Periods get a pretty bad rap. The bloating, the stained underwear, the cramps (oh the cramps) – it’s fair to say there’s not a lot about your menstrual cycle that will put a smile on your face.

But one innovative bakery in the US has set out to change that by “helping women to redefine their time of the month” with its delicious – and apparently period-pain alleviating – baked goods.

Moon Cycle Bakery hopes to make those usually dreaded five to seven (ish) days a more positive experience by encouraging women to put down their hot water bottles and unfurl from the foetal position to see their periods as a time for celebrating “enhanced creativity, a stronger connection to our intuition, and an opportunity to shed layers – both literally and figuratively”.

The bakery describes itself on its website as “a baked goods delivery service encouraging individuals to celebrate the magic that lives within their cycle and nourish their bodies while still feeling satisfied” and invites “women of all races, genders, ethnicities, abilities, sizes to take the time to reconnect and redefine her relationship with this sacred moon time”.

But do not worry if your period leaves you feeling the opposite of someone celebrating their “enhanced creativity” – the service is actually all about sweet treats.

Specifically, in a bid to inspire women to actually look forward to their periods, Moon Cycle Bakery works on a subscription basis delivering delicious (and beneficial) delicacies to customer’s doors every month. 

The idea of soothing menstrual woes with comfort food is nothing new, but the bakery intends to provide treats that help ease period pain too.

Among the nibblesome concoctions listed on the menu are Matcha Coconut Bites, which are high in fibre and omega three (to relieve cramping) and ginger, which soothes period-induced headaches. 

The Chocolate Cups also sound like a delight, sweetened with natural ingredients to avoid sugar spiking (which can make us more tired when on our period) and using cacao, which is full of magnesium to help relax muscles.

The only (and rather large) catch is that Moon Cycle Bakery is currently only available in the US, and won’t be available to sign up to until mid-December when the company officially launches following its successful Kickstarter campaign.

Although Moon Cycle Bakery is unique in its home-baked style and empowering concept (read up on the historical belief that women were most powerful when menstruating and we dare you not to feel like a badass), there are some options closer to home if you like the idea of a cheerful package turning up at the same time as your period every month.

Pink Parcel for example, is a monthly subscription box that delivers sanitary products, herbal tea, a beauty treat and a sweet pick-me-up for £12.99. Similarly Ms Flow offers a selection of teas, candles, soaps and beauty products to get you through, priced from £12.99.

You could also try cooking up your own storm in the kitchen armed with some of the natural ingredients that are known to alleviate period pains. 

Swedish health app Lifesum’s resident nutritionist Frida Harju-Westman gave us a heads up on some of the best (and most delicious) foodstuffs you can eat to help with bloating and cramping. According to Harju-Westman, there’s one particular fruit that’s a must-have, she says: “Bananas contain nutrients like the vitamin B6, which helps to reduce cramping, but they are also known for their high potassium content which helps to reduce water retention within the body, therefore helping to reduce bloating, a common symptom during your period.”

She also recommends sipping on some peppermint tea to help ease stomach pains, saying, “It’s a good idea to try and avoid caffeine during your period, as this can increase your water retention and make you bloated, as well as sometimes elevating symptoms of PMS such as mood swings and irritability.

“However, while its best to avoid caffeine, there are many types of herbal teas which may actually help to soothe symptoms during your period. For instance, peppermint tea helps to soothe unsettled stomachs and ginger tea can help to reduce nausea and alleviate menstrual cramps.”

Here’s to trying our best to look at our periods in a more positive light. 

Images: Pink Parcel / Moon Cycle Bakery