My Period: Find your flow and feel proud of your period!
Buy Now on Amazon: https://amzn.to/47emAve
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My Period was published in 2021 by Wren and Rook (Hachette), and it’s a bit of a departure for me, as it’s a book for children (age 9 to 12) and it’s all about periods! But for a long time now, I’ve been thinking about how the negative messages we give women about their bodies actually start really young! By the time most of us are pregnant, we’ve often already absorbed the idea that our female bodies are dirty / dysfunctional / disgusting etc! Even if this is at an low level – for example through the marketing of period products with ‘secretive’ packaging that doesn’t rustle when you open it – or the way tampons and pads are called ‘feminine hygiene’ or ‘sanitary products’. We may barely notice all this but it still gives us the message that periods are something slightly unpleasant that we should keep quiet about!
We also don’t teach young people about periods as part of a cycle, and often tell them nothing about ovulation. I was in my late twenties before I realised I could tell when I ovulated and it wasn’t until my thirties that I started to understand the impact my entire cycle had on me, and how, by tuning into it more, I could look after my mental and physical health better. I didn’t want another generation of girls to find out this information by accident – so I was thrilled to be asked to write this book for Wren and Rook, who are a fantastic publisher.
It’s full of fun information to help pre-teens understand everything they need to know about periods, including:
- Why we have periods
- The correct names for body parts (including the vulva and the clitoris!)
- Puberty and getting your first period
- Period products including cups and period pants
- Periods and the environment
- Creating a first period kit
- Celebrating your menarche (first period)
- Cycles and how they affect us
- How to chart your cycle
- Cycle Superstars – inspiring people who have improved periods for us
- Self Care ideas such as SURFing puberty emotions, info about period pain, changing your own sheets and more!
The book is accessible and full of lovely illustrations and design work. I’m so proud of My Period!
Praise for My Period
“A phenomenal book for everyone who wants or needs to know about periods (which is pretty much all of us!). Bravo Milli”
Dr Chris van Tulleken
“Lots of great information including how to be a ‘Cycle Detective’! Viva la body literacy!”
Lara Briden, author of The Period Repair Manual
“THIS is the book I wish I had been gifted as a child! A must-have for every girl entering womanhood, and as crucial as any biology textbook for every boy too, My Period is set to help annihilate the stigma, shame and medical negligences linked to our periods, and help everyone understand on a truthful, honest and kind level, the physical, factual happenings of what happens to our female bodies every month, for so many decades of our lives.”
Onjali Rauf, author of The Boy in the Back of the Class
“A timely and necessary book to bring periods out of the shadows and much needed period eduction into the spotlight”
Lauren Derrett, Founder of Wear ‘Em Out Pads
“My Period is perfectly written for girls going through puberty, in a language that they will understand. A no nonsense, essential guide for young girls that explains EVERYTHING they need to know. Highly recommended!”
Marley Hall, “Midwife Marley”
‘This book has a lovely chatty tone that will draw youngsters in and give them all the information that they will need to make sense of their whole cycle. Not everyone is lucky enough to be able to talk about periods openly at home, and the practical sections on period products and how to deal with leaks and stains will be invaluable. I wish I had access to this book when I was going through puberty.’
Tessa Venuti Sanderson, author of Ruby Luna’s Moontime
“Our groups are designed to help support girls aged 10-12 as they enter puberty and embark on their teenage years. We want to help make growing up for girls stronger, safer and better supported and all the things in your book fit perfectly with our mission. We help girls to learn about the changes that puberty brings, find mentors, learn from inspirational women and loads more, and your book is in perfect synergy with our work. Thank you for writing such a great book for all the girls out there who need this information in a clear and friendly format.”
Lisa James, Girls Journeying Together Facilitator & Girls’ Net Mentor, Rites for Girls CIC
“I finished this book in 3 days and it definitely gets the thumbs up from me. It’s like you’re learning but you don’t feel like you’re learning”.
Florence, age 9.
“I really like it because it’s about how to love and respect your body. My favourite bit is about making a period kit. I’ve already asked my mum to put in a treat and a special note for when I get my first period.”
Elway, age 9
“Since I read this book I have been really excited to get my period! In fact, every time I go to the toilet I hope it’s there!”
Emily, age 8
