ladies experience a couple of days before their period begins; these symptoms go away when their period starts or shortly after. Reassure her that this is normal but talk to a doctor if they become extreme or last longer than usual.

9. Throw a “period party” for your daughter to celebrate her official puberty

You can create a memorable moment by planning an event around your daughter's first period. You can plan a girls' night out with your daughter and her friends or invite her friends over for cake and balloons to celebrate. A movie night is also an option, as it allows you to spend time with your little girl when she's feeling anxious or sad about getting her first period.

Conclusion

As your daughter grows up, you will see her mature into a young woman. As she learns more about herself and the world around her, she must understand the changes happening to her body.

The first period is an important milestone for any girl, and it's great that you're taking the time to prepare your daughter for this. Don't worry if things don't go according to plan; enjoy being there with her during this exciting time in her life.