Postpartum Recovery - DIY Soothing Witch Hazel Pads | Mum Bub Hub

DIY Witch Hazel Pads for Postpartum Recovery: Cooling Relief for Your Perineal Area

October 27, 2020

Summary

DIY witch hazel pads and wipes are a simple, natural way to soothe and cool the perineal area after childbirth. Infused with alcohol-free witch hazel, aloe vera, and essential oils, they provide comforting postpartum relief and support recovery. Pairing them with a perineal spray or postpartum spray adds extra cooling comfort for sensitive skin after a vaginal delivery.

Why the Perineal Area Needs Gentle Care After Birth

The days following childbirth bring remarkable changes. The perineal area, the space between the vagina and anus, often feels sore, warm, or tender after a vaginal delivery, especially if there were tears or stitches.

During this time, soothing care and gentle hygiene are essential. Traditional remedies like witch hazel, aloe vera, and herbal sprays have long been used to bring comfort, coolness, and relief.

Homemade witch hazel pads and wipes are an easy and natural way to care for yourself post birth. They’re soft, refreshing, and safe for sensitive skin, a simple way to extend care into your postpartum routine.

What Are Witch Hazel Pads or Wipes?

Witch hazel pads (often called DIY postpartum cooling pads) are soft, absorbent wipes or pads infused with alcohol-free witch hazel, aloe vera, and sometimes essential oils.

They are designed to be:

Cooling and refreshing
Soothing to sore perineal tissue
Naturally cleansing
Safe for sensitive postpartum skin

You can use them after using the toilet, during pad changes, or whenever your perineal area feels warm or irritated.

These pads are a traditional, time-tested form of natural postpartum care — now reimagined for modern mothers seeking simple, effective comfort.

Why Witch Hazel Is a Postpartum Essential

Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is a botanical extract known for its natural cooling and toning properties. It’s often used in postpartum care products like perineal sprays, maternity pads, and padsicles.

When used on the perineal area, witch hazel can:

Provide a cooling effect for immediate relief
Gently refresh the skin without harsh chemicals
Help soothe your sore perineum after birth

For sensitive postpartum skin, always use alcohol-free witch hazel to prevent dryness or stinging.

Our Perineal Spray, for example, blends witch hazel with chamomile and lavender, offering that signature herbal cooling mist that feels both refreshing and grounding. It’s an effortless addition to your postpartum care routine and perfect for your hospital bag.

How Witch Hazel Pads Support Postpartum Recovery

After childbirth, the body naturally begins to heal — swelling subsides, tissues recover, and hormones start to rebalance. During this process, small daily comforts can make a big difference.

Witch hazel pads and wipes:

Help cool and calm the perineal area
Support cleanliness between pad changes
Provide a gentle, touch-free way to refresh
Are suitable for sensitive skin

They also pair beautifully with your postpartum spray or perineal spray, enhancing that cooling, hydrating effect.

How to Make DIY Witch Hazel Pads and Wipes at Home

Creating your own postpartum wipes or cooling pads is simple and rewarding. You’ll only need a few ingredients, all gentle, accessible, and naturally caring.

Ingredients:

Alcohol-free witch hazel
Pure aloe vera gel
Filtered water
Optional: a few drops of essential oils (lavender, chamomile, or peppermint for extra cooling)
Cotton pads or wipes (unscented, chemical-free)
Glass jar or airtight container

Instructions:

Prepare Your Solution: In a clean bowl, mix:
- 1 part witch hazel
- 1 part aloe vera gel
- A few tablespoons of filtered water to thin the consistency
- 1–2 drops of essential oil if desired (lavender or chamomile for calm, peppermint for cooling)
Soak the Pads or Wipes: Place your pads or cotton wipes into the mixture, ensuring they’re fully soaked but not dripping.
Store Properly: Keep them in a sealed glass jar or reusable container in the refrigerator. The chill enhances the cooling effect and extends freshness.
Apply as Needed: After using the toilet or peri bottle, gently press a pad against your perineal area for a few seconds. You can also use them for quick refreshes throughout the day.

How to Use Witch Hazel Pads After Birth

Using witch hazel pads is simple, soothing, and easy to fit into your routine.

After using the toilet, rinse gently with a peri bottle or warm water.
Pat dry gently with a soft towel (avoid rubbing).
Apply a witch hazel pad or wipe to the perineal area for 5–10 minutes.
Follow with a perineal spray for extra cooling and hydration.
Replace with a fresh maternity pad such as our Brief-Style Maternity Pads.

This simple ritual can be repeated as often as needed to stay refreshed and comfortable.

Pairing with Other Postpartum Essentials

Witch hazel pads are most effective when used alongside other gentle postpartum care products. Together, they create a holistic recovery routine that honours both body and mind.

You Might Also Include:

Perineal Spray: A touch-free mist infused with witch hazel, chamomile, and lavender. Ideal for cooling comfort between wipes.
Brief-Style Maternity Pads: High-absorbency pads that conform to your body while remaining soft and breathable.
Postpartum Bath Soak: For herbal sitz baths that nurture the body and provide traditional, soothing relief.
Peri Bottle: For gentle cleansing without friction.

These small, sensory moments, a warm soak, a cool mist, a calming scent, all work together to bring softness and grounding to your recovery.

The Role of Essential Oils and Natural Ingredients

Essential oils, when used thoughtfully, enhance your postpartum care routine with aroma and comfort. A touch of lavender or chamomile can bring calm, while peppermint offers extra cooling when you need it most.

Always use essential oils sparingly and ensure they are pure and suitable for sensitive skin. The goal is to complement, not overwhelm, the body’s natural rhythm of recovery.

Aloe vera, too, plays a key role, hydrating, softening, and soothing. Combined with witch hazel and herbal extracts, it creates a naturally balanced blend that feels both refreshing and restorative.

When to Start Using Witch Hazel Pads or Perineal Spray

Most new mums begin using witch hazel pads or perineal sprays within 24 hours after giving birth, once any initial medical checks or stitches have been cared for.

For the first week or two, cooling care can bring comfort multiple times a day. As recovery progresses, you may use it less frequently, whenever your body feels it needs refreshing.

Hospital Bag Tip: Prepare Ahead

Including witch hazel pads or a perineal spray in your hospital bag is one of the kindest things you can do for yourself. In those first moments after delivery, a simple cooling spray or pad can make a world of difference, offering calm, comfort, and a sense of gentle care amid the busyness of birth recovery.

Pack these essentials:

Alcohol-free witch hazel or Perineal Spray
Peri Bottle
Brief-Style Maternity Pads
Loose clothing & cotton underwear
Water bottle & snacks
A small cooler bag for chilled wipes (optional)

You’ll thank yourself later for the small preparation that brings so much relief.

Safety Tips

Always use alcohol-free witch hazel for postpartum skin.
Avoid harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances, or dyes.
Store your wipes or pads in the fridge to maximize cooling comfort.
If you experience increased discomfort, check with your midwife or healthcare provider.
Keep hygiene a priority, replace pads regularly and wash your hands before
If using the witch hazel solution, store in the refrigerator and use within a few days. Be mindful that this solution is water-based and does not include preservatives, therefore it should be kept in the refrigerator between each use.

These steps ensure your recovery remains gentle, safe, and restorative.

The Tradition of Cooling Care

Across generations, women have turned to herbal cooling rituals after birth, a moment to rest, restore, and reconnect with their bodies. Witch hazel, with its clean, crisp scent and refreshing touch, carries this timeless wisdom forward.

Whether you use it as a mist, a pad, or a spray, witch hazel offers more than physical comfort. It’s a reminder to pause, breathe, and care for yourself in the quiet moments between feedings and rest.

The act of cooling, soothing, and tending to your perineal area is both practical and deeply nurturing, a continuation of care passed down through tradition.