Raising her better: Why I chose a period menstrual cup early

This Mother’s Day, my daughter handed me a card she had made at school. Inside, in her best handwriting: “Thank you for always telling me the truth.”

I held it longer than she expected me to.

Because the truth she was thanking me for wasn’t about something grand. It was about periods. About a conversation I had spent years working up the courage to have. One that my own mother never had with me. 

I remember the first time I got my period — I was eleven. No one sat me down and explained anything. My mother handed me a thick pad in hushed silence, and I understood instinctively that this was not something we could freely talk about. So, I didn’t for many years.

That silence followed me into adulthood, through rashes, discomfort, and a faint sense of shame, which made me hate every period like a bad memory.

And then my daughter turned twelve.

The conversation I promised myself

Many years later, when I was blessed with my daughter, I made a quiet promise to myself. Whenever the time comes, I will not let her feel what I felt. Holding her in my hands, I promised that she would never feel ashamed and that she would have her choices.

So, we talked... really talked. We discussed about bodies, period cycles, and choices. And somewhere in that conversation, the topic of a period menstrual cup came up. She had heard about it from a friend and I had heard about it vaguely from the internet. I will be honest, I had my share of doubt, but we decided to learn together.

“But is it safe, Mamma?”

That was her first question. And honestly? It was mine too.

We did our research and even spoke to our gynaecologist. I wish my own mother had this courage to discuss and help me when it was my time. Our gynaecologist’s opinion on menstrual cups was far more reassuring than I expected. She explained that medical-grade silicone cups, when used correctly and kept clean, are considered safe for most girls.

And what’s even better is that they don’t disrupt vaginal pH and contain no bleach or fragrances. This meant that my daughter wouldn’t have to experience the rashes and discomfort I had been through. When our doctor gave her nod of approval, I knew I was choosing the best option for my daughter.

So, is a menstrual cup safe? Yes, when you choose a quality brand and follow hygiene practices, it is not only safe but often healthier than disposable alternatives like pads and tampons.

What did we discover about menstrual cup benefits?

Once we got past the initial hesitation, the list of menstrual cup benefits surprised even my inner sceptic and I was getting more confident about period menstrual cups.

Here are some of the menstrual cup benefits that our research highlighted:

• Up to 12 hours of protection: I was so relieved that using cups meant no more midnight pad changes and no waking my daughter up at 3 AM on school nights.

• Zero rashes: There will be no wings, no glue, no chemicals rubbing against her delicate skin.

• No toxic shock syndrome risk: Yes, I am not sure if you have heard about it or not, but unlike tampons, our little girls can be free of it when using period menstrual cups.

• Eco-friendly: One cup can last up to 10 years, which means that it would approximately replace thousands of disposable pads.

• Cost-effective: And as a result, a one-time investment in a cup is going to save thousands of rupees every year.

• Freedom: She can swim, dance, sleep, live — without a second thought

That last one made me a little emotional, honestly. Imagine the freedom you and I spent years not knowing we deserved.

Why did we choose Nari Yari?

Okay, so after weeks of reading and researching, we landed on Nari Yari — and I am so glad we did.

Nari Yari is proudly Made in India, founded by two women, Nisha, who cared deeply about what women were putting into their bodies and what was happening to the planet because of what they were throwing away. Their cups are made from 100% medical-grade silicone — no bleach, no fragrance, no lead, no mercury.

What I loved most was their thoughtfulness around choice. They have 12 variants with different sizes and different firmness levels, because they understand that no two bodies are the same. We picked the Soft Purple Stemless cup for my daughter (soft, gentle, designed for first-timers), and I quietly ordered the Classic Emerald Stemless period menstrual cup for myself.

The first time she tried it, she came out of the bathroom looking mildly triumphant. “It’s fine, Mamma. It’s actually fine.” I, on the other hand, had to give it a good 3-4 tries before I got it right.

I laughed until I nearly cried.

To every mother reading this

This Mother’s Day, I am not thinking about flowers or breakfast in bed (though I won’t say no to either). I am thinking more about the conversations we have — and the ones we didn’t have but should.

I am thinking about all the mothers who handed their daughters a pad in silence because that’s what their mothers did. I am thinking about how love sometimes looks like breaking a cycle, not just a menstrual one.

If you have a daughter, a niece, a younger sister — start the conversation. Tell her about choices and tell her that her comfort matters. Tell her that her body is not something to be ashamed of, managed in secret, or simply endured.

And if you are thinking about making the switch yourself — or help someone you love do the same, then Nari Yari period menstrual cups are a beautiful place to begin. It was for us.

Because the greatest thing a mother can give isn’t just love. It’s knowledge she never had — passed on with both hands.

Happy Mother’s Day💛

With love, from one mamma to another.

FAQs

1: Is a menstrual cup safe to use?

Yes. Medical-grade silicone cups contain no bleach, no fragrance, and no harsh chemicals. When kept clean, they're considered safe — and often gentler than pads or tampons.

2: Can a first-timer use a menstrual cup?

Absolutely. There's a learning curve, but most people get comfortable within 2–3 cycles. Starting with a softer cup helps.

3: How long can I wear it?

Up to 12 hours — including overnight.

4: What do gynaecologists say about menstrual cups?

Most gynaecologists consider them safe for the majority of menstruators, as they don't disturb vaginal pH or carry the TSS risk associated with tampons.

5: How long does a menstrual cup last?

Up to 10 years with proper care — making it one of the most cost-effective period products out there.

6: Can young girls or teenagers use one?

Yes. Softer, smaller variants are specifically designed for younger or first-time users.

7: Is it messy?

It can feel that way at first, but most users say within a cycle or two, it becomes second nature.