education
E Komo Mai! We are so excited and honored to create ma’i 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.
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. Brought to you by Period Company, our partner for the Sustainable Ma’i program. For more tips and information, head to Period.co.
WORKS
Period underwear is a multi-layer absorbent underwear commonly made of cotton, spandex jersey & polyester.
WEAR
Put your period underwear on. Go about your day.
MĀLAMA
Rinse your underwear in cool water and put it in the laundry bin. You’ll see some blood, but it’s okay – it’s your blood. Ma’i Pro Tip : jump in the shower with your underwear and rinse there! Don’t want to throw it in the wash? Feel free to hand wash & hang dry.
TIPS
Whenever you go to the bathroom, do a little toilet paper ‘tap tap’ to absorb any excess blood. Carry a spare in a waterproof bag in case you need to change it when you’re out.
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.
WORKS
I bet you’re wondering if a period cup is a good option for you. Always check with the manufacturing company, but we recommend a reusable cup made of 100% medical-grade silicone. Hear it from the pros themselves!
WEAR
A period cup is easier to use than you think. Boil your cup for 5 minutes before first use and then in between periods. Insert folded cup into the vagina & slide it up and back until the cup is below your cervix. Watch the video for more tips and ways to insert it.
MĀLAMA
Always read the instruction manuals that come with your cup for exact care instructions. As a rule of thumb, wash cup in clean, cool water & then wash with hot water and mild soap.
TIPS
It may take 2-3 cycles to get the hang of it – don’t give up. Remember, the right size is super important. For participants in our Sustainable Ma’i program, head to Saalt and take their quiz to find out.
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. Brought to you by PIMP, our partner for the Sustainable Ma’i program. For more tips and information, head to Partypantspads.com.
WORKS
Cloth pads are made with absorbent fabrics, breathable leak-resistant bottom layer and snaps to secure it to your underwear.
WEAR
Cloth pads are worn just like conventional pads with wings. Instead of adhesive strips, pad wings have snaps that fasten around the base of your underwear. Just remember to always place your pad flannel or cotton side up and nylon side down.
MĀLAMA
Cloth pads can be washed periodically during your cycle or all at once at the end, which ever is more convenient. As long as your cloth pads are stored in a dry, breathable place, you can wash them at your leisure. Just fold and snap your used pad into its self-contained pouch and toss it in the hamper (see video to the right). When you’re ready to wash your pads, unsnap and throw them in the wash. If you feel more comfortable, you can also rinse with cool water, hand wash and hang dry.
TIPS
Store your backup cloth pad in a waterproof bag so you have a place to stash the used pad if changing during the day.
Party In My Pants cloth pads fold up securely into individual (and super stealthy) carrying pouches. With the absorbent side face up, simply fold in the top and bottom and snap the wings together. Your pad will stay safe and clean until you can wash it. This is also a perfect way to carry your clean pads or keep a spare PIMP in your bag just in case.
Disposable
pads, liners and 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.
This is video is brought to you by Being Girl presented by Always, but there are many different brands of pads and liners like Carefree, Kotex, Rael Organic, Stayfree and Veeda Naturals . Find what works best for you!
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.
This is video is brought to you by Tampax, but there are many different brands of tampons like LOLA, Cora, Playtex, Honey Pot and o.b. Find what works best for you!
Collateral
Educational Booklet
You've done it!
You reached the end of your ma’i management education. A copy of our Educational Booklet can be found in the next section. If you are part of the Sustainable Ma’i program, please complete the Learning Check and choose your free sustainable period product. You’ll receive the educational booklet and product from your Program Lead. For additional resources, head to our Support Page or send us a message if you still have questions.
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
