So your daughter/student is approaching her first period?

Here is some information for you to help guide her through this change in her body, and to assure her that what’s happening is natural.

Some girls can get their periods as early as 9 or 10, while others get theirs in their later teens. While the average age is around 12 years old, when a girl gets her period depends on a number of factors. For example, when did you or the women in your family get their periods? This can be a good indication to when your daughter may get hers. Other factors include her height to weight ratio. Underweight girls are more likely to get their periods a little later, this is normal so assure her not to worry!

While it may be distressing for her not knowing when it’s coming, there are signs to look out for so that when it does arrive, it isn’t a total shock.

What are the signs?

Her body will begin to change shape, her waist will become more defined, hips will become rounder and her nipples will get larger and more sensitive. Her pubic hair will begin to grow as well underarm hair. Also, have a look out for a white mucous discharge. If it’s been around for a while, it means her period is getting closer.

It’s a good idea to have an open dialogue with your daughter to assure her that her first period is nothing to worry about. It’s unlikely to be a gush of blood to begin with. In general, the actual menstrual flow is no more than half a cup of fluid in total.

Knowing what product to use depends on what makes them feel comfortable and secure.

Pads:

In the beginning, pads seems to be the easiest and most comfortable way of dealing with the early stages of your period. Cottons Organic Ultra-Thin Regular Pads are designed with young women in mind.

They are super slim-line, making them feel like they are barely there, and are made with 100% organic cotton, making them hypo-allergenic, breathable and perfect for sensitive skin.

Tampons:

Usually when girls get older and have mastered the use of pads, they venture into trying tampons. However, if for any reason you don’t want to use tampons, don’t stress. Use whatever makes you feel the most comfortable!

For girls just starting out, Cottons Mini Tampons are perfect and only made with 100% natural, chemical free cotton. They are smooth and very easy to insert. If there’s any questions on how to use them, refer to the little sheet inside the packs.

Liners:

For the stage leading up to your daughter’s period, liners are perfect for making her feel comfortable with the white mucous that appears, as well as the first couple of periods that may not warrant the use of full size pads and tampons.

Made with 100% organic cotton, Cottons Organic Panty liners and Cottons Organic Long Liners are slim, discreet and great for keeping you fresh between periods.

Beautiful Minds exists to support Australian families and help them to become happier, stronger and kinder.

Beautiful Minds has a team of expert educators who deliver courses to thousands of teens and adults each year. We have been working closely with them for many years to provide teenage girls with accessible information about puberty and their menstrual cycle!

For more information on the wonderful work Beautiful Minds do, head to their website at www.beautifulminds.com.au

Puberty is often a subject that is difficult for young people to discuss.

Educating young girls about the changes they will experience as they grow up, as well as having open and honest discussions about periods and what it means to be a woman is very important to us.

That’s why we have developed the ‘This Is Cottons Starter Kit‘- a neat little box that contains a variety of Cottons feminine hygiene products. If your daughter/student wants to know what works best for them, this pack has it all!

All packs also include ‘A Guide To Your Period’ booklet that has lots of helpful information about periods and what to expect when you have your period.