Laois Menstrual Cycle Coach Paula Byrne Urges Men to Join Period Conversations

In a significant shift towards greater inclusivity, Paula Byrne, the owner of Apple Blossom Holistic in Abbeyleix, Laois, is making strides to bring men into conversations surrounding menstrual health. As a professional menstrual cycle coach, Byrne coaches women and teenagers through their menstrual cycles and the menopause, and she advocates for an informed society that understands the importance of educating everyone about periods.

The Call for Male Participation

During her workshops in businesses and secondary schools, Byrne has observed a common practice: schools often limit her talks to female students, regardless of whether the school is all-girls or co-educational. This approach, she believes, perpetuates a stigma surrounding menstruation within the educational system.

“When I am in front of a class, only girls are present, whether it’s an all-girls school or a mixed school. They exclude boys and prefer me to address the girls alone,” Byrne explained.

But Byrne sees the value in including boys in these discussions.

“We need more boys involved in these conversations. Understanding menstrual cycles is important, and men should have a basic knowledge of period products and what to buy if sent to the shop,” she says.

The Mindful Cycle Approach

Byrne’s approach to menstrual coaching, called the ‘Mindful Cycle Approach,’ integrates mindfulness techniques to help women understand their body’s cycles. Drawing from her background as a primary school teacher, Byrne incorporates her experience with mindfulness teaching to develop educational programs.

“During my training with Lisa De Jong, I gained a deeper awareness of my emotions and energy throughout the month. I now enjoy my monthly cycle, and the dread of my period is gone,” she shares.

Supported by Social Entrepreneurs Ireland, Byrne has created this approach to improve body literacy and menstrual education for individuals, schools, and parents. Her goal is to help people understand that the menstrual cycle is influenced by diet, stress, and exercise, and that it doesn’t have to be painful.

Pictured: Ms Paula Byrne, menstrual cycle facilitator at Apple Blossom Holistic.

Challenges Faced

Byrne’s personal journey also highlights the challenges faced by many women regarding menstruation. Diagnosed with endometriosis, she initially struggled to find supportive medical care. Her path to acceptance and understanding her cycles has been both a personal and educational endeavor.

“I wasn’t always this open about periods. I never spoke about my struggles with endometriosis or the pain I lived with. The thought of missing work due to pain was mortifying,” she notes.

Much has changed since those days, with increased awareness and dialogue surrounding women’s health. However, Byrne remains critical of the medical industry’s tendency to prescribe birth control as a first-line treatment for menstrual issues.

“If there’s an issue involving women’s health, the pill is often the first thing prescribed. It masks the problem without addressing the underlying causes,” she explains.

The Role of Education

Byrne acknowledges the progress made in recent years towards open discussions about women’s health, yet she stresses the need for more comprehensive education. She believes teenagers today are more receptive to such talks, yet schools persist in maintaining stigmas.

“There’s still a lot of stigma within the educational system, despite the open discussions we see in society. Students are more informed due to online resources, but it’s the teachers and administrators who need to embrace more inclusive teaching methods,” Byrne asserts.

Support from Within

Despite these challenges, Byrne has found support in her husband, who has been part of her journey since the beginning.

“My own husband is amazing. He has been on this journey with me since the very start, and he knows just as much about menstrual cycles as I do. He’s comfortable talking about periods, and that’s incredibly important,” she says.

Conclusion

Paula Byrne’s work underscores the importance of education and open dialogue about menstrual health. By encouraging boys and men to participate in these discussions, she aims to create a more informed and supportive community. Her ‘Mindful Cycle Approach’ offers a holistic method for understanding and managing menstrual cycles, and her initiatives highlight the ongoing need for change in how we address women’s health issues.

For those interested in learning more, Apple Blossom Holistic’s website and Facebook page provide valuable resources and support.

Pictured: Ms Byrne giving a workshop on menstrual cycles

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