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Answering a listener’s question in today’s episode:
“I’d love it if you guys could dedicate an episode to all things relating to PERIODS.
As my daughter is 11, I’m staring down the road and see this major life event looming in our near future.
From fear of menstrual blood, practical info for pad wear and hygiene, underwear, social stories, etc. I would love all the info I can get as I want to help my daughter transition this and other puberty milestones to the best of my ability.”
This episode is full of tips and tricks for anyone navigating menstruation!
Make sure to check out all of our links below!
We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form -> https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3
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Ep. 119 Tackling Embarrassing Teen Hygiene Tasks
Sonia Story - Move Play Thrive
Managing menstruation can present significant challenges, especially for young girls and individuals facing sensory processing difficulties. We aim to offer occupational therapy insights designed to aid in effectively coping with and navigating the complexities of menstruation.
One of the most valuable strategies is creating a portable toolkit that can be taken anywhere. This toolkit should include:
Develop a visual schedule for the bathroom and a portable toolkit detailing the steps and tasks involved.
These visual aids help reinforce routines and provide a clear action plan, reducing the stress of managing menstruation.
Period underwear is a great alternative to pads and tampons because it is designed to absorb menstrual blood. It provides a comfortable, less invasive option and can be particularly helpful for those who are sensitive to the feeling of traditional menstrual products.
Sensory strategies can help address sensory sensitivities and should be included in your toolkit.
It is crucial to educate young girls about the menstrual cycle. They should be taught why menstruation happens and what to expect.
This education can help reduce fear and anxiety by normalizing the experience and providing a clear understanding of the process. Utilizing resources such as functional medicine practitioners or educational materials can be very helpful.
Using a period tracking app can help anticipate the start of a menstrual cycle, reducing the likelihood of being caught off guard. Tracking can also provide insights into patterns and symptoms, helping to manage and prepare for each cycle.
For managing discomfort, consider natural remedies and comfort measures:
Removing the stigma and creating a supportive environment where questions can be asked and answered honestly is crucial. This openness helps young girls feel more comfortable and confident managing their menstrual health.
Practice and Preparation: Practicing the routine before it’s needed can build confidence and familiarity.
Timers and Reminders: Use timers or reminders on a phone or smartwatch to prompt regular changes in menstrual products.
Support Networks: Connect with other parents, therapists, or support groups to share strategies and experiences.
BORING, BUT NECESSARY LEGAL DISCLAIMERS
While we make every effort to share correct information, we are still learning. We will double check all of our facts but realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor / therapist may have a different way of doing things from another. We are simply presenting our views and opinions on how to address common sensory challenges, health related difficulties and what we have found to be beneficial that will be as evidenced based as possible. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or your children. Consult your child’s pediatrician/ therapist for any medical issues that he or she may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Rachel Harrington, Harkla, Jessica Hill, or any guests or contributors to the podcast, as well as any employees, associates, or affiliates of Harkla, be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast.
Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.
This podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast.
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