What is a rite of passage and why is it important to celebrate menarche?

Rites of passage are important transformational events and can be physical or cultural. Physical examples are birth, menarche, menopause and death. Cultural examples are marriage, graduation or divorce. There is a huge shift during this time, and at menarche (the first period), it is the culmination of the years of puberty and changes that have taken place over the preceding years. In many other cultures, this time is celebrated and acknowledged but in our society, we tend to shroud it in shame and secrecy. One of the most common stories I get told is “I was chucked a packet of pads and told to get on with it!” There is some research that shows that our experience of menarche can influence MANY things, including our thoughts and perceptions of self, our sexual relationships in the future, and even the way that we birth a baby (have a google of Jane Hardwick Collings’s writings as a starting point if you’re wanting to find out more!). Having a positive experience and being educated and empowered at this time is incredibly important, so that young people can begin their menstrual cycle positive and be equipped with tools to learn to live in sync with their cycle. I also believe it develops body autonomy and body literacy - and as young people grow up and need to communicate about their body (eg - in a relationship or to a medical professional), it gives them the language and confidence to do so.

How much do the circles cost?

It’s really important to me that the circles are accessible to everybody. I operate a pricing policy based on the Green Bottle model. Please read the ‘pricing’ section of the website or reach out to me if you have any questions.

My child is nervous to attend, what should I do?

This is perfectly normal and is something I see a lot! I’m very happy to have a conversation with you and your child about the circles and run through the plan to reassure them beforehand if that would help. I advise showing them my website and a few pictures and testimonials from the circles, and gently trying to understand what their concerns might be - we can then work together to alleviate them. It’s never worth forcing it - they might not be ready now but that might change in the next few months!

We talk about periods all the time anyway at home, so what does this offer in addition?

First Moon Circles are not designed to ‘replace’ anything that you might be doing at home - they are a beautiful enhancement! They are a unique celebration of this important rite of passage, where young girls are celebrated, feel empowered, and the circles have a place alongside all other period education.

I had a traumatic experience of my own menarche and I don’t like to talk about it - how can I manage this in the circle?

Firstly, I’m so sorry that happened to you, and sadly it is far too common a story. Many parents can find the process of menarche with their child triggers past memories of their own and these can be painful. There is no pressure to share in the circle, and I can manage things sensitively so that you feel as comfortable as possible. Please do reach out and discuss this with me prior to the circle if this resonates with you.

Do you explore sustainable period products?

Yes! I have a huge range of period products and lots of different brands to explore in the circle. Sustainability is an important value to me, and we explore the benefits and drawbacks of different period products during the session. The circles are non-judgemental, so I don’t ‘push’ any particular type of product over another, more I want to educate and empower young people to make the choice that is right for them.

Do you offer private circles?

Yes, and this is a growing part of my work. A private circle is when you arrange a group of 4-5 girls who want to attend a circle together. We will then liaise to confirm the details (I can travel so location isn’t a barrier) and I will come to you to deliver the circle.

What is menstrual cycle awareness?

MCA embraces the idea that there are four distinct phases to the menstrual cycle.

Summer - ovulation - a time for being out in the world!

Autumn - pre-menstrual - a time for slowing down

Winter - bleeding - a time for hibernation

Spring - pre-ovulation - a time to tentatively emerge

With MCA, there is the idea that during each phase, one may experience ‘joys’ (benefits of the phase) and shadows (drawbacks of the phase). For example, ever noticed you’ve been very concise and to the point but also exhausted leading up to your period? A common joy of inner autumn is the ability to ‘cut through the crap’ and speak concisely, but also potentially feel exhausted!

By learning to cycle track (whether you have a regular cycle or not), you can begin to notice patterns in your unique circle and learn to live IN HARMONY with it. This concept is introduced at the circles, and we cover practical self care strategies for each phase of the cycle.

How did you train to become a Menstrual Cycle Coach and First Moon Circle Facilitator?

I completed Claire Baker’s Cycle Coach programme during lockdown, and then went on to complete Charlotte Pointeaux’s First Moon Circle Facilitator training in 2022. Both have active social media accounts with lots of information about their courses, but also please do reach out if you’re considering it and want to find out more!

Who are the circles for?

The circles are for girls and children aged between 9-13 years old, who may or may not have started their period. In the circles we celebrate the amazing rite of passage into womanhood, and learn how to live in harmony with our menstrual cycle. You do not have to have started your period to attend (in many ways it’s great if you haven’t as then you’ll be really prepared!), but they are also fantastic if you have started.

What is your approach to inclusivity?

Along with accessibility, inclusivity is one of the most important values to me with this work. Through my writing and videos, I use a range of phrases that I hope demonstrate my approach to inclusivity, because I believe that if you experience a menstrual cycle (regardless of whether you identify as a girl or not), then you have the right to great quality period education. I use phrases like people who bleed, menstruators, those who experience a menstrual cycle, uterus owner, children. and many more to ensure that my language is inclusive. If this resonates with you, please do reach out to discuss how we could set up a circle to meet your needs.