Welcoming a new baby into the world is a beautiful and transformative experience, but let’s be honest—the postpartum healing window can bring some discomfort. That’s where padsicles come in! These frozen pads, packed with natural, healing ingredients like lavender and rose, are a simple and soothing way to support the healing of your yoni tissues, reducing inflammation and swelling. They’re especially helpful in the first 3-4 days after giving birth, when your body needs the most care. Plus, they’re easy to make at home, budget-friendly, and an eco-conscious choice—making them a must-have for your postpartum recovery kit.
When it comes to childbirth, herbal medicine is one of our greatest allies. Whether you're preparing for your own recovery or helping out a fellow mama, making your own padsicles is a total game-changer. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process so you can feel ready, cared for, and supported throughout your postpartum healing journey.
Materials You’ll Need
When it comes to postpartum recovery, nature often has the best remedies. Padsicles made with all-natural, healing herbs are a gentle but powerful way to soothe, heal, and restore your body after childbirth. Unlike synthetic products, which can contain harsh chemicals that aren’t ideal for sensitive postpartum areas, these natural ingredients are designed to nurture and care for your skin while speeding up recovery.
Each ingredient we’re using has been carefully chosen for its ability to support sensitive skin and promote faster healing. Here’s a closer look at the herbs you’ll need and how they can help:
Water – The foundation of any good herbal infusion. Boiling water draws out the healing properties from these natural herbs, creating the perfect blend for your padsicles.
Roses – More than just a symbol of beauty, rose petals are known for their gentle, soothing properties. They help reduce inflammation, calm irritation, and promote the healing of tender skin—making rose-infused padsicles ideal for those early postpartum days when comfort is a priority.
Comfrey Leaves – This powerhouse herb has long been used to speed up wound healing and reduce inflammation. Comfrey is perfect for postpartum care, helping repair tissue and ease soreness in the perineal area.
Lavender – Well-loved for its calming aroma, lavender’s antiseptic properties make it perfect for postpartum healing. It helps prevent infections while promoting relaxation.
Calendula – A true skin soother, calendula helps heal damaged or irritated skin by promoting cell repair. It’s great for easing any itching or discomfort you might experience.
Arnica Flowers – Known for reducing swelling and bruising, arnica is a must-have for postpartum recovery. Adding this herb to your padsicles can help ease the discomfort that often follows childbirth.
Willow Bark – The original form of witch hazel, willow bark is a natural anti-inflammatory that works wonders on tender postpartum areas. It helps reduce swelling, relieve pain, and promote tissue repair.
Plantain Leaf – Often overlooked, this herb is fantastic for soothing and healing wounds. It reduces inflammation and helps repair tissue, offering gentle relief during your recovery.
Along with these wonderful natural ingredients, you’ll need a few practical items to bring your padsicles together:
Cooking Pot – For steeping the herbs in boiling water to create your healing infusion.
Heat-Resistant Bowls – Perfect for pouring and handling the herbal mixture once it’s cooled.
Maxi Pads – These act as the base for your padsicles. Overnight or heavy-flow pads work best for maximum coverage and comfort.
Parchment Paper – To keep the pads from sticking together when freezing.
Plastic Bags – A freezer-safe bag will keep your padsicles fresh and organized, ready to grab whenever you need some soothing relief.
Fine mesh Strainer – Essential for removing the herbs from the infusion before applying it to the pads.
By gathering these simple, natural ingredients and a few household tools, you’re all set to create soothing padsicles that will bring comfort and relief during your postpartum recovery. The healing power of herbs like roses, lavender, and willow bark offers gentle care, while practical essentials like maxi pads and parchment paper make this DIY project a breeze to complete at home.
Remember, your body has done something amazing, and it deserves the same level of care and love that you gave it throughout your pregnancy. These padsicles are a beautiful way to nurture yourself and embrace the natural healing process.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Padsicles
Now that you’ve got all your goodies together, it’s time to go ahead and start making your padsicles. These herbal-infused gems are a simple, natural way to give your body some much-needed love after childbirth. Here’s how to put them together:
Step 1: Start Your Herbal Infusion
Herbs need a little extra love when it comes to steeping time. Barks and roots, like willow bark, take longer to release their goodness, while leaves and flowers are quicker. Here’s how you’ll do it:
Bring about 4 cups of water to a boil in your cooking pot.
Add about 1/4 cup of willow bark (or any other bark/root you’re using) and let it steep for about 10 minutes.
After 10 minutes, toss in 1/4 cup each of comfrey leaves and plantain leaves. Let those steep for another 5 minutes.
Finally, add 1/4 cup each of rose petals, lavender, calendula flowers, and arnica flowers. Let the whole mix steep for another 10-15 minutes to get all the herbal goodness into your infusion.
Step 2: Strain and Cool
Once everything’s steeped, pour the mixture through a strainer into a heat-resistant bowl to get rid of the herbs. Let the infusion cool down to a comfy temperature before you use it on your pads.
Step 3: Prep the Pads
While your infusion is cooling, unwrap your maxi pads and lay them flat. Keep the adhesive backing on so you can easily fold them back up once you’ve applied the infusion.
Step 4: Soak the Pads
Now for the fun part—soaking the pads! Gently dip each pad into the cooled herbal infusion, or if you prefer, use a spoon to scoop the mixture onto the pads. You want them to be evenly coated but not overly soaked.
Step 5: Add Essential Oils (Optional)
If you want to give your padsicles an extra boost, add a few drops of essential oils like lavender or tea tree oil for their soothing and antibacterial properties. Just don’t overdo it—essential oils are strong, and a little goes a long way.
Step 6: Wrap ‘em Up
To keep the pads from sticking together, lay each one flat and place a sheet of parchment paper between them. This way, they’ll stay separate and easy to grab when frozen.
Step 7: Freeze and Store
Place the wrapped pads in a freezer-safe bag and pop them in the freezer for at least 4 hours. Once frozen, your padsicles are ready whenever you need a little cooling relief.
How and When to Use Padsicles
The postpartum period is when your body needs the most care and attention, and padsicles are a great way to soothe and heal during this time. Here’s when and how often you should use them for maximum relief:
When to Use Padsicles
The best time to start using padsicles is immediately after childbirth, once you're home and feeling any soreness or discomfort. They’re especially helpful in the first few days or weeks postpartum, when swelling and tenderness are at their peak. To use, simply stick the padsicle inside your underwear just as you normally would with a regular pad, and feel the cooling sensation that will bring instant relief to any irritated or swollen areas.
How Often to Use Padsicles
You can use padsicles several times a day, depending on your needs. Most new moms find it helpful to use them right after changing a pad, especially in the first few days when swelling is more noticeable. As your body begins to heal, you might not need them as often, but they can still be used whenever you feel discomfort. There’s no strict limit—just listen to your body and use them as often as you find comforting.
Additional Tips for Postpartum Care
While padsicles offer soothing relief, combining them with other natural remedies can further support your healing journey. Here are a few additional ways to care for your body during the postpartum period:
Other Natural Remedies for Postpartum Healing
Sitz Baths: A warm sitz bath, infused with healing herbs like calendula and lavender, can help ease soreness and promote healing. Soaking for about 10-15 minutes a day can bring comfort to sensitive areas.
Perineal Sprays: These sprays, made with ingredients like witch hazel and aloe vera, provide instant relief for tender areas. You can keep one in your bathroom for quick use after each trip to the restroom.
Herbal Teas: Drinking herbal teas such as red raspberry leaf or chamomile can help your body recover from the inside out. Red raspberry leaf is known to support uterine healing, while chamomile soothes and calms the body and mind.
Bone Broth: Rich in nutrients, bone broth helps your body rebuild strength and nourishes postpartum recovery. You can sip it throughout the day for an energy boost and added nourishment.
How to Combine Padsicles with Other Forms of Recovery
To maximize your healing, try pairing padsicles with these other remedies. For example:
After a sitz bath, use a padsicle for added cooling and relief.
Spray a bit of a perineal spray before applying a padsicle for extra soothing benefits.
Sip on herbal teas or bone broth throughout the day to nourish yourself internally while padsicles and other topical remedies help externally.
A holistic approach to postpartum care, combining both internal and external healing, can make a big difference in your recovery journey. Listen to your body’s needs, and treat yourself with love and care during this important time.
FAQs about Padsicles
How long can you store padsicles?
You can store padsicles in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just make sure they’re sealed in an airtight, freezer-safe bag to keep them fresh and prevent freezer burn. That way, they’ll be ready to use whenever you need a bit of soothing relief.
Can you add other ingredients?
Absolutely! While the ingredients in this guide are great for postpartum healing, you can personalize your padsicles with other soothing ingredients. For example:
Aloe vera gel is a popular addition for its cooling and moisturizing properties.
Coconut oil can add extra hydration and a gentle barrier to protect the skin.
Essential oils like tea tree or frankincense are known for their healing and antibacterial benefits. Just be mindful to use them sparingly, as essential oils can be strong on sensitive skin.
Safety precautions
When making and using padsicles, it’s important to keep a few safety tips in mind:
Always test new ingredients: If you’re using new herbs or essential oils, test them on a small area of skin first to ensure you don’t have a reaction.
Avoid strong essential oils: Some oils, like peppermint or citrus oils, can be too strong and irritating for delicate postpartum skin. Stick to gentler options like lavender or chamomile.
Don’t oversaturate the pads: You want the pads to be moist, not soaked, to avoid any discomfort when using them.
Consult with your healthcare provider: If you have any concerns about using padsicles or other natural remedies during your postpartum period, check with your doctor or midwife to ensure they’re safe for you.
Conclusion
Postpartum recovery is a unique and deeply personal experience, and finding ways to nurture yourself during this time is essential. Padsicles offer a simple, natural remedy to soothe and heal your body after childbirth, providing much-needed comfort and relief. By using ingredients straight from nature and combining them with other holistic postpartum care practices, you’re giving your body the love and care it deserves.
Whether you’re preparing for your own recovery or helping another mama, making padsicles is an easy way to bring a little extra comfort to the postpartum journey. Remember, your body has been through an incredible process, and it’s important to listen to it and take the time to heal. With these padsicles in your freezer, you’ll have a go-to source of relief whenever you need it.
Here’s to a smooth and gentle recovery!
Looking for more support on your postpartum journey?
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