Padsicles: postpartum pads

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These homemade pads are so great to have after giving birth! They are great for all the issues no one talks about: swelling, haemorrhoids, stitches etc. I only heard of them for my 3rd birth and used ones made by a Naturopath and I wished I could of had them for my 1st two births!!

Use them at the hospital or birthing centre after you deliver and you will see how helpful and soothing they are. Ideally have them frozen for the 1st few days and then if you prefer them cold, you can put them in the fridge instead. You are going to LOVE these ‘padsicles’!

What you need:

  • Super maxi pads

  • Witch hazel (ideally with no alcohol added)

  • Aloe Vera liquid (pure organic Aloe Vera is ideal)

  • Spray bottle

  • Lavender essential oil

**Other essential oils to add but not necessary: geranium, peppermint and frankincense.

How to:

  • Open up the pads but keep leave the paper on the bottoms so they stick when you use them.

  • Make a spray bottle with 5-8 drops of lavender and then fill the bottle with equal parts of witch hazel and aloe vera to fill up the bottle.

  • Pour or spray the pads until they are completely soaked.

  • Use parchment paper or wax paper to wrap them up individually and put them in a big freezer zip lock bag.

**Make sure you don't forget to bring them to the hospital or birthing centre and put them in the freezer (or in a cooler you bring with you) to keep them frozen and ready to go after you give birth.

Tips:

  • Wear a regular pad 1st and then the frozen one on top so that when the frozen pads starts to thaw and leak, that 1st one will absorb the liquid

  • You can have a pique (waterproof on one side of the blanket) that you use in your bed once you are home (they have them at the hospital). You can find them at the pharmacy…..

  • Keep the spray bottle or make a refill to use as a postpartum spray for the perineal area.

Good luck and let me know what you thought of the pads once you use them!

Jana

**If you don’t have time to make these pads, Ilana Block who is a Naturopath makes them with herbs and oils that are great! She can be reached at: 514-234-6366

Jana Sedivec