Your friendly guide to periods

This guide has been created to help parents and their daughters feel prepared for her first period. It covers the key essentials most girls will need. 

Where relevant, we also reference items included in our kits.

Your friendly guide to periods

Getting your period for the first time can feel.... like a lot. Exciting, confusing, annoying, overwhelming, sometimes all at once. Whatever your feeling is completely normal. While not all girls get a period, most do, and its normal for it to feel different for everyone. Whatever your feelings are, they're valid. Hush is here to help you feel prepared, confident, and supported, wherever you are.

What Your Period Is (In a Simple Way)

Your period is a normal, healthy part of growing up. Each month, your body builds up a soft lining inside your uterus as part of its natural cycle. If your body doesn’t need that lining, it simply releases it and that’s what your period is. It’s just your body resetting and starting a new cycle.

How often do they come?/ How long do they last?

Periods usually come every few weeks (around once a month). They usually last 3–7 days, and everyone’s cycle is a little different and that’s ok.

When do periods start?

Most girls start between 9 and 14 years old, but some earlier or later, all completely normal. You might notice hints that your first period is coming, like:

• Discharge in your underwear
• Breast changes
• Growing taller quickly
• Mood changes
• A general feeling of “something is changing” Your first period might be light, or it might surprise you, both are totally okay.

Feelings

You might feel:

• Overwhelmed
• Embarrassed
• Unsure what to do
• Extra emotional
• Moody
• Or perfectly fine

Your feelings might change from month to month, and that’s okay. There’s no “right” way to feel, just your way. If something feels confusing or too big, talking to someone you trust can help, whether that’s a parent, caregiver, family member, teacher, or friend. You don’t have to figure everything out alone.

Helpful Tips for Managing Discomfort

Period cramps and aches are common, and there are simple things that can help you feel more comfortable:

• Warmth: A wheat bag or a warm bath/shower can relax your muscles
• Gentle movement: Light stretching or a short walk can ease tightness
• Rest: Take breaks when you need them, it’s okay to slow down.
• Hydration + light snacks: Water and easy foods can help you feel steadier
• Comfort: Cosy clothes, a warm drink, music, or a favourite show can help your body (and mind) relax.
• Breathing: Slow, deep breaths can calm your body and lessen the intensity of cramps. Every month is different, be patient with yourself and listen to what your body needs.

Monthly Tracker – How to Use It

A tracker helps you understand your cycle and feel more in control. You can mark:

• The day your period starts and finishes
• Days you’re bleeding
• Whether it feels light, medium, or heavy
• Any symptoms or moods
• Notes about how you’re feeling Over time you’ll notice patterns, which helps you know when your next period might come.

Pads + Liners — What They’re For

Liners

• For very light bleeding or spotting
• Great for the day before you think your period might start and at the end when it’s nearly finished.

Pads

• For days when you’re bleeding more
• Designed to keep you comfy, dry, and protected.

How to Use a Pad or Liner

1. Peel the sticky backing off

2. Place it inside your underwear, sticky side down.

3. Adjust until it feels comfortable

4. Change every 3–4 hours or sooner if it feels full

Important: Pads and liners can’t be flushed , always use a bin.

How to Dispose of Them

Wrap the used pad or liner in the wrapper from the new one, or toilet paper.

• Place it in a bathroom bin
• Never flush, they can block pipes.

Your wet bag in this kit is perfect for storing used products if there isn’t a bin nearby.

A little about Tampons

Tampons are another option for managing your period. Some girls prefer them for sport or swimming, some use them all the time, and some never do, all choices are okay. If you want to try them:

• Start with the smallest absorbency
• Wash your hands first
• Insert gently, it should feel comfortable.
• Change every 3–4 hours
• Always read the instructions included in the tampon box, they explain everything step-by-step.
• If it feels uncomfortable, it may not be in quite right. Try them when you feel ready, and take your time.

Period Underwear — A great first choice

Period underwear looks and feels like normal undies, but has special layers that absorb period blood. Many girls like them because they’re comfy and simple to use.

You can wear them on:

• Light, medium, or heavy-flow days (just check the absorbency level)
• Their own, or as backup with another product
• Days when you think your period might start

Change them when they feel full and wash them following the care label.

Your wet bag is handy for carrying a clean pair or storing a used pair until you get home.

Menstrual cups

A menstrual cup is a small, soft silicone cup that sits inside your body and collects period blood. Some people like cups because they can feel comfortable, can stay in for several hours, and are reusable.

If you want to try one:

• Start with a smaller, softer cup.
• Wash your hands before and after using it
• It should feel comfortable once it’s in
• Empty and rinse it every few hours
• Clean it according to the instructions included
• Always follow instructions provided

Whether you choose to use a cup now or later is completely up to you. It’s just one more option that might suit you.

Menstrual discs

A menstrual disc is a thin, flexible disc that sits inside your body and also collects period blood.

Most people try discs later on, once they feel more familiar with their body and what works best for them.

If you decide to explore discs one day:

• They can be worn for several hours
• Wash your hands before and after using one
• Rinse reusable discs between uses
• Follow the cleaning steps that come with the product
• Always follow instructions provided

Just like cups, discs are not something you need to use now, they’re simply another option you might choose when you feel ready.

This guide is for general support only and isn’t medical advice. If you’re ever unsure or worried, talk to a trusted adult or healthcare professional.