How To Have a Perfect First Period

Step 1

Make sure you know as much as possible about menstruation. Go to your local library and search "puberty", "period" or "menstruation", "puberty in girls" or "first period." Take out and read 2-3 a week, and take notes on things you find important. Be sure you are able to recognize signs you may get your first period.

Step 2

Buy supplies. Buy light and regular or slender regular absorbency tampons (Tampax Lites, Tampax regular slender, Tampax Pearl, Tampax Compak), Light and regular pads (Always thin, Always slender, Always clean), overnight pads (Stayfree overnight), pantyliners (Always pantyliner, Always wrapped pantyliners), and if you feel it is necessary, get some feminine wipes (Playtex petals). Keep two pantyliners, 3 light pads, 1 light tampon, and 3 feminine wipes in your locker or backpack, gym bag, or anywhere else where you are frequently such as a locker at the pool.

Step 3

When you do get it, please do not panic. Just take a deep breath, smile (you are maturing!), and say "it's OK". Do you have supplies with you? IF so, go get them, and bring a pad and a wipe to the bathroom. No supplies? If your school has pad or tampon machines, you could use those, but I have found that those pads could fit an elephant, and those tampons just will NOT fit! So, grab a fair amout of toilet paper, about 16-32 squares, depending on how much blood you see. Your flow will most likely be light, but if it is heavier, you may need up to 32 squares. Fold it up into a rectangle and fit it into the croth and some of the bottom of your underwear. Then get another square wet and wipe yourself.

Step 4

Seek help from an adult. If your period starts at school and you have nothing with you, go to the nurse and sometimes in the bathroom there are pads and tampons in there. You don't even need to ask. Talking to your teacher and nurse about it, is fine. They've been through it! So there is nothing to be embarassed about.

Step 5

If you do have supplies, put on a pad. To do this, pull your underwear to your knees, remove the stick backing from the pad, and fit it into the crotch of your underwear. Pull it up, and adjust as needed. Wipe yourself. Do not use tampons unless you find your flow is really, really, really (and I do mean really) thick.

Step 6

If you feel it is necessary, tell a very close friend, teacher, or counselor. Otherwise, celebrate inside. Mental happy dance!

Step 7

When you get home, tell your parents. Your mom will talk to you, and teach you about protection, preparation, etc. If you want, ask about possibly celebrating. It is something to celebrate! Even if it is unpleasant, you can now give life (just don't try it yet, please!).

Step 8

Keep track. Find a calendar that is private. To find one specifically for periods, go to www.kotex.com. Mark which days you have your period, the flow, and any symptoms like cramps or headaches you may have.

Step 9

Evaluate your supplies. Just can't stand pads? Stock up on tampons. Not a tampon girl? More pads! Try on all of the supplies you have bought, to ensure you are not allergic to them. Do you find you have cramps? Buy some Midol or Pamprin.

Step 10

Be happy! And don't say you are a woman. Bad expression! You aren't a woman! Some people get their period at eight years old, but you could hardly call them women, can you? Save that expression for your 18th birthday!

Step 11

Dispose of pads and tampons properly. Under no circumstances should you flush supplies down the toilet, even if it says it's flushable, it may still flood. Throw wrappers and used pads into the trash or designated receptacle, wrapped thickly in paper towel or toilet paper.

Tips

Although many periods start with what looks like blood in your underpants, others start with something that may look like solid waste or diarrhea. How do you know the difference? Take a piece of toilet paper and gently wipe your area. If a substance that resembles what is on your underwear, this is your period. If you are still unsure, and are comfortable with it, insert a thoroughly washed finger into your vagina. Then you will know.
Don't tell many people at school. It will spread, your best bet is one close friend, and/or one teacher or counselor.
Don't panic, don't worry, don't cry, don't forget to smile!
try http://www.beinggirl.com for free samples, advice, and info. Be sure to select the correct country if you want free samples, and create an account for extra info.
Make sure that getting your period can be very stressful to some people. But it's womanhood! When you pamper and take care of yourself, you feel a whole lot better.
When it's your first time, take a deep breath and say "I think I just got my period." No matter who it is, they will understand. But no one but you has to know. If you have everything you need, then you actually don't need to tell anyone. Though its very helpful to have to someone to talk to that has a lot of experience.
If your period smells then look for scented pads and tampons which keep you smelling nice and fresh. And it wouldn't hurt to use a little perfume and deodorant (but do NOT put it directly in your area).
Signs of getting your period are bloating, stomach pains, mood swings, cramps and cravings (especially chocolate).

Warnings

Avoid salty food on your period. IT can worsen cramps and cause bloating (swelling of the abdomen).
Avoid drinking cold drinks, as it would also worsen cramps.

Things You'll Need

one package of day pads
one package of regular maxi pads
one package of overnight pads
two different types of tampons
one package of wipes
a cosmetic bag to keep any pads or tampons in
medicine for cramps
extra underwear (cotton is good because it breathes which keeps you staying fresh)
hamper and mini trash can

Via wikihow