The Untold Stories of Menstruation
A dive into Constantina & Nicolassa's Insights within the Indigenous Community of Hueyapan, Morelos, Mexico.
In the realm of women's health, the topic of menstruation has long been shrouded in secrecy and silence. Throughout history, many cultures have held taboos around discussing periods openly, resulting in a lack of knowledge and understanding. In this blog, we delve into the experiences and insights of Constantina and Nicolassa, two women from the Indigenous Community of Hueyapan, Mexico, where menstruation has traditionally been a guarded subject. Through their narratives, we uncover stories of childbirth, traditional practices, cultural beliefs, and the evolving attitudes toward menstruation in their community.
“I never talk about this topic, so thank you for listening and for allowing me to share my story.”
Nicolassa's Journey as a Community Midwife
Nicolassa shares her journey as a community midwife, reflecting on her early experiences and the trust placed in her by the locals. She explains, "After I gave birth to my children, people started calling for me. They trusted me because I had done it by myself. That's how I started as a midwife." Nicolassa learned the art of midwifery from a woman who served as the community midwife before her, passing on her knowledge and skills. Nicolassa's reliance on a tea made from the plant "zoapactle" highlights the community's limited resources for pain relief during labour.
The Shift in Traditional Midwifery Practices
Discussing the changes in midwifery practices, Nicolassa reveals the impact of government regulations. "They stopped us from practising about six years ago. The government said women needed to see a doctor. We got scared and didn't want to get into trouble." Despite the ban, Nicolassa acknowledges that some women still seek the assistance of traditional midwives, particularly those who cannot afford medical care. She adds, "These traditional midwives don't ask for much money, they just accept whatever people want to give them."
Comprehensive Care for Mothers and Babies
Nicolassa emphasises the holistic approach of traditional midwives, extending their care beyond childbirth. She explains, "My job is not done after the baby is born; I take care of the mother too." She highlights the importance of postnatal care, including washing the newborns and tending to the mother's needs during her 40-day bed rest period. Nicolassa also mentions the use of traditional plant-based remedies, saying, "We cure people with traditional plants. We use herbs and plants for massages to help them heal faster.”
Menstruation and Cultural Attitudes
Constantina and Nicolassa open up about their personal experiences with menstruation and the cultural attitudes surrounding it. Constantina shares her memories of fear and confusion when she first started menstruating, recalling her grandmother's reaction. She explains, "When I found out I was bleeding, my grandmother yelled at me and asked if I had killed someone! I was scared and didn't know what was happening." Nicolassa adds, "They never talked about it. It was shameful for them, so they never told their daughters."
Fortunately, Constantina's father played a supportive role in helping her understand and manage her menstruation. However, cultural norms discouraged open discussions about periods, especially among young girls.
Nicolassa adds her own perspective, highlighting the lasting impact that the initial fear of menstruation had on her. She shares, "When I got my first period, I was so scared, and I thought it was always going to be this way; that I was always going to be bleeding, every day."
Constantina, with a touch of humour, interjects, "Why would I kill someone at the age of 12?!"
Their shared laughter momentarily lightens the weight of the topic, revealing the absurdity of the misconceptions surrounding menstruation in their community.
Changing Perspectives on Menstruation
In recent times, there has been a gradual shift in attitudes toward menstruation. Mothers now actively educate their daughters about this natural process, and schools also play a role in providing information.
Acknowledging the evolving attitudes toward menstruation, Constantina expresses her support for young girls being informed about periods but also emphasises the importance of age-appropriate discussions. She says, "It doesn't look good for little girls, age 8 or 9, to talk about it. They should just have fun and play and be allowed to enjoy childhood before confronting the challenges of womanhood. When they are old enough, the little girls won't be scared anymore."
Despite these changes, Nicolassa emphasises that the topic remains deeply personal and private, particularly when discussed with men.
Exploring the Menstrual Cycle and Contraception
When asked about the menstrual cycle's different phases, Constantina maintains a sense of confidentiality, citing discomfort in discussing such details with a man (our translator). She reveals that breast pain often signals the onset of menstruation and highlights the individual nature of each woman's cycle. Additionally she clarifies, “Before contraceptives, the menstruation cycle of 28 was more regular, more precise. Now the cycle is more irregular.”
Conclusion
The stories of Constantina and Nicolassa shed light on the intricacies of menstruation within their community. Their experiences reflect the complex interplay between tradition, cultural beliefs, and evolving attitudes toward menstruation. Through their narratives, we witness the resilience of women who navigate the challenges of childbirth, the shifting landscape of traditional midwifery and the slow but steady progress in breaking the silence surrounding menstruation.