You’ve had the period talk, now you need to make sure she has the tools to be prepared for it should it happen at school. Your first period can start anytime from the age of seven to 15, but 12 is often recognised as an average age to have a first period," explains Sarah Priestley Turner, spokesperson for UK-registered charity fighting against period poverty, Freedom4Girls. And if you or someone you know is approaching or going through puberty, here’s our expert-led guide to everything they – and you – need to know to feel reassured and ready. If you’re concerned, it’s important to speak to a GP or gynaecologist (if you’re going private) so that they can take a clinical history, assess you and maybe carry out a blood test to check your blood count if necessary," advises Dr Ameen.

Known as 'menarche' – from the ancient Greek for 'month' and 'beginning' – it starts as part of puberty, and its arrival is unpredictable to say the least. My mother and I always had quite an open discussion about most things and there wasn’t many subjects she would tiptoe around! Young people aged 19 and under can get free period products at educational institutions under a government scheme. If you have space in your bag, you can add in an extra pair of pants as well, in case your period is exceptionally heavy and your pad/tampon leaks. The waterproof carry kit is big enough to keep all of your period essentials, but small enough to pop into your school bag.

They can include budding breasts, growth of pubic hair (if she is open enough to share that information) and perhaps is getting hormonal and crankier than usual. The community rallied with over 100 responses in the first hour from parents in the trenches who were happy to share their experience. Getting your first period is a sign that you're growing up, and periods in general are a good sign that your body is healthy and working the way it's supposed to. It is my hope that Be Prepared Period will become your number one source for healthy period products, menstrual resources, and support.

Many of the period kit brands have designed their products to fit girls’ style as well as lifestyle.Our super soft reusable pads don't contain harmful chemicals and come in different sizes, from panty liners through to heavy flow reusable sanitary pads. Reusable pads and pants are widely available and can be easily washed at home and reused for many years. I have never heard of this, but I really think it's a great way to show her that we mothers totally understand. If you notice that you don't get a monthly period or have your period for more than 7 days at a time after the first 5 to 6 months, talk to your doctor about possible causes for this. Naama Bloom is SVP of Integrated Marketing at SheKnows Media, which she joined as part of the acquisition of HelloFlo.

As menstruation is a natural process, free period kits offer a viable solution to better prepare those in need. Tampons aren't a great choice for your first period since you don't know how heavy your flow will be and you've never inserted a tampon before. Since you’ll be taking this kit with you to school or work, it should be small enough to fit inside of your everyday bag. Moreover, diminution of taboos surrounding menstruation is another significant advantage of period kits. Take your time and always read the instructions and any warnings on period products you choose to use.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/ab\/Survive-a-Long-Flight-when-You-Have-Your-Period-Step-5-Version-2. From pads to tampons and period pants, here are eight of our go-tos for a first period kit or starter kit to help you or a loved one feel more period confident. Regular exercise, eating a healthy, balanced diet (potentially with small meals every two to three hours), seven to eight hours of sleep per night, reducing everyday stress with yoga or meditation, taking pain relief, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol if suitable for you*, and keeping a diary of your symptoms for at least two to three menstrual cycles can be helpful. In early middle school, I remember the teachers telling us at the beginning of the school year that the secret password if we were needing a pad or having period issues was: “I need a Girl Scout cookie”.