How to Make Postpartum Padsicles: Easy Instructions for Postpartum Cold Packs
Okay, let’s be real: postpartum recovery isn’t always glamorous. There’s a lot of stuff no one tells you about, and one of those things is the gloriousness of postpartum padsicles. Yes, you heard me right. Padsicles. They sound kinda crazy, but trust me, they are the postpartum miracle you didn’t know you needed. When you’re dealing with that post-baby discomfort, these icy wonders can be a total game changer. Specially if you experience a perineal tear like I did. After my baby was born, I made a batch of these bad boys, and let’s just say, they were the VIPs of my recovery.
Padsicles are basically frozen pads that help soothe your lady bits after giving birth. Imagine all the relief of an ice pack, but way more comfortable and convenient. It’s like giving yourself a cool hug down there. So, if you’re looking for a simple way to ease the soreness and swelling, stick around—I’m about to share how you can whip these up in no time!
Here’s What You Need for DIY Padsicles
Grab your shopping list because we’re about to get into the nitty-gritty of padsicle making! Here’s what you need:
- Sanitary Pads: I strongly recommend these cotton pads, I love that they have wings for extra coverage. I actually switched over to cotton pads when I was healing postpartum. I noticed that the pads I was using from Always were so uncomfortable. They were so rough(and i got stitches so they were really hurting me), they made me feel moist all the time and I later found out that they are made with chemicals. Like who needs chemicals down there while you’re healing postpartum? Not me, these Amazon pads are chlorine free, fragrance free. I just love them. You should get these to make your padsicles.
- Aloe Vera Gel: Get this soothing aloe vera gel from Amazon it’s like a chill pill for your vag. You’re going to need it to because it has anti-inflammatory and healing properties.
- Witch Hazel: It’s got cooling properties and can help with healing. You want to pick one that is unscented and alcohol free like this Thayers Rose Petal Witch Hazel.
- Essential Oils (Optional): This lavender essential oil can add a nice touch, it has healing properties and smells good.
- Ziploc Bags: To hold your padsicles in the freezer.
- A Freezer: Obviously, where the magic happens.
How to Make Padsicles Step-by-Step
Alright, let’s get down to the fun part—making these padsicles!
- Prep Your Pads: Open up your sanitary pads and lay them out on a clean surface.
- Add the Good Stuff: Squeeze a generous amount of aloe vera gel onto the pad. It should be spread evenly.
- Add Witch Hazel: Drizzle a bit of witch hazel over the aloe. If you’re using essential oils, add a few drops now.
- Seal and Freeze: Fold the pad in half so it’s compact. Stick it in a Ziploc bag, and pop it in the freezer. Repeat until you have enough!
- Chill Out: Wait a few hours or overnight for the padsicles to freeze solid.
What Are Padsicles Used For?
Padsicles are your postpartum BFFs. They help soothe and reduce inflammation down there, which is super helpful after childbirth. They can also help with healing stitches and general soreness. Plus, the cool sensation is just downright comforting after all the effort of bringing a tiny human into the world!
Do Padsicles Absorb Blood?
Kind of. But, padsicles are more about soothing than absorbing. If you’re worried about leakage, you might want to use a regular pad underneath the padsicle. They aren’t designed to handle the heavy lifting of absorption; they’re here to bring the cool relief.
Can I Make Padsicles with Water?
You technically could, but it’s not the best idea. Water alone won’t provide the soothing properties of aloe or witch hazel. It might just turn into a soggy mess rather than a cool relief, so stick to the ingredients I mentioned for best results.
Can I Buy Padsicles?
Yes, you can buy padsicles pre-made, these Lansinoh postpartum padsicles are the only ones I found on Amazon. There have good reviews. However, making them yourself is super easy and way more customizable. Plus, you get to add your own soothing ingredients. I just prefer to make them.
How Many Padsicles Do I Need Postpartum?
This really depends on how much relief you’re looking for and how often you plan to use them. Generally, having around 10-20 padsicles ready should cover you. Make a few batches so you’re stocked up. Trust me, when you’re in recovery mode, you’ll be glad you did!
So there you have it—everything you need to know about padsicles! They might sound a bit odd, but once you experience that soothing coolness, you’ll wonder how you ever survived without them.
For more tips on how to have a fast and easy postpartum recovery check out my other blog post on postpartum essentials for a faster recovery.
