Leslie Massey
Padsicles are a common solution to soothe and relieve pain after childbirth. They are sanitary pads soaked in natural ingredients with healing properties, such as aloe vera, lavender oil, and witch hazel, and frozen to provide cooling relief. The best time to make padsicles is about a month or two before your due date, as you may not have the time or energy after childbirth. In addition to easing pain, padsicles can also help reduce swelling, bruising, and discomfort associated with haemorrhoids and vaginal stitches. While you can make your own padsicles at home, there are also pre-made options available for purchase, such as the Noonie Padsicles, which are made from 100% organic cotton and feature an instant-chill panel.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is a padsicle? | A sanitary napkin that’s chilled in the freezer, then placed inside underwear to relieve pain and encourage healing after a vaginal delivery. |
| When to make padsicles? | One to two months before the due date. |
| How many to make? | 15-20 padsicles to carry through the first few days after giving birth. |
| Ingredients | Maxi pads, aloe vera gel, witch hazel, lavender oil, al-foil or plastic wrap, jumbo freezer bags |
| Steps | 1. Carefully unwrap maxi pads. 2. Lay the pad flat. 3. Spread a layer of aloe vera gel all over the pad. 4. Pour or spray witch hazel across the pad. 5. Add a few drops of lavender oil. 6. Wrap the pad in al-foil or plastic wrap. 7. Place the wrapped pad in the freezer for at least an hour. |
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What You'll Learn
What are padsicles?
Padsicles are frozen sanitary pads that are placed inside underwear to relieve pain and encourage healing after vaginal delivery or a C-section. They are typically homemade, although some companies sell ready-made padsicles. They are made by applying a mix of aloe vera, lavender oil, and witch hazel to a sanitary pad and then placing it in the freezer. The number of padsicles to be used can vary from 15-20, depending on the duration for which they are to be used.
Padsicles are a common solution to assist in healing and soothing after a natural birth. They are also known to reduce pain, inflammation, and swelling. The maternity pads are covered and soaked in ingredients to aid the healing process, soothe the affected area, and calm irritation. The ingredients used have healing properties and help absorb blood and other discharge fluids.
To make padsicles at home, a few basic items are required, such as sanitary pads, aluminium foil, aloe vera gel, witch hazel, and lavender oil. The pad is carefully unwrapped and laid on the foil, after which the gel and other ingredients are applied. The pad is then folded and placed in the freezer.
Padsicles are a popular choice for postpartum care and pain relief. Many women opt to make them during their third trimester or before their due date when they still have the energy and comfort to do so. They can be stored in the freezer until needed.
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When to make padsicles
Making padsicles ahead of time is highly recommended, as you likely won't have the time or energy to make them after giving birth. The best time to make padsicles is about a month or two before your due date. You can make a batch of padsicles and store them in your freezer until you need them.
If you're making padsicles for a friend or family member, it's a good idea to ask them about their preferences. Some people may prefer to use pre-made padsicles or other postpartum pain relief methods, such as ice packs or perineal cold packs. It's also important to consider the ingredients used in the padsicles, as some people may have sensitive skin or allergies.
When making padsicles, it's essential to use pure and natural ingredients to avoid any irritation or adverse reactions. Organic and alcohol-free options are generally recommended, especially for witch hazel and essential oils. Reading the labels of the ingredients is crucial to ensure they are safe for use in the intended area.
It's also worth noting that while padsicles can be a great DIY project, they do require some time and effort to make. If you're short on time or prefer a more convenient option, you can purchase pre-made padsicles or postpartum care products. However, making your own padsicles can be a cost-effective and customisable option for postpartum care.
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Padsicle ingredients
Padsicles are frozen sanitary pads with healing ingredients that help soothe the pain and discomfort after childbirth. They are easy to make at home, and you can store them in your freezer.
The most common ingredient used in padsicles is aloe vera gel. It is well known for its healing and soothing properties and can help relieve inflammation and acute pain. Make sure to use pure aloe vera gel that is free from alcohol and is unscented.
Another popular ingredient is witch hazel, which can reduce swelling, pain, and bruising, and relieve itching and inflammation. It is made by infusing the bark and leaves of the Hamamelis virginiana plant into alcohol.
You can also add a few drops of lavender essential oil to your padsicle. Lavender oil has anti-inflammatory properties and a calming effect to relieve anxiety and stress.
Some other ingredients that can be used in padsicles include:
- Medicated, pain-relieving aloe gel to numb the area after stitches.
- Hydrosol or botanical waters, which have healing properties.
- Calendula, rose, rosemary, or tea tree essential oils.
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How to make padsicles
Padsicles are sanitary pads soaked in a mix of soothing ingredients and frozen to help relieve pain and promote healing after childbirth. They are especially useful after a vaginal delivery or C-section, where they can help reduce swelling, bruising, and discomfort associated with hemorrhoids and stitches.
To make padsicles, you'll need sanitary pads, preferably overnight pads or maternity pads, which can absorb more fluid. You will also need soothing ingredients like aloe vera gel, witch hazel, and essential oils like lavender oil.
- Place a piece of aluminium foil or plastic wrap on a clean surface.
- Carefully unwrap a sanitary pad without completely removing it from its wrapper. The wrapper will protect the padsicle in the freezer.
- Lay the pad flat on the foil or plastic wrap.
- Spread a generous amount of aloe vera gel on the pad, ensuring it is fully covered.
- Pour or spray about a teaspoon of witch hazel across the pad. Witch hazel has anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce swelling and bruising.
- Optional: Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to the pad. Lavender oil has calming effects and can help relieve anxiety and stress.
- Gently fold the foil or plastic wrap over the pad and place it in the freezer for at least an hour.
Consider making a batch of padsicles and storing them in freezer bags so that you have a supply ready after childbirth. It is recommended to make them in the third trimester or a month or two before your due date, as you may not have the time or energy closer to your due date.
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Storing padsicles
To store padsicles, you will need aluminium foil or plastic wrap, and a freezer bag. Some recipes suggest coating the padsicles with soothing ingredients, such as aloe vera and witch hazel, before storing them.
First, carefully unwrap the maxi pads, taking care not to completely remove the wrapper. Don't worry if you do remove the wrapper, as you can use aluminium foil or plastic wrap to protect the padsicles in the freezer. Fully open the pad and lay it flat. Squeeze or spoon an ample amount of aloe vera gel all over the pad, making sure it is fully covered. Pour or spray about a teaspoon of witch hazel across the pad, and add a few drops of lavender oil if desired.
Next, gently fold the aluminium foil over the pad, and place the wrapped pad in the freezer for at least an hour. You can also place the pads in a freezer bag before putting them in the freezer. It is recommended to prepare several padsicles at once so that you have a good supply ready after giving birth.
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Frequently asked questions
Padsicles are frozen sanitary napkins that can be placed inside underwear to relieve pain and encourage healing after vaginal delivery.
The best time to make padsicles is about a month or two before your due date. You can make around 15-20 padsicles to carry you through the first few days after giving birth.
You will need sanitary pads, aluminium foil, aloe vera gel, witch hazel, and lavender oil (optional).
Lay a piece of aluminium foil on a table. Unwrap a sanitary napkin and lay it on the foil. Spread a generous amount of aloe vera gel all over the pad, followed by a teaspoon of witch hazel and a few drops of lavender oil. Gently fold the foil over the pad and place it in the freezer for at least an hour.
As a general rule, change padsicles at least every 4 hours, similar to how often you would change a regular pad.
