For every woman it is different, some have a few months, others can go almost a full year, but every woman I know has had the joy of NOT having her period those blessed months after childbirth. I was lucky to go without for 11 months with both my kids. Include the nine months I was pregnant, and it was a year and a half of blissful, period-free existence.

I do though; remember the first day I got my period or “friend” as I used to call it. I was in grade six and a boy at recess made fun of my by saying that I sat in something disgusting. Embarrassed, I ran to the bathroom, followed by a flock of my friends. I locked myself in a toilet stall and pulled down my pants to find what looked like a floodgate of bright red blood. Four of my friend’s curious heads popped over the top of the stall to see what had happened, and in seconds the news traveled to all in my class that I had got my period.

I spent the rest of the afternoon in the office, waiting for my mom to arrive to take me home. My pants were soiled and I shamefully walked to the car carrying a newspaper that the secretary gave me, covering my behind.

I have to say it was not the fondest memory I have of junior high. Nor was it the easiest thing to understand or talk about. My mother was not much of a help, and I corned my sister for advice and an explanation on what to do and how to do it. I suppose back then it was just less spoken of. My mother certainly came from a generation where it was never mentioned, and even to this day if I say something about it in front of my husband; it makes her feel very uncomfortable.

The next few years of puberty were not easy as I just couldn’t talk to my mom about the many questions concerning the changes in my body and hormones. I entered womanhood very naive and looking back, felt I just didn’t get the answers or information that I would have liked to had.

Luckily one mom, Dr. Crystal de Freitas, understands how awkward these “chats” can be, and how parents often get tongue-tied or dance around details to avoid embarrassing situations.  She has created My First Period Kit to help facilitate discussions about your daughter’s first period, puberty and even sex, using helpful and age appropriate information.

Her kit includes a DVD, pretty pad purse, parent’s guide, quick reference card and trendy tween bracelet that makes getting your period a sign of pride and growing up, not shameful like the experienced I had. Her website is full of useful ideas and tips, including informative video clips about her product. Her calm and caring approach, along with her concise details gives a budding young youth the facts she needs to appreciate this exciting new time.

Although my daughter is still too young, I have cousins, nieces and friends whose girls would tremendously benefit from the facts Dr. de Freitas provides. I also know that getting this information from someone other than your mom can be helpful and make a lasting impression on any young woman.

Visit www.myfirstperiodkit.com and use code SB10, to save $2 (10% off) the retail price, through Jan. 31, 2009

Standing on my Soapbox,

JB