Motherly Advice

There comes a time in every girl’s life when she transforms from Daddy’s best friend to mommy's pet. Her mother becomes her best friend who guides her through the physiological changes a girl experiences when hitting puberty and also a storehouse of the girl’s most intimate details there ever could be. Ask any teenager, a mother guides a girl through the confusing physiological changes experienced during menarche, the physical changes brought about by the raging hormones and her embracing womanhood later in life. It is imperative that mothers convey the message regarding the most intimate aspects of their life as they are the only true coach available to the daughters. A 2002 study called Recollections of menarche, a communication between mother and daughter regarding menstruation revealed that mothers expressed negative emotions than positive ones to the daughters. Further, the message sent across to the girl child during this delicate time will shape up her reaction regarding the same; either accept it or be ashamed of these natural changes in her body and her personality. Listed below are some of the most important messages that must be conveyed to the daughters 1. Menstruation and the physiological changes – It is important to discuss about the natural changes the body undergoes once your daughter hits puberty. Rather than attaching stigma regarding her periods or remarking about the dangers she faces, one must clearly talk about ovulation and how her body will undergo changes under the influence of the female hormone estrogen. Gynaecologist Dr. Uma Ramesh, Gynaecologist & Obstetrician at Pearl Fertility Centre says, “Talking about ovulation and the fertile phase will help enabling the daughter to take her decisions wisely. Similarly educating about intimate hygiene during this phase is important too”. 2. Intimate hygiene - Intimate hygiene is generally considered a closed topic with not much emphasis on discussion. The simple routine of cleansing the most intimate and sensitive areas with soap and water, which is handed down from mother to daughter since ages, is taught. The only time discussion about intimate areas is initiated is when the daughter faces some discomfort like pain while urinating or a foul smelling discharge. Dr. Uma Ramesh says, “lesser known to everyone, soap and water are both very harsh and dehydrating mediums of cleaning for the intimate area. With soaps having pH in the range of 8 to 11 and water having a neutral pH (pH7) can wash off the protective acid cover that is naturally present in the pubic area (ranging from 3.5 to 4.5). Menstrual blood throws off this delicate balance. Hence it is important to maintain a hygiene routine which includes using intimate wash with lactic acid, washing from front to back to avoid cross contamination and ensuring cleaning the vaginal area regularly duringrnmenstruation”. 3. Talk on intercourse – Educating your daughter about the perils of sexually transmitted infections or getting pregnant from being promiscuous must be initiated early on. Additionally, it is important to keep an open mind regarding this discussion such that your daughter feels safe in approaching you for any doubts regarding the same. Emphasis on intimate hygiene must be maintained. Approaching daughters’ intimate issues with an open mind and creating a conducive atmosphere for discussion will help detect and resolve many health issues early on. Fostering good intimate hygiene practice will also help your daughter stay away from discomforting urinary tract infections and other problems.