Your First Bleed - A Sacred Beginning
Welcome to a remarkable moment in your journey. Your first period / bleed / menstruation marks the beginning of a beautiful relationship with your body's natural wisdom. Just like a flower slowly opening its petals, your body is unfolding into its next phase of life. This sacred transition connects you to generations of women before you, each experiencing this same profound awakening. Your body is beginning an incredible monthly dance with nature's rhythms—like the waxing and waning of the moon, the ebb and flow of tides. This change brings new sensations to understand and honour. You might feel a mix of emotions: wonder, uncertainty, pride, or curiosity. Know that each feeling is perfectly natural and worthy of attention. Remember, while this journey is uniquely yours, you're never alone. You're surrounded by wisdom, support, and understanding from those who have walked this path before you. This is more than just a physical change—it's an invitation to discover your own strength, to listen deeply to your body's whispers, and to embrace the magical unfolding of your feminine nature.
Understanding Your Body's Wisdom
Your body is growing into its adult form, and getting your first period / bleed / menstruation is a significant milestone. Each month, your body goes through a beautiful cycle. Two important hormones - oestrogen and progesterone - work together like a carefully choreographed dance. At the start of your cycle, oestrogen begins to rise, helping to prepare your body. Around the middle of your cycle, another hormone surge triggers the release of an egg. After this, progesterone increases.
Common Signs to Notice
- Clear or white fluid on your underwear (this might happen months before your first period)
- Feeling more emotional or sensitive than usual
- A few spots of blood or a proper flow of blood
- Wanting to rest more than usual
Everyone's cycle is unique - just like you are. Some months might feel different from others, and that's perfectly fine. Your periods might not be regular at first; they often take a couple of years to settle into a pattern.
If you ever have questions or concerns, please speak with a trusted adult - perhaps your mum, aunt or older sister. They've been through this too and can guide you.
Honouring Your Transition
Many young women find comfort and joy in marking this special time in their own way. You might choose to:
- Spend quiet time in nature, noticing how your body's cycles mirror the natural world
- Write about your feelings in a journal
- Create art that expresses your feelings about this change
- Share this moment with trusted women in your life who can offer wisdom and support
Creating Your Sacred Self-Care Kit
Consider creating a special kit that holds everything you need:
- Pads or period pants (many people start with these as they're easier to use)
- A spare pair of underwear
- A small hot water bottle or heat pad for comfort
- Your favourite healthy snacks
- Your journal and something that feels special to you
Important Reminders
- Every body has its own timeline - there's no right or wrong time for your first period
- Your cycle might be irregular at first - this is completely normal
- You're part of an ancient and beautiful tradition of women
- You can always talk to your parent, guardian, or another trusted adult
“We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back. We call upon our sisters around the world to be brave – to embrace the strength within themselves and realise their full potential.”