A padsicle is a frozen maxi pad treated with soothing, therapeutic ingredients, designed to provide immediate cold therapy and relief to the perineal area following childbirth. This combination of a sanitary napkin and a chilled compress addresses the common postpartum discomforts of swelling, bruising, and soreness. The application of cold helps to numb the delicate tissue and constrict local blood vessels, which works to reduce inflammation and pain in the immediate recovery period. Padsicles offer a convenient, all-in-one solution that manages both postpartum bleeding and the need for topical relief after delivery.
Gathering Your Supplies
The foundation of a successful padsicle is a highly absorbent, extra-long sanitary napkin, such as an overnight or maternity pad. These pads provide ample coverage and absorbency for the initial postpartum flow (lochia), while also serving as a large surface for the soothing mixture.
The primary liquid ingredients are witch hazel and aloe vera gel, both selected for their therapeutic properties. Witch hazel acts as a gentle astringent, which can help to reduce swelling and bruising. It is best to select an alcohol-free or low-alcohol formulation of witch hazel to avoid irritating the sensitive perineal tissue.
The second core ingredient is a pure aloe vera gel, ideally 100% pure. This provides a cooling, anti-inflammatory effect that helps to soothe irritated skin. Aloe vera contains analgesic properties that further contribute to pain relief. You will also need a clean, flat surface for assembly and individual wrapping materials, such as plastic wrap or resealable freezer bags, to maintain hygiene during storage.
Step-by-Step Assembly Instructions
Begin by laying a single maxi pad onto your clean work surface, unwrapping it fully but keeping the pad attached to its original backing paper. The goal is to open the pad to its full length without exposing the adhesive strip on the underside, which needs to remain covered to keep the pad functional. This prepares the absorbent surface for the application of the healing agents.
Next, dispense approximately one tablespoon of pure aloe vera gel along the entire length of the pad. Use the back of a clean spoon or a gloved finger to spread the gel into a thin, even layer across the surface. Distributing the aloe vera evenly ensures that the beneficial anti-inflammatory and cooling properties are delivered uniformly upon application.
Following the aloe vera, apply the alcohol-free witch hazel by either spraying or gently pouring it over the pad until the material is dampened. The pad must be saturated enough to carry the witch hazel’s astringent properties but not so soaked that it loses its structural integrity. This allows the pad to freeze effectively without becoming a solid block of ice.
Once the ingredients are applied, carefully fold the padsicle back into its original, compact shape, using the adhesive backing to secure it closed. Immediately wrap each individual padsicle snugly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This protects it from freezer burn and maintains sanitation.
Storage and Safe Usage
After assembling and individually wrapping the padsicles, place a batch of them into a large, labeled resealable freezer bag for storage. Freezing them flat for a minimum of a few hours ensures they are fully solid and ready for use. Preparing a batch of 15 to 20 padsicles ahead of time is recommended to cover the initial days of heaviest use.
When you are ready to use one, remove it from the freezer and allow it to sit at room temperature for a minute or two before placing it in your underwear. This brief thawing period prevents the pad from being too rigidly cold or sticking to the delicate skin. The padsicle is worn like a regular sanitary pad, and it will gradually thaw, delivering both the cold relief and the soothing botanicals.
The padsicle should be changed every few hours, typically every four hours, or whenever it is saturated with lochia. Note that the frozen pads may have slightly reduced absorbency compared to dry pads, so monitoring your flow is helpful. You can continue to use padsicles for as long as they provide comfort, often for the first week or two, or until perineal swelling subsides.