Finally, a candid conversation about periods. We get it. Periods are personal. Choosing empowerment over embarrassment, we’re here to give a real-life lesson on menstrual cycles and our bodies. And what better way to do that than from hearing stories about periods from our colleagues, friends and people we have met on this incredible journey. So join us as we talk about- yep, you guessed it - periods. #leaveyourstain
Who are you (we’d love to get to know you!) and what are your pronouns?
My name is Emmy Kissinger (she/her). I am a mom of 2 from Iowa. I stay busy running my own social media management business, drinking coffee, and keeping up with my favorite TV shows.
How did you first learn about periods?
I don’t remember exactly how I learned about periods. I got very excited about getting my period after I learned about puberty and periods in school. All the girls got free samples and I could not wait to use my fancy little sample pack! I showed my freebies to everyone that came over to my house. I remember being surprised by peoples reactions because no one wanted to talk about periods with me.
Do you remember your first period conversation? Who was it with and what was that like?
No, but I am confident my mom brought it up from time to time because I was never scared or worried about getting my period.
When did you get your first period?
I was in 5th grade so I must have been 11.
How was it? What happened?
I will never forget it! I was watching an episode of ER (medical drama) and went to the bathroom during a commercial and saw blood. I ran to my mom right away and told her. She set me up with all the supplies I could ever need.
Do you try to take extra care of yourself while on your period? If so, how?
I didn’t do anything special when I was younger because my periods were short with very little bleeding and almost no cramps. My period didn’t seem to impact my life very much. My periods are a bit heavier now that I have had kids. Sometimes I have more painful cramps. I usually try to take it easy at work and rest more when I have my period now-a-days.
What are your favourite period products?
I love my nixit menstrual cup. I have a really hard time finding pads and tampons that don’t irritate my sensitive skin.
Is there anything else about your period experiences you want to share?
I have been fortunate to have skipped 6 years worth of periods thanks to breastfeeding! It’s always so horrible when my period comes back!
Have the last challenging months affected your period and if so, how did you best navigate?
I would say that my cycle has been slightly less predictable. Sometimes my period will come a couple of days late. I navigate this by using an app to track my cycle so that I’m not caught off guard trying to manage my period with no supplies on hand.
