Chapter 1
What is HER BLOSSOM?
Her Blossom is a hygiene care guide that was created with love and care to help young women feel confident and comfortable as they grow into themselves. Itâs a gentle guide for learning the little things about feminine hygiene that each young lady should know. This guide aims to teach each young female how to get and stay prepared, how to take care of your body, and how to feel good in YOUR own skin. At heart, Her Blossom is about reminding every girl that caring for yourself is something to be proud of and not ashamed of. Upon completion of this course, every young lady will truly blossom with confidence, comfort, grace- and ultimately, pay it forward.
đż Daily Hygiene Habits
Cleanliness isnât JUST about the clothes you wear, and freshness isnât JUST about perfume or sprays- itâs about simple yet essential habits:
Shower/Bathe DAILY or sometimes multiple times a day depending on your level of activity. This helps to keep bacteria away and prevent issues caused by bad bacteria (will elaborate on bacteria later in lesson).
Use an unscented feminine wash *ONLY* for your private area. Scented soaps/body washes could cause an imbalance in your pH which could lead to unpleasant symptoms such as odor and irritation.
If you have started to grow hair underneath your arms or in your private area- make sure that you clean those areas very thoroughly because hair holds odors.
Wear âcottonâ underwear as often as possible so your skin can breathe. This prevents unwanted moisture which could harbor bacteria and yeast.
Wear panty liners often to collect unwanted moisture which helps prevent odor and/or infection.
After using the restroom wipe from FRONT TO BACK to avoid introducing bacteria into your *urethra and causing an infection.
Change out of gym/sports clothes quickly DO NOT sit in sweaty underwear as this could create a moisturized environment for bacteria and yeast to thrive. Ultimately leading to odor, irritation, and possibly infections. NEVER rewear previously worn underwear without washing them. Always put on clean underwear after every bath.
đ¸ It is absolutely ok to wear perfumes, body mists, scented lotions/oils, etc- just be sure to avoid your private areas when applying them.
What can I do?
Choose one hygiene tip to focus on this week- maybe switching to cotton underwear or setting a specific time for your daily shower. Write it down and check it off each day.
⤠Protecting Your pH Balance
Your private area has a pH balance (which stands for Power/Potential of Hydrogen). When your pH balance is off it can cause irritation, odor, and/or a yeast or bacterial infection. Hereâs how to keep things healthy:
Stick to mild, unscented soap, feminine wash, or just warm water to clean the outer area of your private part. (Do not use super hot water as your private area is very sensitive and it could cause irritation or burning)
NEVER *douche or insert any type of soap/substance into your private area. (This washes away the healthy bacteria you need and could make you more prone to contracting *BV- bacterial vaginosis or a yeast infection).
Avoid scented soaps, sprays, powders, or perfumes down there.
Drink plenty of water and eat healthy- what you eat and drink can also affect your pH balance.
Too much sugar or junk foods could cause a yeast infection or make it worse if you already have one.
*It is ok to use scented soaps, sprays, and scented lotions on your body just avoid putting it on your private area.
What Can I Do?
Drink an extra glass of water and choose a healthy snack right now. Look at the products youâre using in the showerâare they unscented? If not, talk with a parent or guardian about finding a gentler option.
đ° Signs Something Might Be Off
Pay close attention to your body. Recognize and memorize how your body functions in its normal state. This makes it easier to identify when something is abnormal or when changes occur in your regular bodily function. .
If you notice:
Strong, unusual, or fishy odor
Itching or burning
Discharge that is yellow, green, grey or thick like cottage cheese
Some discharge is normal. It will appear clear, white, or slightly yellow in color. It will have very little to no odor and will be less than a teaspoon a day. Do not be alarmed, this is part of your private partâs self cleaning process.
Pain during urination or cramps outside of your cycle
âŚit may mean your pH is off or you have an infection. Donât panicâtalk to a trusted adult or see a doctor. This is so that you can get help and prevent the issue from getting worse.
What Can I Do?
Pay attention to your body. If you notice any unusual smells, itching, or discharge, write down what youâre experiencing and talk to a trusted adult or healthcare professional. Remember, asking for help is a form of selfâcare.