A new book Mommy, my body’s changing by sexologist Dr Mpume Zenda seeks to create a positive experience for young girls
By CityLife Arts Writer
Entering puberty is a special, yet often tumultuous and confusing time for young girls, especially when solid advice and mentorship are scarce and social systems do not support it. Mommy, my body’s changing seeks to create a positive experience for young girls entering puberty by educating and empowering them and their parents/guardians in a simple, non-threatening, culturally appropriate and celebratory manner.
Leading Ob-Gynae-Sexologist Dr Mpume Zenda dispels myths and taboos associated with puberty and menstruation and shares practical advice and down-to-earth wisdom to empower young girls to effectively manage and embrace this new stage of their lives with dignity, awareness, and self-love. This book also helps to:
• Create a safe space and trusting environment for adolescent girls to confide in their parents/guardians when faced with reproductive issues.
• Instil a culture and attitude that celebrates a girl’s coming of age.
• Prepare girls for menstruation and the physical, emotional, and psychological changes that it brings.
• Provide parents and caregivers with accurate, yet appropriate information when having those ‘difficult conver-sations’.
Target market
All girls approaching or in puberty (8–16 years old) and their parents, caregivers, other female family figures; educators and councillors.
Written by a leading Ob-Gynae-Sexologist in South Africa with a South African demographic and cultural mindset in mind. Not only does it address the physical aspects of puberty and menstruation, but it also covers mental and emotional wellbeing, grooming, and self-care. It is highly motivating and affirming. Sections of the book have been created for parents and caregivers on how to guide and support their girls. The layout is engaging and printed full colour throughout.
About the author
In addition to her work in medicine, Dr Gynae is also a highly respected social media influencer with a dedicated following. She is best known for her regular appearances on Mzansi Magic’s TV show, Sunday Sexy Love, where she helps celebrity couples navigate their relationships and intimacy. Additionally, Dr Gynae is a frequent guest doctor on Showmax’s online show, Sex and Pleasure, where she shares her knowledge and expertise on sexual health and wellness.
She has developed a hygiene bag and journal to accompany the book and plans a cross-country roadshow to promote the book and products.
Publication Detail
Title: Mommy, MY BODY’S CHANGING A girl in bloom’s trusty handbook for growing up
Author: Dr. Mpume Zenda
Publisher: Quickfox Publishing
Distributor: Blue Weaver
Genre: YAN024050 YA Non-Fiction, Maturing / JNF024050 Juvenile Non-Fiction, Maturing / JNF053010, Juvenile Non-Fiction, Adolescence
Format: Paperback • Portrait
Dimensions: 140 x 191 mm deep
Number of Pages: 240
Publication Date: October 2023
RRP: R 320.00
ISBN: 978-0-639-76263-0
Availability: www.publisher.co.za, Amazon, Takealot and all good bookshops. The book is available in Print, Epub and kindle.
.Mommy, my body’s changingwill be launched at Exclusive Books Rosebank Mall on Thursday, 2 November 2023 at 6pm.