Should My Daughter Use the Same Menstrual Pads as Me?

For most us, menstrual flow varies from day to day. It may start out light, get heavier for a day or so and then taper off. Even from woman to woman, the amount of flow can vary tremendously, which means that each of us is looking for a different level of feminine protection.

Most women use a combination of protection to match their flow. This is something you may be quite used to doing, but your daughter will need some guidance. If she's ever paid attention to the feminine protection aisle in the grocery store, she may already feel overwhelmed by the myriad of choices. What's the difference between a maxi pad, an ultra thin and a panty liner? And what about tampons?

We are so lucky to have the variety and convenience of today's feminine protection. Here's a wonderful opportunity to start an ongoing conversation with your daughter. Start by sharing what type of protection you use. Have her try on one of your pads before she begins menstruating. Make a trip to the store together to see all the options available to her. You can even use the internet to look at various products.

Once your daughter has had a few periods, she'll start to find her own rhythm and product for the protection she needs, which will probably be different than your own. Together you can help her determine her light days and heavy days. If your daughter is very active, or she just doesn't like using pads, she may want to try tampons. She also may want to try using a pad with "wings."

With so many choices in feminine care available, there's no reason not to find the perfect fit. Keep sharing your own experiences and reassure your daughter that she'll find a product that's right for her. Knowing she has a variety of options will help her to feel more in control during that time of the month.

Disclaimer: The contents of this article are for informational purposes only, and are not intended as medical advice. For medical care and advice, you should consult your physician or health care provider on a regular basis. If you have any problem which concerns you, consult your physician immediately.