EDUCATION
E Komo Mai! We are so excited and honored to create maʻi management education that is gender-inclusive and locally-inspired. Our hope was to create education that we wish we had growing up that speaks to people of Hawai’i regardless of age, race, identity or background.
Your ma’i is a powerful part of becoming and we want to kōkua in that journey and help you learn how to mālama your body, mind and ma’i.
If you are participating in our Sustainable Ma’i program, please continue below to read through all information and watch the videos. A link to the Learning Check is available at the end of the Education Series.
Introduction
ALL ABOUT ME
Everyone goes through a stage called puberty as they grow up. It is a time when your body changes and becomes more like an adult’s. Your biology says how your body grows and it affects how you develop and change during puberty.
It can be both exciting and confusing as you go through new changes in your body, brain, mind and behavior. Some people’s biology means that you start getting your period during puberty.
Gender is how we see ourselves, such as boy, girl, māhū, or something else. Biology is in our bodies, while gender is in our hearts and minds.
Sometimes gender and biology are closely aligned, and sometimes they are not. This means that people of any gender can experience periods. Knowing your body inside and out will help you to better understand and advocate for yourself.
We want to kōkua in that journey and help you learn how to mālama your body, mind, and ma’i.
Sustainable
Period Underwear
A reusable option used to soak up the menstrual flow from outside your vagina that is worn like a normal underwear and should be changed as needed.
Sustainable
Period Cups
A reusable option used to catch the flow from inside your vagina that is inserted into the vagina, and should be emptied and cleaned every 8-12 hours. Brought to you by Saalt, our partner for the Sustainable Ma’i program. For more tips and information, head to Saalt.com.
Sustainable
Cloth Pads
A reusable option used to soak up the menstrual flow from outside your vagina that is worn inside your underwear. Cloths pads should be changed 1-6 times per day depending on cycle.
Disposable
Pads, Liners & Tampons
Pads are a disposable option used to soak up the menstrual flow from outside your vagina that is worn inside your underwear. Pads need to be changed at least every 4-8 hours. Some pads have wings or tabs on the sides, like the picture below, but there are some pads without. Liners are like pads but thinner and good for light days.
Tampons are a disposable option used to soak up the menstrual flow from inside your vagina. They can be inserted with your fingers or an applicator tube with a a short string at the end to remove it later.
We could not have brought you this education without the contributions of some amazing humans & our partners.
Dr. Trina Orimoto, Child Psychologist
Dr. Lyn Lam, Obstetrician-Gynecologyst, Urogynecologist
Dr. Malia Rasa, Pediatrician
Itai Bradsahw-Lang, RN, BSN
Artwork Contributions by
TeAta Gutierrez
Kawaipunahele Salazar
Maile Miyake
