Period Party!

Last night was my last Ludlow program and I'm so happy I got to share the experience with all the residents who had attended! The Period Party was open to all residents and the ultimate turn out was an awesome mix of residents from all the schools living here in Ludlow. We discussed what exactly is happening when you menstruate and when you aren't. At the end of the night I passed out some homemade heating pads and let the conversation continue.

Some of the homemade heating pads! Make your own by filling a long sock with raw rice and tying it off at the end. Heat it in the microwave for about 45 seconds or to your temperature preference and TADAH! Heating wonders at your finger tips.

Menstruation carries an unfortunate stigma that needs to be put to rest. By opening up conversation about it and what is experienced, we can better understand ourselves, each other, and finally know what is going on!

Here are some quick tips for when you have cramps:

1.  If you experience cramps right before or at the beginning of your period, try heat on the source of pain. This in combination with hot tea (peppermint is great for this) will relax the uterus and cervix, which is where the pain is coming from. It may be surprising to some, but this usually works better than ibuprofen will.
   
2. When cramps get too intense for heat alone, then reach for the ibuprofen. This will specifically target the chemicals that are subsequently causing you cramps.
   
3. For me personally, it provides some comfort when I'm cramping to know why. Cramps are usually from the uterus as it sheds its lining and the cervix, which hurts sometimes when passing pieces of the lining through a small opening.

Of course, if you have any questions, feel free to reach out!

xoxo,

RA Alli