Navigating puberty has proven to be one of most challenging and uncomfortable journeys for young girls.
In most cases, the girl child is often left to deal and manage this crucial phase alone.
Renowned obstetrician-gynaecologist and sexologist as well as founder of health and information consultancy We See You, Dr Mpume Zenda (aka Dr Gynae on social media) hopes to empower and provide solutions for every girl child entering puberty in her latest book called Mommy, My Body Is Changing: A Girl in Bloom’s Trusty Handbook for Growing Up.
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Her daughter was the inspiration behind the book, Dr Zenda reveals.
After watching her struggle with her puberty journey, “It hit me like a ton of bricks!” she exclaims.
“As I reflected on how my puberty experience was, I realised how mad I was with my mom for the longest time. I thought my first period and overall puberty journey was going to be a walk in the park since my mom was a nurse but that was not the case – our interactions were awkward, cold and hostile. However, when I look back, I now have so much compassion for my mom, she did her best with what she had at that time. It also made me realize, if my own mother who’s a nurse could not have a conversation with me and was not aware what is appropriate to discuss with me, what makes me think of parents who don’t have the medical inclination know how to?”
Besides, the girl child, Mommy, My Body Is Changing is also dedicated to the parents or/ and guardians. “With every chapter we address both the child and the parent, the girl child needs all the support during this time.”
Apart from preparing the girl child for her first period, Dr Zenda’s mission is to dispel myths and taboos associated with puberty and menstruation by also addressing critical issues.
- PUBERTY & BODY IMAGE
One of the most intense changes the girl child goes through during puberty is physical change. It’s during this phase that she begins to have obsessive thoughts and feelings about herself and her body. Dr Zenda assures the girl child that experiencing mood swings as well as gaining weight is normal and an essential part of biological change. She also provides them with tips and tools on how to create boundaries and build their self-esteem.
- THE INVOLVEMENT OF MEN
Involving men and boys in menstrual knowledge and training activities is a core element of confronting numerous factors that contribute to gender inequality.
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Dr Zenda suggests it’s important for men to be part of the conversation. “We have to move from the intimate conversations and heal relationships in the household but then how is it impacting our communities? How do men get involved?" This is why she felt it was paramount to include a male perceptive. In the book, one of her good friends, professional therapist & coach, Hakeem Anderson Lesolang shares his thoughts and tips on how men can be useful and helpful in big or small ways.
- INCLUSIVE GUIDE TO PUBERTY
As conversations around menstruation and puberty shift and evolve, it is important for parents and guardians to consider and discuss gender identity. Mommy, My Body Is Changing explores ways confidants can be straightforward, supportive and inclusive. In the book, South African artist and visual activist Zanele Muholi, who identifies as non-binary, shares a heartfelt and different menstruation experience. Muholi also debunks ideas about the queer body, and also reveals that everyone who has a female body experiences puberty and menstruation uniquely.
- IT TAKES A VILLAGE
“My reason for putting this book together is not only to teach and guide girl children about taking care of their bodies etc but to also remind them to take good care of the environment, their peers and people around them," says Dr Zenda.
Not only that, but Mommy, My Body Is Changing challenges the reader to think beyond sanitaryware drives, she adds. “Pad drives are a good start but I feel we need to do more as a community. More information is needed and functional and realistic period kits which can be used at school and at home. Puberty is more than periods, some girls struggle hormonal acne which affects their confidence and self-esteem, some girls struggle with PMDD which affects their mental health, the list goes on, we need a nuanced approach of dealing with puberty”, Dr Zenda proposes.
Mommy, My Body’s Changing: A Girl in Bloom’s Trusty Handbook for Growing Up retails for R320 and is available on publisher.co.za and at Exclusive Books stores nationwide.
