Jordan Ellis
Padsicles are a must-have item for postpartum recovery. They are sanitary pads with soothing, healing properties like witch hazel and aloe vera, which are frozen and used to reduce pain, inflammation, and swelling. While some hospitals provide padsicles, it is recommended to bring your own to ensure access to their healing benefits. The number of padsicles to bring to the hospital depends on individual needs, but a range of 6 to 10 is suggested as a starting point. They can be easily made at home or purchased, and they do not always require a freezer, making them convenient for hospital stays and postpartum recovery.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of padsicles to bring to the hospital | It is not necessary to bring padsicles to the hospital as hospitals provide cold pack pads, mesh underwear, postpartum cold packs, and perineal ice packs. |
| Number of padsicles to make | It is recommended to start with 6-10 padsicles. |
| How often to change padsicles | Change padsicles at least every 4 hours. |
| Maximum number of padsicles to use per day | Use up to 4 padsicles per day. |
| How long to use padsicles | Use padsicles for up to 6 weeks, or until lochia has stopped. |
| How to use padsicles | Place the padsicle in your underwear like a regular pad. For C-section recovery, place the pad over the incision area. |
| How to prepare padsicles | Dampen maxi pads with water or a soothing mixture, then freeze. |
| Ingredients to add to padsicles | Natural ingredients like aloe vera, witch hazel, and lavender essential oil. |
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What You'll Learn
Hospitals may provide padsicles, but check in advance
Padsicles are a must-have item for postpartum recovery. They are sanitary pads with healing ingredients that provide pain relief and reduce swelling and inflammation. While some hospitals may provide padsicles, it is important to check in advance as availability may vary.
Some hospitals offer postpartum care items such as mesh underwear, cold packs, and perineal ice packs. However, these may not contain the same healing ingredients as padsicles, or they may be impractical. It is recommended to inquire with your midwife or care provider about the availability of padsicles at your hospital.
If your hospital does not provide padsicles, you can make your own at home. DIY padsicles can be made by dampening maxi pads with water or a mixture of healing ingredients such as witch hazel, aloe vera, and lavender essential oil, and then freezing them. It is important to use 100% aloe vera and ensure that any additional ingredients do not cause irritation.
Alternatively, you can purchase pre-made padsicles, such as Kin's Postpartum Padsicles, which do not require a freezer and can be easily packed in your hospital bag. These pre-made padsicles can also be combined with therapeutic postpartum foam or spray for added healing benefits. Whether you make your own or purchase pre-made padsicles, it is recommended to have 6-10 padsicles on hand, using up to four padsicles per day for up to six weeks.
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Make your own padsicles with sanitary pads and soothing ingredients
Padsicles are a great way to soothe and heal perineal pain, inflammation, and swelling after childbirth. They are sanitary pads soaked in a blend of soothing ingredients and frozen to provide a cooling, numbing effect.
Ingredients and Tools:
- Sanitary pads (preferably disposable pads for better absorption)
- Witch hazel (ensure it's alcohol-free to prevent irritation)
- Aloe vera gel (for its anti-inflammatory and cooling properties)
- Lavender essential oil (optional, for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as its calming scent)
- Freezer bags
- Aluminium foil (optional, to prevent pads from sticking together)
Steps:
- Unwrap the sanitary pads but leave the adhesive backing intact for easy folding and storage.
- Pour 1-2 tablespoons of witch hazel along the length of each pad.
- Generously apply aloe vera gel onto the pad, spreading it evenly.
- (Optional) Add 1-2 drops of lavender essential oil.
- Gently fold the pad back into its original shape.
- (Optional) Wrap the pad in aluminium foil to prevent sticking.
- Place the pad in a freezer bag and lay it flat in the freezer.
- Freeze for at least a couple of hours, preferably overnight.
You can prepare several padsicles at once to have a good supply ready for postpartum care. When using a padsicle, allow it to thaw for a few minutes before placing it in your underwear like a regular pad. Change your padsicle every 3-4 hours, or more frequently depending on blood flow.
Padsicles are an excellent way to promote healing and provide much-needed relief during postpartum recovery.
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Store DIY padsicles in the freezer, and let them thaw before use
Padsicles are frozen sanitary pads that can help soothe and heal the pain, inflammation, and swelling that can occur after childbirth. They can be particularly useful during the first few days after delivery, when swelling and soreness are at their peak.
If you're making your own padsicles, you'll need large maxi-pads, water, and a freezer. You can also add soothing, anti-inflammatory ingredients such as 100% aloe vera and alcohol-free liquid witch hazel. To make padsicles, start by washing your hands and setting up a clean work area. Dunk a maxi-pad in a bowl of water and wait for it to absorb the liquid. Then, squeeze or spread aloe vera onto the pad, or spray it with witch hazel until it's evenly coated. Finally, place the pads in the freezer overnight or for at least one hour.
When you're ready to use a padsicle, take it out of the freezer and let it thaw for a few minutes so that it's not too cold when you apply it to your skin. You can wear a padsicle inside your regular underwear or an adult diaper, depending on your postpartum flow. Change your padsicle at least every four hours, or more frequently if needed. Use padsicles for up to six weeks or until your lochia has stopped.
Some hospitals provide postpartum care items such as mesh underwear, postpartum cold packs, and perineal ice packs. However, these may not include healing ingredients or be as practical as padsicles. If you're not sure what your hospital offers, you can ask your midwife or care provider. Some people choose to make their own padsicles and store them in the hospital freezer, especially if they want to use them within the first 24 hours after delivery. However, others find that the padsicles melt or that there is no freezer available for patient use.
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Use padsicles for pain relief, swelling, and inflammation
Padsicles are frozen sanitary pads that can be used for pain relief, swelling, and inflammation after childbirth. They can be particularly helpful for mamas who have experienced tearing, stitches, or haemorrhoids during childbirth, as they can provide soothing relief to these areas.
To use padsicles for pain relief, swelling, and inflammation, follow these steps:
- Start by making your own padsicles or purchasing pre-made ones. If you're making your own, choose a heavy-duty overnight pad designed to hold more fluid.
- Prepare a spray bottle with a solution of witch hazel, aloe vera, and lavender tea. Alternatively, you can use a postpartum herbal bath solution with ingredients like calendula, comfrey, lavender, chamomile, salt, and essential oils.
- Spray a thin, even layer of the solution onto the pad. The pad should feel wet but not completely saturated.
- Fold the pad back up and place it in a freezer bag. Store it in the freezer until it's frozen.
- When you're ready to use the padsicle, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw for a few minutes so it's not too cold when you apply it.
- Place the padsicle in your mesh underwear or regular postpartum underwear, just like you would with a regular pad. For heavy bleeding, you can secure the padsicle to an adult diaper to help with absorption.
- Change your padsicle at least every four hours, or more frequently if needed. Use padsicles for up to six weeks or until your lochia has stopped.
It's important to note that padsicles are for temporary relief and should not be used all day long. Allow your skin to breathe and air out between uses. Additionally, if you're using padsicles to treat haemorrhoids, you may find that you need to use them for a longer period, up to four months in some cases.
As for how many padsicles to bring to the hospital, it's a good idea to have some readily available, especially if you're not sure what postpartum care items your hospital provides. However, some hospitals may have their own padsicles or cold packs available, so it's worth checking with your midwife or care provider beforehand. If you plan to bring your own, consider bringing enough for the first 24 hours, as they may melt if not stored properly. Alternatively, you can have a family member bring them to the hospital after delivery and store them in the freezer if one is available.
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Use 2-4 padsicles per day for up to six weeks
Padsicles are a must-have item for postpartum recovery. They are sanitary pads soaked in a blend of natural ingredients with healing properties, such as witch hazel, aloe vera, and lavender oil, and then frozen. They help soothe pain, inflammation, and swelling, and can be used for up to six weeks or until your lochia has stopped.
It is recommended that you change your padsicle at least every four hours, or more frequently depending on blood flow. This means you will be using 2-4 padsicles per day. To use, simply remove the padsicle from the freezer and let it thaw for a few minutes before applying it to your underwear, just like a regular pad.
If you are experiencing heavy bleeding after birth, you can fasten the pad to an adult diaper for extra absorption. For C-section recovery, place the pad directly over the incision area. It is important to note that padsicles should be used within six weeks of making them, as the ingredients will start to lose potency over time.
When preparing for your hospital stay, it is a good idea to pack a few padsicles in your hospital bag. While some hospitals may provide postpartum cold packs, padsicles made at home with natural ingredients offer additional healing benefits. However, keep in mind that you will need access to a freezer at the hospital to store your padsicles. Alternatively, you can have your support person bring them to the hospital after you deliver.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to start with 6-10 padsicles. You can use up to four padsicles per day, changing them at least every four hours. If you find that the padsicle is too cold, let it thaw for a few minutes before using it.
Padsicles are maxi pads dampened with water or a soothing and healing mixture, then frozen. They provide relief for postpartum discomfort, including swelling, pain, and general soreness.
DIY padsicles often incorporate natural ingredients like aloe vera and witch hazel, known for their healing and soothing properties. Some recipes also suggest using lavender oil for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties.
It depends. Some hospitals provide postpartum care items such as mesh underwear, postpartum cold packs, and perineal ice packs. It is recommended to check with your hospital beforehand to see what they offer. If they do not provide padsicles, you can bring your own or have a family member bring them after delivery.
