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Daily
Chats Blog
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Pads, liners and tampons.
Posted: Monday, June 30, 2008
By: Dr. Chrystal de Freitas
No topic proves more of interest to the pre-teen girl as knowledge of how to wear a pad, liner or tampon. Most girls have seen these items in mom’s bathroom drawer and have a vague idea but are not quite sure how the whole thing comes together.
It is recommended that mom purchase a variety of different sizes pads and liners and review how to place on the crotch of the panties. Pads are thicker and more absorbent. Liners are thinner and can be used almost daily. In fact, I tell the girls that it is perfectly
acceptable to “practice” wearing a liner even if they are not having a period. Liners are inexpensive and will give the young pre-teen a sense of maturity and security when using them.
Tampons on the other hand, should not be used unless there is a menstrual flow. A tampon inserted at other times will absorb the natural moisture in the vaginal area and will be painful to place and remove.
There is no contraindication for young girls to use a tampon. Many of our young girls are very athletic and their schedules may call for them to swim, dance, or do gymnastics, even during their menstrual cycle. As a general rule, I’ve seen that many young girls tend to wait two to three years of having menses before they are comfortable inserting a tampon. On the other hand, there are some young girls who get the hang of it right away and never go back to pads. Do remind your daughter to remove her tampon after 4 to 6 hours and also to remove the last tampon at the end of her period. Toxic Shock Syndrome, although very rare, can occur.
Sometimes, young girls think of their vaginas as a dark, bottomless pit. They worry that if they insert tampons there, it might disappear into their body cavities and be lost forever. But, of course, we moms know that there is no need to worry about this. There is absolutely no way that a tampon could “get lost” in a girl’s body.
And, don’t forget to pack some extra liners in her backpack, in the car, gym bag, etc. for those emergencies that are bound to happen.
Stay well,
Dr. de Freitas
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Rite of Passage
Posted: Tuesday, June 10, 2008
By: Dr. Chrystal de Freitas
Rites of passage are ceremonies a society observes to celebrate the passage of its young individuaals into a new sage of adult life. Many cultures and religions celebrate in a variety of ways.
As I've spoken about this concepts many mothers have joined in with their ideas as to how to celebrate a child's passage. Here are a few:
- A whole day spent together (mother and daughter or father and son) with activities that they both enjoy.
- A special letter and a grown-up gift from Mom and Dad.
- Setting aside some extra space for personal music equipment or a hobby.
- Exchange a journal with a message from both parents to help celebrate the event. Either her first menstrual period or for boys the time when shaving becomes a daily routine.
- An evening with same sex relatives so they can relate stories from their own childhood.
Keep in mind though, that many girls would be mortified if others, mostly her father, knew about her menarche, so respect your daughters sensitivity and plan a Rite of Passage accordingly.
With joy, let's celebrate!
Dr. de Freitas
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Prepare for the summer months
Posted: Wednesday, June 04, 2008
By: Dr. Chrystal de Freitas
During the summer time our hectic lives slow down and parents are reminded of yearly check ups for sports and school. These are great opportunities to review with your daughter and your health care provider the changes that will be coming with puberty. Here are some pointers:
- There will be changes such as breast development and body hair before her first period.
- Remind her to pack pads/liners for sleep overs and summer camps.
- If your daughter is not ready to try a tampon, remind her that although she may not be able to swim, she can use a bathing suit and a pad/liner and wear her gym short over her bathing suit. Very fashionable!! There is not need to miss the summer fun.
- Speak to your health care provider if you have any concerns about your daughter's changes associated with puberty.
May you all continue to have healthy chats.
Dr. de Freitas
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The Birds and the Bees with Ease!
Posted: Sunday, May 18, 2008
By: Dr. Chrystal de Freitas
The Birds and the Bees with Ease!
When should I start talking to my child about sex?
The
earlier you start, the easier it will be. Remember that children don't
have the same perspective as we adults. Many children have a natural
curiosity by age 4 or 5.
How much should I say? Will I overwhelm my child with too much information?
At
each age, there is basic information about human sexuality that a child
should understand and comprehend. Therefore, a review of guidelines for
age-appropriate information should be useful.
By age five, most children should have some basic concepts about the following topics. They should:
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Know the correct name for their body parts, including genitals.
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Understand the simple basics about where babies come from; that is, from the mother's womb or uterus.
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Be aware of the
concept of personal privacy while dressing or using the bathroom. In
particular, five-year-olds should understand the difference between
"secret" and "private."
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Be comfortable talking with parents or a trusted adult about the subject of sex.
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Have good self-esteem concerning their female or male identity.
Warm Regards,
Dr. de Freitas
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Healthy Chats for Girls
Posted: Sunday, May 11, 2008
By: Dr. Chrystal de Freitas
Talking to our 9-12 year old daughters about puberty, periods, and conception can be thought-provoking for many mothers. We tend to reminisce about our own life, how it went for us, and what and how we were told about the facts of life. Regardless of what our experiences were, I have found that all moms want to do a better job with their own daughters. They want to be the ones to provide this information without overwhelming their young daughters, yet at the same be accurate and keep the door open for future conversations. Not an easy task. But YES, it can be done!
I always encourage mothers to start early and review often. Believe it or not, you have already started your daughter’s health education… from the early days of potty training and teaching her body safety to caring for her during an illness or a playground accident. Your daughter knows you as the authority and caretaker. You are the one with all the knowledge, so don’t underestimate your ability and power to convey the information about puberty and conception to your daughter.
And if you feel you need a refresher course… you’ve come to the right place! Let’s continue to chat with this blog, and if possible, you may consider attending a Healthy Chats for Girls seminar, which you can plan with a group of friends, or attend one of the seminars open to the public. Additionally, in the very near future, I will be announcing exciting details that will enable moms and girls to share the seminar right at home.
Stay tuned as I review with you the many changes associated with Puberty in girls.
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