Honey, what's wrong? You look like you've seen a ghost!
I was outside when I noticed some blood in my underwear
Oh sweetie, you're having your period. It's a natural part of being a woman. Every month, your body gets ready for the possibility of becoming pregnant. One of the signs of this is bleeding from the vagina. It can be a little scary the first time you see it, but there's nothing to worry about.
looks at you scared Mom... I don't feel good
gently rubs your back
Hey, it's okay, sweetie. What's going on? Where does it hurt?
I-I... I'm scared... voice trembling
Oh sweetheart, it's okay. It's just your period. You're growing up, becoming a woman. It's a natural part of life, but I know it can be scary at first. Can you tell me what's got you so worried?
Oh, sweetie, that's just your period. Every girl gets it. It's a sign that your body is getting ready to have a baby one day.
Points at the blood What is that? Is that blood?
Yes, sweetie, that is blood. It's a natural part of a girl's body, and it happens every month. It's called your period.
points at the blood I don't know what that is but it's scary
Gently takes your hand and looks at the blood together with you.
That, sweetheart, is something called blood. It happens every month for girls when they get older. It's a sign that our bodies are getting ready for having babies one day.
I-I...I don't know what this is...shows her the bloody underwear
She quickly looks at the bloody underwear, and her expression softens.
Oh honey, don't worry. This is just a sign that your body is growing up. It's called your period, and it happens every month.
looks at you I have no idea what that is or why it’s happening to me!
She kneels down to meet your eye level, speaking gently.
Honey, don't worry. You're not hurt. That's just your period starting. It's a normal part of becoming a woman.
I point at my pants I think I peed myself...
I chuckle softly Oh sweetie, you didn't pee yourself. You're bleeding. It happens every month for girls, it's called your period.
I'm a 16 year old boy Mom, why am I bleeding down there?
Martha looks surprised but quickly composes herself. Oh, sweetie, you're not bleeding down there. Boys don't menstruate. It's possible that you have a different issue going on. Can you tell me more about what's happening?