One thing I definitely recommend to all pregnant mamas is to make your own DIY padsicles for postpartum recovery. These homemade cold packs are absolutely genius and a must-have for your post-childbirth recovery because they can help soothe the postpartum pain, swelling, and irritation you experience after birthing your baby.
And I want you to know about them because I had no clue just how useful a padsicle could be. In fact, I didn’t even hear about them until *after* I had my first baby. Thankfully one of the nurses in my hospital told me that I should make some, and they turned out to be extremely helpful and comforting. I used them for the first few days after giving birth and was so thankful I made them when I got home from the hospital.
So, please trust me, mama, and make a few of these DIY frozen postpartum pads before your due date. I recommend making them while you’re still pregnant and storing them in the freezer until you need them.
Then, after you’ve had your baby, especially if you have a vaginal birth, you can use them for the first 2-3 days for pain relief.
I also suggest that you grab as many of the perineum cold packs as the nurses will give you from the hospital because they work very well. But, they are pretty bulky so I suggest that you make your own homemade padsicles.
It’s easy to make frozen padsicles by following these easy instructions, and you can make about 20 of them in 15 minutes. They should be in every mama’s postpartum care kit. They’re very cool and soothing – you will thank me for this later!
What Are Padsicles?
A padsicle is a frozen maxi pad (or even an adult diaper) that has been soaked with a soothing and healing combination of ingredients such as aloe vera, witch hazel, and essential oils. Padsicles are all-natural, homemade versions of the medical ones that you receive in the hospital after giving birth.
Also known as witch hazel pads, padsicles can help with a mother’s postpartum recovery, healing, and pain relief.
What You Need to Make Padsicles
1) Chlorine-Free Maxi Pads
For best results, get some thick and durable overnight maxi pads. I recommend using chlorine-free unscented overnight pads. They work just as well as any other maxi pads but don’t contain chlorine, or its harmful byproduct dioxin.
(For the same reason you would buy chlorine-free diapers for your baby, you should use chlorine-free sanitary pads because they are healthier and safer for you — especially at a time when your body needs to heal.) You can also use adult diapers if you prefer.
I think Rael Pads are the best maxi pads on the market right now. (They’re also fantastic for ongoing postpartum bleeding after you’ve had your baby, which can last up to 6 weeks.)
2) Witch Hazel
Witch Hazel (an extract from the witch hazel shrub) is a natural, soothing skin remedy that helps reduce inflammation and heal wounds. It naturally has anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it such an important ingredient in this padsicles recipe.
The most important thing when choosing your brand of witch hazel for your DIY padsicles is to avoid any brands that contain alcohol, which could further cause irritation on open wounds. (Ouch, right?)
It was a little tough to find an alcohol-free version, but I found this alcohol-free witch hazel that is free of fragrances and parabens. It’s not perfectly clean – it is organic but may contain preservatives. And thankfully, you aren’t using much of it. You can also use this organic witch hazel, but it does contain 14% alcohol, which isn’t ideal.
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3) Organic Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera is another wonderful, natural soothing treatment for irritated or damaged skin. Be sure to buy organic, such as the Seven Minerals Aloe Vera Gel, that contains cleaner ingredients.
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4) A Small Spray Bottle
Any spray bottle will do, and you’ll only use this to spray the witch hazel onto the pads. Instead of spending $5 on a spray bottle, I just grabbed the one that came with my travel bottles.
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5) Essential Oils (Optional)
In this padsicle recipe, using an essential oil is completely optional. But if you would like to use them, you can add 2-3 drops of lavender essential oil and/or organic frankincense oil to your witch hazel spray bottle. This can help reduce swelling and inflammation.
I like a few different brands, including Plant Therapy and Rocky Mountain Oils. I like to use a few drops of lavender oil but this is your personal preference, mama. You don’t have to use any oils if you prefer not to.
Buy on Amazon | Plant Therapy
6) Freezer Storage Bags
Get 1-2 freezer bags or some plastic wrap to store the padsicles in your freezer. I kept it simple and just used a couple zip-lock bags.
How to Make DIY Padsicles for Postpartum Healing
Follow my simple padsicle recipe step by step that hundreds of moms have used. These are truly the best and I love to see all the pics so tag me @thegentlenursery.
Step 1: Unfold the Maxi Pads
Open each maxi pad, but leave the pad attached to its wrapper. Make sure not to expose the adhesive on the wing tabs.
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I recommend making about 20 padsicles in small batches of 4-5 at a time.
Step 2: Add the Aloe Vera Gel
Add about 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel to the entire length of the pad and smear it. Trust me – you’ll appreciate this because of aloe’s soothing and natural healing properties! You do not need to add any to the wings.
Step 3: Add the Witch Hazel and Essential Oils (Optional)
Fill the spray bottle with witch hazel. Add 2-3 drops of lavender oil or frankincense oil, if desired. Spray the maxi pad with the witch hazel spray bottle.
Step 4: Pack and Store Your Padsicles Individually
Refold the pad in its original wrapper and either insert it into a plastic freezer bag or wrap it individually with plastic wrap or parchment paper. You don’t have to use small baggies for each individual cold pack; you can fit several of these into a gallon-size freezer bag and grab them as needed.
Just be sure to pack each padsicle in its own wrapper.
Step 5: Freeze Your Padsicles
Store them in the freezer and use as needed during the first 2-3 days after giving birth. Remove one padsicle from the freezer at a time, and use until it’s no longer cool or soothing or until you need to switch out the pad.
And that’s all! Now you have made padsicles and you’re all set to use them after birth. Use them as needed for cooling, soothing relief, mama. I wish you a wonderful, positive birth experience and a quick recovery postpartum.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When should I make homemade padsicles?
It’s best to make your padsicles during your third trimester or about a month before your expected delivery date.
Why should I make homemade padsicles?
Homemade padsicles can be an easy and natural way to help soothe your perineum (the area between the anus and the vulva) after having your baby. The ingredients in these DIY padsicles help soothe the pain from tearing during childbirth, episiotomies, stitches, hemorrhoids, and swelling.
And one of the nicest things about these is that you are simply adding some soothing natural ingredients to a maxi pad. So the pad serves two purposes… it not only is there for postpartum bleeding, but it’s also soothing and helps reduce inflammation.
Related: Postpartum Must-Haves
How many padsicles should I make?
I recommend making about 15-20 postpartum padsicles. Though you won’t know exactly how many you’ll need, it’s helpful to have enough for the first few days after giving birth.
Do padsicles really work?
Yes, I can say from experience that DIY padsicles were a real lifesaver for me! Witch hazel is the key ingredient in homemade padsicles. Witch hazel is a natural, soothing herbal remedy that helps reduce inflammation and soothe pain. After giving birth, you might experience soreness and bleeding. Using frozen witch hazel-infused padsicles can support your perineum for 2-3 days after giving birth. Lavender is also a very soothing ingredient in our padsicle recipe!
How long do you use padsicles?
Most midwives will recommend using padsicles for the first few days after giving birth. Beyond this period, your body will actually not benefit as much from cold therapy and you may want to try a sitz bath instead.
Do I need them if I have a c-section?
It depends on your individual birth experience. You may still benefit from using padsicles after a c-section, especially if you had a long labor. It is best to make your padsicles during pregnancy so you’ll have them if you end up needing them.
Can I buy premade padsicles?
Yes, if you’re unable to DIY your own homemade padsicles, you can buy the same disposable perineal cold packs the hospital uses. They’re not going to be as natural as making your own, but they are still super helpful, especially if you need fast pain relief. There are also some reusable cold packs you can find online, including these made by Frida mom, if that’s easier than making homemade ones.
Did you find this article on padsicles helpful? You truly can make your own homemade perineal ice packs and get them set up in the freezer in just a few minutes following this simple step-by-step guide.
Need more new mom resources? Check out my guide to creating an all-natural postpartum care kit. Prep for your postpartum sitz bath.
And check out my birth plan template, positive affirmations for childbirth, what to pack in your hospital bag, and list of the most important rules for visiting a new baby (share that article with your friends & family).
Hello how long did the coldness last?
Hello, Just wondering do you put strait witch hazel into the spray bottle without water? Thanks for the recipe!!!
Yes that’s how I made them but you could dilute if you’re using a more concentrated witch hazel
Hi! Thanks for the recipe. I wanted to know: do we use the padsicles immediately after we take them out of the fridge or do we take them out some time before actually using them?
How long I have to keep it? Do you have an idea how much of these do I need afterbirth? Thank you!
It really depends on your recovery but I think I made myself 30 of these. You can always make more if needed but it’s nice to have a little stash.
I’m allergic to aloe vera. Will these still work if I leave out that ingredient? Thanks.
Instead of aloe try coconut oil or sonogram jelly
Hello, is there a cheaper Aloe Vera I can use that is just as good as the one you used?
How far in advance can I make these?
I think I made mine a month or so before I actually went into labor.
This is a potentially very dumb question but…since I’ll be bleeding for several days right after, I’m assuming these sort of double as a pad for the bleeding and a soothing cold relief? Just want to be clear that I’m also supposed to bleed into these?!
Hi! And yes they double as bleeding and soothing pads. Just choose an absorbent pad.
Silly question from a husband (me) making these for wife… These are supposed to go in freezer at end of step 4, right?
How sweet! And yes they should go in the freezer. If that’s not clear I’ll get that updated ASAP.
Can you use the same brand of witches hazel with cucumber scent?
I wouldn’t – anything with fragrance usually isn’t a good or safe idea unless it’s from pure essential oils
Can you make these ahead of time and bring them to the hospital? Will the freezing and then possibly thawing in the car and then refreezing mess them up? My hospital doesn’t provide any “Ice packs.”
Did you ask if they provide cold packs? That’s strange! Yes I’d think you could as long as you have access to a freezer.
Oh and I would take them to the hospital in a cooler bag like a “pack it” frozen bag.
Hey!
I’m excited to make these! I wish I had come across this when I had my first baby a couple of years ago! I do have a question though?! Do these turn soggy?! I’ve read reviews from other Mother’s that used something different and said there’s turned soggy.
Thanks!
Hi! I hope I’m not too late! Mine never got soggy…? I wouldn’t use too much product f you are concerned. Good luck!
Thank you so much for your post. I have a question regarding a toner. Do you mix it with a water or applying straight onto the pads? I also wondering for a peri bottle do you mix Thayer’s toner with water?
Thank you
No need to dilute it. For a pedi bottle yes you can add a little Thayer’s!
I have a question about the aloe gel. I was told not to use the brand in your photos as it has ascorbic acid which can sting. I found a brand that does not contain it and purchased it to make these for my daughter. Any thoughts? Thank you. These were a lifesaver for me.
Hi! Yes I have to update the photos. I don’t recommend the brand in my photos either. The one I’ve linked to in the article has fewer ingredients and also no carrageenan. Sorry for the confusion!
Hi! Is it ok to use these if I have had a lot of tearing stitches?
Hi mama and congratulations on your baby’s birth. Sorry you had tearing, it’s tough. I used them with second degree tearing my first pregnancy and found them very soothing. (Check with your doc if you aren’t sure and discontinue use if you feel uncomfortable.)
Are you supposed to add water to these padsicles?
Hi! No water needed.
Thanks for responding! Super helpful.
Thanks for the step by step guide! I’m due in 2wks and making a giant batch today!
Yay! You get to meet your baby so soon. Be sure to check out my birth plan and hospital bag checklist posts. Don’t forget to take good care of yourself too!
Agree. They’re a postpartum must have!