How to Talk to Your Daughter About Menstrual Hygiene
The general idea of being ‘matured’ about your periods and the paraphernalia surrounding it ranging from pads and tampons to premenstrual symptoms- there is a lot that young girls need to know about menstrual hygiene. Menstrual hygiene management includes menstrual hygiene practices that will ensure that your daughter doesn’t contract an infection during her periods.
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Here are some handy tips how you can talk to your daughter about menstrual hygiene:
Teach her about periods
It is important to start with the basic knowledge of how the body functions before the onset of periods. You need to make your daughter feel comfortable with her changing anatomy. Educate her about the monthly cycle of menstruation and her reproductive organs. Let her learn the possible health issues that can occur if she doesn’t maintain regular menstrual hygiene during her periods.
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Introduce her to hygiene products for the intimate area
Your daughter might not be aware of menstrual hygiene products; so it is important to properly introduce her to sanitary napkins, menstrual cups, tampons, and liners. Teach her how to use them properly. Initially introduce them to sanitary napkins and liners then slowly make them aware of menstrual cups as they are more hygienic and prevent yeast infection. And most importantly, teach your daughter when to change her pad.
Provide your daughter a menstrual hygiene kit
In order to help your daughter manage her menstrual needs, make a small kit with all the necessary products such as sanitary pads/menstrual cups, disposable bags, intimate wipes, and a hand sanitizer.
Prepare a calendar for her to track her period cycle
You must keep a note of your daughter’s period dates as initially, they might experience irregular cycles. Encourage her to use panty liners a few days before her period date and ensure she carries sanitary pads in case her period comes during school. Ensure she downloads a period tracking app on her cell phone so that she can track her monthly cycle.
Introduce her to leak-proof period panties
Introduce your daughter to period panties that will keep her stain-free during the heavy-flow days. These panties can prevent leakage and are hypoallergenic.
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