Whether you refer to it as that ‘time of the month’, ‘Aunt Flow’, ‘a period’ or ‘monthly visitor’, there’s no doubt about it — talking about a menstrual cycle with your daughter can be a tricky subject to raise.

But according to As-Utchamet (aka Nicole Stovell), it can make all the difference in a young woman’s personal development and body image.

She will be hosting a First Moon Workshop at the Healing Centre, located at 21 Euclid Avenue, Pembroke, on June 1 from 2pm until 4pm.

It aims to show parents how they can celebrate young women once they reach puberty and ensure they feel comfortable and confident, rather than ashamed of the changes to their bodies.

“We tend to prepare our daughters from a physical standpoint about menstruation, tell them what products to use and explain that they are now in a stage where they can get pregnant.

“And while these things are very important pieces, there is a whole other range of emotional and psychological things that come with Coming of Age.

“In Western culture we don’t fully embrace that, but it’s something from my vantage point that should be celebrated and helps girls to think about menstruation in a whole new light.”

As-Utchamet said many people still use negative language when talking about their ‘flow’ and considered it something ‘dirty’, but the two-hour workshop will teach parents the right way to broach the issue.

It will also give people tips and advice on how a holistic diet, certain herbs and exercise can ease some of the symptoms associated with their monthly cycle, like PMS.

By giving parents the right tools, the goal is to help young girls have the best possible experience each month, as opposed to dreading it as many women do.

Although some people might be rolling their eyes about not, As-Utchamet believes this stage in life can actually be a positive one for girls.

“If a young woman slows down she will notice she may be more intuitive and sensitive to certain things and there’s nothing wrong with that,” she said.

“The purpose of the workshop is to turn those negative beliefs on its head. It’s nothing to be ashamed of and something to be embraced.

“Some of the discomfort and things that women experience around that, which are not so pleasant, often have to do with them not getting enough rest or eating enough green vegetables versus ‘this is the plight of women’.

She said some parts of the world actually have festivities around a women’s Coming of Age.

As-Utchamet therefore encourages parents to create their own celebration and make their daughters feel special about the developmental milestone.

“You want to do something that is suited to your own child,” she explained. “You can give her a flower, which is representative of females, or take her to dinner and give her a small gift, something that speaks to her becoming a woman.

“Some will give their daughter a ring with a jewel that’s red or a pearl, which speaks to her femininity.

“Some families choose to do something more elaborate that incorporates all the women in their family.”

But she warns that it’s best to talk to your daughter and get her input, before embarrassing her with a room full of people.

As-Utchamet started hosting these workshops last year after reflecting on her own personal journey.

She said Coming of Age wasn’t a stage that was celebrated in her household; in fact it’s not something typically honoured in Western society as a whole.

“The outcome that I’m looking for from this workshop is that girls will be more confident and handle their bodies and treat themselves in a much more gentle fashion,” she said. “I want them to view their bodies and men’s in a more positive light and be more open to holistic pregnancy and birth in ten or 20 years when the time comes to have a child.

“I also want them to not to be afraid of their bodies and to learn to listen to them. This will put them in a position where they are able to reflect on whether they need to adjust their diet or exercise habits, rather than just popping a pill for any pain or discomfort. It will help girls to look at things from a different perspective and move through these trying times in a more positive light.”

As-Utchamet, who runs In Love Consulting Services, encourages those interested in attending the workshop to call her on 238-3917 or e-mail: inloveconsulting@gmail.com. Tickets are $50 and spaces are limited.