DIY Padsicles: How To Make Your Own Cold Pack for Pain Relief After Birth
To make padsicles, soak extra-long maternity pads with witch hazel, add aloe vera gel and a few drops of lavender oil, then freeze them in a freezer bag. Start making them at 36 to 38 weeks pregnant. Use them as cold compresses on the perineum in the first 48 to 72 hours after birth, then switch to room-temperature witch hazel pads.
What are padsicles and do they actually help?
A padsicle is a maternity pad pre-loaded with witch hazel, aloe vera, and optional soothing oils, then frozen solid. When placed against the perineum after birth, the cold reduces swelling and numbs soreness, while the witch hazel and aloe vera provide additional anti-inflammatory support.
The cold is most effective in the first 24 to 72 hours after birth, when swelling tends to be highest. After that, warmth (via a sitz bath) becomes more helpful for promoting blood flow and healing. Many midwives suggest using padsicles for the first two to three days, then transitioning to room-temperature witch hazel pads or a herbal sitz bath.
Safety note
Padsicles are for external comfort, not medical treatment. If you have a significant tear, stitches, or a C-section wound, follow your midwife's or hospital team's specific aftercare guidance first. Cold compresses can help with general soreness and swelling, but they are not a substitute for proper wound care. Stop using them if they sting, numb the area for too long, feel too wet, or make bleeding harder to monitor. Speak to your midwife or GP if pain, bleeding, swelling or discharge worsens.
Checklist
Your padsicle shopping and making list
Gather these before 36 weeks and make a batch as part of your hospital bag preparation.
The padsicle ingredient checklist
Use a ready-made witch hazel spray
If you want to avoid mixing a homemade witch hazel solution, use a perineal spray to lightly mist each pad before freezing. Keep the pad damp enough to cool, but not soaked.
Shop Perineal SprayHow to make padsicles: step by step
- Open each pad flat: Unfold the pad but keep the wrapper intact underneath so it stays hygienic. Lay it on a clean surface.
- Add witch hazel: Pour or spray about two tablespoons of witch hazel directly onto the absorbent surface of the pad. Let it soak in for 30 seconds.
- Apply aloe vera: Spread a thin, even layer of aloe vera gel across the same surface. About one tablespoon per pad is enough.
- Add lavender oil (optional): Place 1 drops on each pad. Do not add more, a little goes a long way on sensitive postpartum skin.
- Re-fold and seal: Fold the pad back up with the wrapper, then place it in a freezer bag. Lay it flat.
- Freeze for at least four hours: Make your batch two to three weeks before your due date and keep them frozen until needed.
What to prepare first
- Make your padsicles at 36 to 38 weeks: This gives you a full batch ready before labour, without risking them sitting too long in the freezer.
- Store flat in a dedicated bag: Label the bag so your partner knows where they are and can bring them to you.
- Pack two or three in your hospital bag: Wrap them in a small insulated bag or ask the hospital if they have a freezer you can use.
What you probably do not need
- Tea tree oil: too strong for the delicate postpartum perineum and can cause irritation
- Fragrance oils or synthetic perfumes: these can cause reactions on healing skin
- Extra-thick ultra pads: they are harder to fold back up and take longer to thaw to a comfortable temperature
Timing
How many padsicles should you make?
A small batch is usually enough to start. Three to six padsicles can cover the first few days, then you can decide whether you still need cold therapy or whether regular pads and a spray feel more comfortable.
When to use a padsicle
Padsicles are most useful when swelling, heaviness or stinging is making pad changes uncomfortable. They can be especially welcome after a vaginal birth, perineal tear, episiotomy or haemorrhoid flare-up.
They are not a replacement for medical support. If cold therapy does not help, or the pain feels sharp, worsening or one-sided, it is worth asking your midwife to check the area.
Optional support
Make padsicles with postpartum basics
A soft maternity pad and a gentle perineal spray can make DIY padsicles easier to prep before your due date.
FAQs
What are padsicles?
Padsicles are maternity pads that have been prepared with soothing ingredients, then frozen and used as a cold pack inside your underwear after birth.
How long do you wear a padsicle?
Wear a padsicle only while it feels comfortably cool. Remove it if it becomes too wet, too cold, uncomfortable, or makes it harder to monitor bleeding.
Can you use padsicles with stitches?
Many people use cool pads after stitches, but keep them clean, external and gentle. Ask your midwife if you have a severe tear, wound concerns or increasing pain.
Can I make padsicles without witch hazel?
Yes. You can use a simple cold maternity pad or aloe vera only if witch hazel does not suit your skin.
Should I make padsicles before birth?
Yes, you can make a small batch near the end of pregnancy so they are ready in the freezer. Label and store them cleanly.
Preparing your postpartum recovery drawer?
Brief-style maternity pads and perineal spray are optional support tools that can be used for padsicles or everyday pad changes after birth.
Shop Brief-Style Maternity Pads
1 comment
Where can I buy the wicth Hazel?