Be sure to write the date on them: You should use padsicles within six weeks of making them since the ingredients can start to lose their potency. The Earth Mama Herbal Perineal Spray is a safe and natural solution for women during pregnancy and postpartum recovery. It offers cooling relief for perineal swelling, episiotomies, and hemorrhoids with the help of witch hazel, cucumber, and organic essential oils. Gabbe SG, et al., eds. Postpartum care and long-term health considerations. In: Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 7th ed. Elsevier; 2017. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Jan. 31, 2020. Fun fact: witch hazel (which is made by infusing the bark and leaves of the Hamamelis virginiana plant into alcohol) is actually a very old practice, but has remained a popular ingredient because of its anti-inflammatory properties. ( source) According to an article published in Midwifery Today, witch hazel also has astringent proprietaries and is safe to apply directly to the perineum area. ( source)

Padsicles are frozen maternity pads which are soaked with ingredients to soothe and aid the healing of the perineum and surrounding areas to help with recovery. They can be used to soothe discomfort from haemorrhoids as well. Berkowitz LR, et al. Postpartum perineal care and management of complications. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Jan. 31, 2020.But sometimes the hospital variety isn’t exactly the best option. Today, companies like Frida offer more sophisticated, cleverly designed versions of things like mesh panties and peri bottles to make your recovery as comfortable as possible. Types of postpartum recovery products

Now that you know the benefits of using a frozen sanitary napkin, how do you make your own? To get started, you only need a few basic items, which you may already have in your home (if not, we’ve added links below to shop for these products online). Supplies: The full-length design of these pads covers the entire length of most maternity pads, making them more effective in providing relief to the perineum. These pad liners are a postpartum essential that should be included in every new mother's hospital bag and postpartum care kit.

Do You Think Witch Hazel Pads for Postpartum are Amazing?

Take one condom when frozen, slit open a sanitary napkin (with wings are best) and place it inside. They contain a variety of herbs that help the body heal wounds, including the leaf variation of witch hazel. To make witch hazel extract, the bark, leaves, and twigs from the witch hazel shrub are processed, steamed, condensed, and mixed with alcohol. At the end, you have a clear liquid substance you can find in a bottle, a pad, or a wipe at your local drugstore (it’s also usually available as a pad or wipe). Witch hazel is also a component in many other hygiene products like soaps, creams, lotions, and deodorant. What does it do? If you have a vaginal delivery it’s likely that your vulva and perineum will feel pretty swollen from the pushing. If you experience grazing or tearing of any degree it will definitely be very inflamed and sore so this is basically the most cooling and soothing thing your vagina may encounter during the healing process. DIY FROZEN POSTPARTUM PADS I can’t tell you how much instant soothing, cooling relief I had from using them, and it felt like such a treat after 24 hours of laboring and pushing. I noticed the pads significantly helped my swelling, too.

These frozen pads are a lifesaver after childbirth. They not only ease pain, but also reduce swelling, bruising, and discomfort associated with hemorrhoids and vaginal stitches. And the best part? You can make your own padsicles at home in no time. Scent: Some witch hazel brands come with added fragrances, which can be pleasant but may also cause irritation. Opt for unscented or natural scents if possible. You might not know this, but witch hazel is a botanical. That means it comes from a plant (the Hamamelis Virginiana plant, to be exact). These witch hazel pad liners are made with Mama-safe ingredients, ensuring that they are safe for use and will not cause any harm to the mother. The cooling effect of these pads helps to ease pain and discomfort, making it easier for the mother to focus on recovery. Of course, there’s no rule that says you have to make these before your due date. With all the nesting and preparation that goes on before giving birth, you might not have time. Just know that you’ll be sore and tired after giving birth. So a DIY project will likely be the last thing on your mind.

This recipe makes use of a hydrosol, or botanical waters, that are remain after steam distillation. Though gentler than essential oils, these essence waters do carry some of the same healing properties. ( source) Postpartum comes with many learning curves, but thankfully, using witch hazel pads is super simple and can significantly support your healing. DeCherney AH, et al., eds. The normal puerperium. In: Current Diagnosis & Treatment: Obstetrics & Gynecology. 12th ed. McGraw-Hill Education; 2019. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Accessed Jan. 29, 2020. Generously squirt a line of aloe vera gel along the whole top of the pad. You can choose to smooth it in with a spoon or leave it as is – up to you. 4. Pour witch hazel on top of aloe