How to help your daughter with her first period?

The arrival of the first menstruation is a key moment in our daughters' lives: it arouses curiosity, excitement and even some concern. As mothers, it is important to offer support that is close and based on clear information. For official resources, consult the Guide to menstrual health of the Ministry of Health, Consumer Affairs and Social Welfare.

That is why we have created this article. Below, we want to share practical strategies and suggestions for menstrual hygiene products designed for adolescents. If you notice that your daughter is hesitant or unsure, these recommendations will give her confidence.

Create a space of trust and open dialogue.

Talking about periods from an early age helps to normalise the process and reduce anxiety. If your daughter has heard terms like ‘painful period’ or ‘menstrual cycle’ at school, but doesn't really understand what it means, she may be confused. A light-hearted discussion, perhaps sharing your own experience of her first period, will show her that it is not a taboo subject. Simple phrases like ‘when I had my first period it helped me...’ or ‘you can ask me anything you need’ invite sharing.

Talking about periods from an early age helps to normalise the process and reduce anxiety. If your daughter has heard terms like ‘painful period’ or ‘menstrual cycle’ at school, but doesn't really understand what it means, she may be confused. A light-hearted discussion, perhaps sharing your own experience of her first period, will show her that it is not a taboo subject. Simple phrases like ‘when I had my first period it helped me...’ or ‘you can ask me anything you need’ invite exchange.

Don't forget to listen to her questions without interrupting and to respond with everyday words. This is when she most needs to feel listened to. For example, if she asks ‘why does my tummy hurt?’, you can briefly explain that uterine contractions are natural and are usually relieved by warmth or rest. Avoid complex technicalities; opt for expressions such as ‘the uterus is preparing for your well-being’ or ‘it is normal to notice mood swings or to feel more sensitive or moody’.

Help her choose the right menstrual products for a comfortable ‘first period’.

The search for ‘menstrual hygiene products for teenagers’ is often repeated among mothers who want the best for their daughters. Just as finding the first bra is important, so is this question. At MissVerde we recommend starting with soft, easy-to-handle options:

Menstrual panties for girls and teenagers combine elasticity and discretion. The absorbent interior prevents mishaps and allows the girl to feel secure in her daily routine. You can find a wide variety of them in our catalogue. We also have a menstrual cup model specially designed for this age group.

When searching for ‘what size menstrual panty for girls’, it is usual to measure waist and hip circumference according to the manufacturer's guide. Doing a home fitting before the first public use avoids surprises and builds your daughter's confidence.

The arrival of the first period is an important time to introduce the idea of the menstrual cup, specially designed for the age and developmental stage of the girl. It is essential to do this without pressure, allowing her to feel safe and comfortable with her own rhythm. If she doesn't feel ready yet, she can start by wearing only menstrual panties. When the time is right, choose menstrual cup models designed specifically for girls and adolescents, with a small size and small diameter, designed to fit their smaller, developing anatomies. This way, the transition will be easier and more natural, promoting confidence and autonomy. In fact, you can see them here.

If, on the other hand, you prefer to get started using more traditional methods, you can opt for compact pads made of organic cotton, designed with a soft adhesive so as not to irritate sensitive skin. Their junior format is better suited to a pre-teen's body.

Establish a routine for self-care and cycle tracking.

Monitoring the menstrual calendar makes it easier to anticipate the next period and plan activities without any surprises. This is something that will be very useful to avoid surprises when she gets her period when she is away from home: at school, with friends, on an outing... For this purpose, there are simple apps designed for teenagers that allow them to record the onset and duration of bleeding, as well as associated symptoms (pain, mood swings, tiredness).

In addition, we have created a downloadable menstrual calendar, which can be very useful for those girls who don't have a smartphone. Our little ones can complete the calendar month by month: recording their emotions, pains, cramps or other menstrual symptoms. In this way, they will learn, know and understand their menstrual cycle better.

Daily personal hygiene becomes an essential habit, now more than ever: washing with lukewarm water and neutral soap helps to keep the area clean and irritation-free. Although it sounds like a basic practice, many girls discover the importance of drying menstrual panties well or changing pads every 4/6 hours.

Don't forget to talk to her about diet and exercise, as a balanced diet rich in iron (spinach, lentils) and vitamin C improves energy during period days, which is essential for a teenage girl. Light sport, such as walking or gentle yoga, relieves cramps and reduces fluid retention. In addition, she should learn to normalise the fact that being on her period is not incompatible with gymnastics - quite the opposite. So no skipping school when it's time for gym class.

Resolving questions that arise during the first menstrual period.

During the first few months of menstruation, it's common for your daughter to seek answers to questions like ‘can I swim with pads’ or "why do I feel dizzy?

You can explain that, fortunately, most menstrual swimming costumes now allow you to enjoy the pool without staining, while conventional pads are not recommended in the water. As for the feeling of dizziness, low iron sometimes affects blood pressure; an iron-rich snack before bedtime can help. It has been found that losses of between 61-80 ml are associated with 10.3% iron deficiency anaemia, rising to 50% if bleeding exceeds 160 ml.

If she asks ‘why do I get my period every month?’, take the opportunity to introduce basic concepts of female anatomy: the uterus, the ovaries and ovulation. A dialogue adapted to her level of maturity strengthens her understanding and reduces myths that she may pick up on the internet or in chats with friends. You can use our articles to help her understand why she feels heavier or why her period is late in summer or why she tends to have heavier bleeding in winter.

Encourage her confidence and self-esteem.

Accompanying your daughter through her first menstrual period is not only about teaching her hygiene techniques, it is also about teaching her to feel confident in her body. Remind her that having her period is a sign of health and that every woman experiences her cycle differently. If she notices emotional lows, suggesting self-care activities - such as a warm bath with gentle salts or a quiet reading session - shows her that her emotions are valid.

Invite her to keep a journal of her feelings: writing down when it started and how she felt turns the experience into a process of self-awareness. This practice makes it easier to identify patterns of pain or mood, and can be very helpful if the need to consult a health professional ever arises.

Preparing the environment: school, sports and outings

Before the first day of school with a sanitary towel or menstrual pad, talk to her about carrying a small bag with spares in her backpack. Including a change of underwear and unscented wipes ensures discretion and convenience. Encouraging her to talk to a teacher or trusted friend if something unexpected comes up helps to avoid embarrassment.

In after-school sports activities, emphasise the desirability of breathable materials and flat seams to avoid chafing. Knowing how to swim the first time with a menstrual cup or disc inspires confidence: reminding her that there are menstrual swimming costumes for girls adapts the experience to a playful environment.