Can you do self-insemination at home ?
On the day we were set to discover the sex of our twins, my excitement was palpable, and my partner felt the same. As the ultrasound wand moved gracefully across my growing belly, I could hardly contain my joy. The doctor announced, “Baby A is… a girl,” and my heart soared as I looked at my partner, who was holding her breath.
“Ah, there… Baby B is also a girl,” he continued. My partner’s joyful exclamation of “AH… two girls!” lit up my face with happiness. Two little girls: I was over the moon!
As we stepped into the elevator, clutching our blurry black-and-white sonogram images, my partner said, “Two girls means two periods at the same time.” We still had months before their arrival, and suddenly, anxiety washed over me. I hadn’t even considered that possibility—two girls menstruating simultaneously? Wow!
My partner recalls her own period talk vividly, and it was more cringe-worthy than enlightening. As for me, I can barely remember how I learned about puberty.
For girls, puberty often begins as early as age 8, with the hypothalamus releasing hormones that trigger bodily changes. Hair begins to sprout in various places… I’ll spare you the details. It can be an awkward topic.
With our twin daughters approaching six years old, the thought of puberty feels daunting. However, I’ve found a source of comfort in the idea of a “period box.”
So, what’s a period box?
A period box is a fantastic concept introduced by writer and blogger Emily James. She suggests preparing a box for your daughter around the age of 9, although conversations about puberty can start much earlier. As your daughter’s body undergoes changes, creating a tailored box can serve as a helpful tool for both mother and daughter.
The period box acts as a guide for discussing menstruation. Emily notes, “Assembling a ‘first-period box’ for girls before they begin their periods can help them feel ready and alleviate anxiety by familiarizing them with products they’ll use.” It’s a great way to discuss the various types of sanitary products available, empowering them to make informed choices.
You can use any box, but eco-friendly options can be found at The Period Store, which also provides ideas on what to include.
When we had the talk with our son a few years back, we were caught off guard. One day, he returned from school and said, “My teacher told us to buy deodorant this weekend.” Before we knew it, we were in the deodorant aisle, realizing it was time for that important discussion.
For our son, we relied heavily on books, particularly “It’s So Amazing: A Book About Eggs, Sperm, Birth, Babies, and Families.” It was a useful resource, and we’ll definitely consider using it again for our daughters. While books can open the door for discussion, they don’t replace the actual conversations. We let our son lead the dialogue, asking whatever was on his mind. It became clear that if we brought up sensitive topics like hormones or girls’ bodies, it might embarrass him. So, we waited for him to approach us.
This journey with my son has been fulfilling, but I’m eager for a new experience with my two daughters, starting with their period box.
The period box I plan to create will include many items recommended by Emily, such as sanitary pads, menstrual cups, tampons, pain relievers, a lavender heating pad, raspberry leaf tea, and, of course, chocolate. I’ll also add a heartfelt note encouraging them to come to me or their other mom whenever they have questions.
Think of your tween’s period box as a present—something filled with essentials, wisdom, comfort, and education. It’s far better for her to learn from you than from friends or, worse, to navigate everything alone without guidance.
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Summary
Period boxes can be a valuable tool for parents to help their daughters navigate puberty and menstruation. By creating a personalized box filled with essential products and comforting notes, parents can facilitate open discussions and empower their daughters to feel prepared for this significant life change.