Postpartum Padsicles: What Are They, How To Make And Use Them

Image: Shutterstock

Childbirth is an incredible and life-changing experience, but it can also be challenging for a woman’s body. In the postpartumⁱThe period after childbirth when a woman's body adjusts to the hormonal and physical changes of pregnancy and delivery  period, a mother’s body, including the vaginal area, needs to heal and recover. Postpartum Healing Pads (Padsicles) are one of the ways to alleviate the discomfort and promote healing (1). Padsicles are chilled sanitary napkins or pads that provide a soothing and cooling sensation to the vaginal area. They are easy to make at home and are a great addition to your postpartum recovery kit. In this post, we tell you how to make a padsicle, use it, and store it.

What Is A Padsicle (Postpartum Healing Pads)?

Postpartum padsicles are a simple yet effective tool for new mothers looking to alleviate discomfort and promote healing in the vaginal area following childbirth.

They are easy to make, easy to use, and can be customized to suit individual needs.

A padsicle is a sanitary napkin or pad that has been soaked in a soothing mixture and then frozen. It heals and alleviates discomfort in the vaginal area after delivery. The purpose of padsicles is to provide a cooling and numbing sensation to the area, helping with afterbirth pains, swelling, and bruising (2).

Padsicles are easy to make at home and can be customized to suit your needs. The mixture used to soak the pads can include witch hazel, aloe vera, and essential oils. These ingredients are known for their anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.

Padsicles should also be used with other postpartum recovery techniques, such as pelvic floor exercises and staying hydrated, to promote healing and recovery (3).

Image: Shutterstock

Why You Must Try A Padsicle After Childbirth?

You can try padsicles to reduce discomfort in the perineum and promote healing postpartum (1). They are easy to make at home, convenient to use, and provide multiple benefits during the postnatal phase for the new mom. They can be used right after childbirth to several weeks for postpartum care after doctor consultation.

Padsicles are also beneficial in reducing the chances of infection by promoting the healing of any tears or episiotomyⁱA surgical incision made to the perineum during childbirth. It is done to widen the vaginal opening to ease delivery that may have occurred during childbirth. It may also help reduce the chances of hemorrhoids and soothe any pre-existing soreness (4). Regular use may reduce the chances of getting stitches and tearing during the postpartum period. They are also a great alternative to traditional ice packs as they are more convenient and can be worn discreetly under clothing.

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Did you know?

Padsicles can also be used as a natural remedy for hemorrhoids (1).

What Supplies Are Needed To Make And Store A Padsicle?

You will need the following supplies to make a padsicle (2).

1. Sanitary napkins or pads: You can use regular or overnight pads as long as they are not scented or have added lotions.
2. Aloe vera gel: Aloe vera gel is known to have soothing and cooling properties, making it ideal for postpartum use.
3. Witch hazel: Witch hazel is known to have anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal for reducing swelling and discomfort.
4. Essential oils: Essential oils such as lavender, chamomile, and tea tree oil have soothing and healing properties. Be sure to use therapeutic-grade oils, and avoid using oils that may irritate sensitive skin.
5. Plastic wrap or food storage bags: These will be used to wrap the padsicles before storing them in the freezer.
6. Freezer: Padsicles must be stored in the freezer for at least two hours before use.

Quick fact

Aloe vera has antimicrobial properties, which can help prevent and treat skin infections. It might be useful if you had a perineum injury during childbirth (5).

Image: Shutterstock

How To Make A Padsicle?

Making a padsicle is a simple process that can be done at home. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make a padsicle (2).

• Place a sanitary napkin or pad on a clean and disinfected surface.
• Using a clean dropper, apply aloe vera gel to the napkin or pad, making sure to cover the entire surface.
• Apply witch hazel to the napkin or pad using a clean dropper.
• Add a few drops of your desired essential oil to the pad.
• Carefully fold the pad in half, ensuring that the gel, witch hazel, and essential oils are evenly distributed.
• Carefully wrap the pad in a plastic wrap or food storage bag.
• Place the wrapped napkin pad in a container or plastic bag and store it in the freezer for at least two hours.
• Once the padsicle is frozen, it is ready to use. Take it out of the freezer and unwrap it. If it is too cold, you may wait for some time before use.

Ukemochi, a mother of one, shares her tips on how padsicles brought her relief after childbirth. She says, “I used a recipe that I found on Pinterest: Padsicle recipe. I find that witch hazel and aloe vera helped me more than just using the plain frozen water on a pad that the hospital offered. I used both types of pads – the special padsicles once a day, usually before bed, and normal padsicles throughout the whole day (i).”

Image: Shutterstock

Did you know?

TanninsⁱA group of naturally occurring compounds found in plants, particularly in the leaves, bark, and fruit in witch hazel have astringentⁱA substance or property that causes contraction or tightening of tissues, typically used to dry or tighten skin properties that help to soothe and reduce inflammation and itching in the perineal area (6).

How To Use Padsicles?

Padsicles are an excellent homemade remedy for postpartum soreness and menstrual cramps, but they should be used carefully, following the proper instructions.

When using a padsicle, ensure it is not too cold before placing it in your underwear. You can test the temperature by holding it against your inner wrist. Once you have determined that it’s at a comfortable temperature, you can use it. The coldness will help reduce inflammation, and the aloe vera and witch hazel will soothe the soreness.

It is important to note that padsicles should only be used externally and not be inserted into the vagina. Also, check the expiration date of the ingredients you used to make the padsicle before using it.

Image: Shutterstock

How To Store A Padsicle?

To properly store a padsicle, you should wrap it in plastic to protect it from any external contaminants or odors.

This will also prevent it from drying out in the freezer. After covering the padsicle in plastic wrap, place it in an airtight container or a freezer bag. This will keep it fresh and prevent it from absorbing other odors from the freezer. Once correctly stored, the padsicle should be used within a month (7).

Point to consider

Padsicles can be made with reusable pads. This way, you can reduce waste and be eco-friendly.

Infographic: What Are The Different Types Of Padsicles?

There are several types of padsicles, each with its unique ingredients and benefits. These ingredients have different properties, helping in different ways, including reducing inflammation, promoting healing, and reducing the chances of infection. The following infographic presents the common types of padsicles containing different ingredients.

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Illustration: Postpartum Padsicles: What Are They How To Make And Use Them

Image: Dall·E/MomJunction Design Team

Learn how to take care of yourself after giving birth! From DIY Padsicles to C-Section Care, this video will help you eliminate postpartum stress and feel your best.

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Kay LakkaMSc

Kay Lakka is the founder of Londontherapy, a busy psychological practice in the center of London. She holds a BSc (hons) in psychology and MSc in the psychodynamics of human development and has numerous post graduate diplomas including advanced psychotherapy, guidance through dreams, and psychosexual relationship counseling.

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Ghazia ShahMSc, MA, BEd

Ghazia is a scientist-turned-writer with three years of research experience in Cancer Biology. She did her masters degree in Biotechnology at the University of Kashmir and bachelors in Education at the same university. Ghazia then delved deeper into the science of language with a masters in English.

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Rebecca MalachiBSc

Rebecca is a pregnancy writer and editor with a passion for delivering research-based and engaging content in areas of fertility, pregnancy, birth, and post-pregnancy. She did her graduation in Biotechnology and Genetics from Loyola Academy, Osmania University and obtained a certification in ‘Nutrition and Lifestyle in Pregnancy’ from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU).

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Reshmi DasMSc

Reshmi Das has over four years of experience as a clinical coordinator, medical content writer and medical conference coordinator. Her continuous interest in medical journals and writing makes her write well-researched articles for MomJunction.

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