Postpartum padsicles are on my list of must-have items for postpartum recovery. The hospital I work at provides them for new moms after their delivery, and they’re amazing! I didn’t realize just how great they were until I had my first baby and experienced them for myself. They not only provide pain relief but also aid in the postpartum healing process.
If you are a pregnant mama preparing for postpartum or just had your new baby, read on to learn all about postpartum padsicles and a DIY step-by-step for homemade padsicles.
What are Postpartum Padsicles?
Postpartum padsicles are frozen sanitary pads (also known as maxi pads) that include soothing ingredients such as aloe vera gel, witch hazel, and sometimes essential oils. They act as cold packs to help with pain relief as well as the healing process after a vaginal delivery.
You can make your own padsicles from maxi pads or even the adult diapers that many new moms like to wear post delivery to be more comfortable. There is also the option to buy pre-made postpartum padsicles (my favorites are included below!).
Things You’ll Need for DIY Padsicles
1. Maxi Pads
One of my favorite maxi pads to use for postpartum padsicles are the Always Overnight Maxi Pads. They include wing tabs and are large enough to cover a lot of your perineal area, which gives a better cooling effect. They are very absorbent and also useful for the postpartum bleeding you will have for the next few weeks.
If you’re looking for an organic option, I also love the Honey Pot Clean Cotton Postpartum Pads. They are already infused with soothing essential oils, so you would just need to add the aloe and witch hazel. The Honey Pot pads are large as well and also perfect throughout your postpartum recovery.
Click here to buy on Amazon (Always) | Click here to buy on Amazon (Honey Pot)
2. Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera gel is rich in antioxidants and vitamins which contain healing properties.
My favorite aloe vera gels to use are the Pura D’Or Organic Aloe Vera Gel or the Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera 100% Gel.
You can also use your favorite aloe vera gel you have on hand. I recommend an alcohol-free formula since alcohol can be drying. And you’re putting it on your lady parts which is a very delicate area, especially postpartum.
Click here to buy on Amazon (Pura D’or) | Click here to buy on Amazon (Fruit of the Earth)
3. Witch Hazel
When using Witch Hazel, I recommend an alcohol-free witch hazel as well. A highly-loved brand and my favorite is the Thayer’s Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel. It’s also important to use an alcohol-free formula to prevent irritation to any open wounds or stitches you may have acquired during your vaginal birth.
Witch hazel contains anti-inflammatory properties, which are great not only for pain relief but also for the healing process.
4. Essential Oils (Optional)
Essential oils are completely optional and not required for the DIY padsicles. If you choose to use essential oils, be sure to use therapeutic grade oils from a trusted company.
Lavender oil also contains anti-inflammatory properties. It’s soothing, calming, and great for healing skin.
When I created my homemade padsicles, I had DoTerra Lavender oil on hand. But Plant Therapy is also a great, trusted brand you can purchase on Amazon for convenience. And it’s also very inexpensive compared to other therapeutic grade brands.
How to Make a Postpartum Padsicle
Step 1: Lay Out the Pad
Start by unfolding the sanitary pads you plan to use and laying them out flat. Make sure you leave the pad attached to the wrapper. Cut down the paper that protects the adhesive wing tabs and open up the wings.
(Tip: If you want to make multiple at one time, do it in batches and spread out the number of pads you’d like to make)
Step 2: Apply the Aloe Vera Gel
Take one tablespoon of aloe vera gel and spread it out across the entire pad. Don’t add too much or the pad will become too hard and stiff when you go to wear it.
Step 3: Add the Witch Hazel and Essential Oils if Using
You can pour about a tablespoon of witch hazel down the middle of the pad. Or if you’d like, you can use a spray bottle like this, and spray about 20 sprays over the entire pad for a more even application.
Add 2-3 drops of lavender essential oil to the pad if desired, or add to your spray bottle of witch hazel and apply then.
Step 4: Fold the Pads Back Up and Store
Fold the wings back down into place and fold the maxi pad back up in its original shape. You can store them flat in one large freezer bag or individually in sandwich-sized bags.
Step 5: Place in the Freezer
Place them in the freezer and you’re done! You will thank yourself later after bringing home that new precious baby!
Pre-Made Store-Bought Postpartum Padsicles
If you’d prefer to purchase postpartum padsicles or you’re sensitive to ingredients in the homemade padsicles, there are options you can purchase in-store or online.
These Instant Ice Maxi Pads by Frida Mom are genius! It is a maxi pad that delivers cold therapy and an absorbent pad for postpartum bleeding in one. The pad stays cold for 20 minutes and requires no freezing! You can even apply witch hazel pads on top for an extra soothing and healing layer.
Click here to buy on Amazon (Frida Mom) | Click here to buy on Amazon (Tucks)
Lansinoh has Hot & Cold Packs that are reusable and can be heated in the microwave or put in the freezer. They come with 12 disposable liners so you would have to purchase more if needed. But many moms love these for their different postpartum care uses. Some mothers used them on their perineal area as well as their C-section incision.
How to Use Padsicles
Take the padsicle out of the freezer and let it sit for about 2-3 minutes. Then place it in your underwear like you would a regular sanitary pad.
The proper timing to use any cooling agent for healing is 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, your homemade padsicles may have warmed up from your body temperature and returned to room temperature. If the pad remains soothing to you from the aloe and witch hazel, you can leave it on until it becomes too saturated from your postpartum bleeding.
If you are using something like the Lansinoh cold packs, I suggest removing those after 20 minutes and keeping your regular pad on.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I start wearing postpartum padsicles?
You can start wearing postpartum padsicles immediately after the delivery of your baby. At the hospital I work at, we give them to mothers while cleaning them up after delivery.
How many postpartum padsicles do I need?
I would start with 15-20 padsicles in your freezer ready for your postpartum recovery. It’s hard to predict exactly how many you’ll need since birthing can be unpredictable (vaginal, tearing, C-sections, etc). But that’s a good place to start for your first week home.
What does witch hazel do for postpartum?
Witch Hazel is an astringent and contains anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it great for reducing swelling and relieving pain. This is especially helpful for hemorrhoids and any vaginal tearing you may experience during your delivery. It can soothe and help heal wounds and tears.
How far in advance can you make padsicles?
It’s best to make postpartum padsicles near the end of your pregnancy in your third trimester, about a month before your due date.
How long do you use the padsicles for?
You can use the padsicles for as long as you prefer. Most mothers use them throughout the first week postpartum and then find they don’t really need them anymore after that.
Do I need them if I had a C-Section?
Some women do experience swelling in their perineal area (vagina and bottom) even after having a C-section. The padiscles can help relieve any swelling and still provide a soothing effect.
Not every birth is the same. Some women attempt to give birth vaginally and end in C-sections. And in this case as well, postpartum padsicles can definitely still be beneficial for you!
The postpartum pain you may experience is SO worth it to have your baby! And truly it becomes such a blur as the years go by. Postpartum padsicles are one of my must-haves that I used for both my first and second baby, and I swear by them! I really hope they help give you a little bit of comfort, and you have a smooth postpartum recovery mama!
Other Posts You May Like:
- 18 Surprising Postpartum Body Changes No One Tells You About
- The Best Proven Ways to Increase Your Breastfeeding Milk Supply
- Postpartum Body Odor: Causes and Treatments
- When is it Too Late to Wear a Postpartum Belly Wrap?
