LAPLACE — Doctors from Rainbow Pediatrics are delivering a “Girl Power” educational talk to girls ages 9 to 11 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday to address age-appropriate health topics and foster open communication between young girls and their mothers.

Held at the Norris J. Millet Sr. Library on U.S. 51 in LaPlace, the session will last approximately an hour and aims to make young girls feel comfortable with their changing bodies and hygiene needs.

Dr. Wendi DeFrank and Dr. Nicole Jones of Rainbow Pediatrics will serve as event speakers.

The free session is generally held once or twice a year, and girls and mothers often come in feeling nervous and walk out with a new sense of understanding and confidence, according to DeFrank.

“The girls listen intently,” DeFrank said.

“The moms tend to be the ones who are more giggly and nervous because it’s an emotional time and a big change.”

She said the talk opens an avenue for healthy communication.

“I think it gives mothers a platform to know how to continue discussions about growing up,” DeFrank said.

“It also debunks myths girls and mothers may have heard and makes it less frightening. It gives the girls confidence. They look around and see all the other girls and think, ‘OK, I can do this.’”

Topics covered are appropriate for 9 to 11 year olds, DeFrank said, emphasizing the lesson centers around puberty, shaving and the importance of wearing deodorant and washing one’s face.

Girls will be given free goody bags with hygiene items during the event.

More than 25 girls and their mothers have already signed up for “Girl Power,” DeFrank said, and space is limited.

However, parents are still invited to call Rainbow Pediatrics at 985-652-4400 to check availability or be placed on a waiting list for the next session, which will most likely be held in the early spring.