We all remember the moment that we "blossomed" into womanhood, but how many of us were surrounded by older sisters and women who felt the need to celebrate mothers natures rights of passage? Author Chu-Chu Onwuachi-Saunders, MD., MPH. has created a book that not only celebrates our girls and their coming into womanhood through her latest book entitled Ooops!, but she offers a great read for girls who may still be in question about whats going on with their bodies and includes Ooops! stickers, journaling pages & a calendar to remember those special days! Chu-Chu takes a moment to chat with us about what makes this book so special, what we can look forward to from the Ooops! series in the future, and the beauty of raising our daughters.

ymib: What experiences prompted you to write your book Ooops!?

Chu-Chu: In the mid nineties, when I was serving as Deputy Health Commissioner in Philadelphia, I was asked to speak at an all girl middle school assembly on violence prevention. At that time the school authorities where concerned with the rising numbers of young females engaging in violent activities. I’m not sure why, but on this occasion, I asked the girls what they wanted to talk about and they replied “their “period”. It was during this session that they revealed their myths and stereotypes about this significant pubertal milestone and I decided something had to change. I realized that the young girls in this assembly represented what thousands of other young girls must also be thinking all over the world. Thus, the divine thought for OOOPS! was conveyed at that moment. So, with my sister, we created the book.

ymib: What sort of responses have you been getting from mothers and educators. We’re sure that a book like yours must be very much needed within our communities, wouldn’t you say?

Chu-Chu: The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Many women have said this is such “a wonderful idea” and always ask “where was this when I was growing up?” Then they usually follow that with a big smile. Yes, OOOPS! is very much needed because today many young girls are still having and harboring negative thoughts about themselves when they begin or have their periods. Also many educators are reporting that because mothers or caretakers are not having the initial dialogue with their daughters, that they often have to do it themselves. Hence, they see this book as a great way to start facilitating that conversation.

ymib: Please share your ideas...what sort of creative things can we do with our daughters when they begin or are having their “Ooops” time?

Chu-Chu: First of all, support her in setting aside time for herself during this special event every month. This is her time when she can focus on herself, engage in self-care and reflect on her inner beauty and greatness. Then, together you can read passages to each other from a fairy tale or other interesting book over hot chocolate or lemonade, and even laugh together. Or have a girls- night- in evening where you eat pizza together and paint each other’s toe nails and talk about whatever. Or watch a movie together and eat popcorn. Or have a candle light dinner together at home or in a restaurant and hold hands. Or… I think you get the idea.

ymib: What made you choose the girls to be twins?

Chu-Chu: Twins allowed us to portray two different reactions many girls have as it relates to getting their periods at the same time. It could have been two best friends, but the likelihood of them both experiencing this gift at the same time would not have been high. Twins offered a more creative style of presenting the contrasting thoughts. Twins also have a level of intimacy that is hard for even close friends to replicate, and they share more with one another than close friends or even sisters would ever share.

ymib: We see that the book is to be continued...how exciting! What are some of the topics that you hope to cover within your future “Ooops!” books?

Chu-Chu: Well, that is an OOOPS! secret and will be revealed in the near future but I promise the next one will be even more exciting and filled with as much love.

ymib: Having a strong bond with our children is of course important, and having a mother to daughter bond is truly special. What do you cherish most about your relationship with your daughter, and what things would you like to see mothers, & women for that matter do more often with their girls?

Chu-Chu: Always communicating love, honesty and integrity (being impeccable with your word) to each other, is what my daughter and I cherish most. That means that even if you are not always saying what the other wants to hear, because it always comes from a place of love within and is authentic, whatever the message, it can be heard by the other. I dream and pray of a time when all women and their daughters are in a place of self love and acceptance; that they truly understand who they are and that they all have something wonderful to offer and share with each other and the rest of the world. When a critical mass of girls and women around the globe understand and embrace their self- worth and inner beauty there will be a phenomenal paradigm shift on the planet. This I know for sure.

ymib: You are also a pediatrician. Tell us, did you have any interesting experiences with dealing with young girls when they started their cycles, and if so, what did you tell them or their mothers about their new experience?

Chu-Chu: Most girls were unaware of what to expect because their parent or caretaker had the intention of having the “talk” but for various reasons just didn’t get around to it. I often told the young girls much of what is shared in the book; they should not be ashamed of or think negatively about their menarche or menstrual cycle. That their period is really a “gift” that should be cherished. They should always feel special and grateful to have one because along the way they will meet someone who will wish they could have one or some who will wish it would return when it is gone.

ymib: In your book, you touch on many of the mis-conceptions that are tagged to starting our menstrual cycles, especially as young girls. In your opinion, why do you think there are so many mis-conceptions in their minds?

Chu-Chu: Misconceptions arise when one is not informed. Many young girls are not informed and therefore do not know what to expect. On the other hand, if they are informed by a woman who has inhibitions or feels negative, those inhibitions and that negativity is transferred to her. Therefore mothers, caretakers, all women need to come to grips with their own feelings before they share. I also believe that many of the misconceptions have been born out of our experiences in “male-dominated” cultures. Women’s issues and needs were for many years not in the forefront or allowed to be discussed publicly or privately. OOOPS! is about informing young girls about their authentic self no matter their cultural, geographic or socio-economic boundary.…

ymib: In your opinion, at what age should we start discussing our cycles with our daughters?

Chu-Chu: One must always take into consideration the girl’s physical, mental and emotional development. Her spiritual self can handle it. Once the topic is presented simply and, positively (as in OOOPS!) and not as a burden, then seven or eight years of age is not too young.

ymib: I know that painful cramps can be quite scary for a young girl, what advice could you give to mothers whose daughters are experiencing this, and do you know of any natural aids that one could try to alleviate their little ones pain without depending on aspirin/drugs?

Chu-Chu: First explain to them as simply as you can what cramps are and why they occur. (See the OOOPS! Glossary) Then acknowledge the young girl when she is having them. Comfort and nurture her at this time. Do what you can to help her feel better. Warm pads, massage, and bed rest are helpful. But remind her that she is the only one that can really make herself feel better. If the cramps become very painful one should consult their health care provider. There are many natural remedies now available and I encourage Moms and caretakers to try them on themselves first so that they can have a better idea of how effective the remedy might be.

ymib: What statement, affirmation or inspirational quote would you give to a young lady about becoming a woman or womanhood?

Chu-Chu: First of all, I always remind a young girl that no matter what anyone tells her she has not become a “woman” because she has started her period. That is an old thought that needs to remain in the past. “You are still a beautiful young girl that has just had a wonderful physical change. You have been given a “gift”. A gift that for now will remind U to stop and take care of U. Womanhood is wonderful but it takes more than this to make you a woman. But, if you can accept this gift as the mirror that will allow you to see and love your inner beauty I can assure you that when you become that “woman” you will be the best of the best.

Click here to purchase The Ooops! Book, and for more information on the OOOPS! book and the products, please visit the web site at www.theooopsbook.com