mothers
April 11, 2024
Minutes To Read: 0

My daughter has had her period, now what?

If in previous generations girls were menstruating between 14 and 16 years, today between 9 and 13 years the first menstruation or menarche, as it is called, can come at any time. Even though it seems precocious, parents should only worry about girls' first menstruation if it appears before age eight.

In the past, most girls were taken by surprise and did not understand what was happening. Today, teenagers learn at home or school that menstruation is a natural biological change and that every girl will one day face.

However, menstruating for the first time is still an experience that comes with fear, shame and many questions. Not to mention the discomfort with cramps and the use of the absorbent. Most do not like the father to know and hide the? Novelty? even your closest friends.

And it's not just preteens who suffer from their first menstruation. The dilemmas surrounding the issue also leave many mothers in doubt about how to respond to the situation.

How should I act?

Face your daughter's first period naturally. As exciting as the moment may be, you don't have to party, give presents, let alone spread out to the whole family. The menarche is an intimate moment and needs to be respected.

Each girl handles the situation differently. Therefore, if your daughter does not accept the news very well, avoid saying phrases like? Stop freshness? or "It's not your grandmother's time anymore."

What the girl needs right now is security and time to get used to and accept menstruation with ease.

Remember that you have been through this too and take the time to talk to her and give tips on the importance of taking care of intimate health, about sex. Explain that her body is now ready to beget a child and that that blood is the result of shedding cells that were made to line the uterus as a "padding". egg which, if fertilized, will give rise to a fetus. When the uterus does not receive a fertilized egg, it detaches and is eliminated by the body.

Do not forget to emphasize that it is a natural process that happens to all women. If you think these matters are too delicate for you, your gynecologist can help. Remembering that when the menarche occurs the ideal is to take the girl to the doctor, but she does not need to have a gynecological exam, only when she has sexual activity.

Consultations and exams

Take your daughter to the first gynecological appointment, but let her go into the doctor's office on her own, after all, she may want to ask things she is uncomfortable with when you are near. Medical advice is always very welcome!

Regardless of age, it is essential to check up at least every six months. Tell your daughter about this care and suggest she go to the doctor she trusts.

In practice

Account executive Luciane Lourenço says she preferred to explain the subject in detail when her daughter first menstruated. “I preferred to show everything that happens in the woman's body during menstruation. I also commented on the importance of taking care and even about safe sex ?, he says.

For this, I brought a very didactic book, showing the whole process. “My daughter and I sat in the living room and I was explaining the whole operation. But to do this, I asked for guidance from my gynecologist who suggested that I have this attitude during one of the most important phases of my daughter ?, he says. And for her, it was quite exciting. “As I explained to my daughter, she understood, asking more questions, and we ended up spending hours talking together. I think every mother should do this, is that a fantastic experience?

Be friends

It is important that you talk about all subjects. ÜThe mother must be friends with her daughter first of all. Of course, jealousy and worry leads to some distance, but you need to know how to talk about all the issues. Yes I was afraid at first, but I went to ask for professional advice and today, my daughter and I know how to handle all situations together ?, comments Luciane.