DIY Witch Hazel Pads for Postpartum Recovery: Cooling Relief for Your Perineal Area
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To make DIY witch hazel pads, lay unwrapped maternity pads flat on a clean surface, pour or spray alcohol-free witch hazel evenly across each pad, and optionally add a layer of aloe vera gel. Use immediately at room temperature for sustained daily relief, or wrap and freeze for additional cold therapy. These homemade pads — similar to commercial Tucks pads — cost a fraction of ready-made alternatives and take under 10 minutes to prepare.
DIY witch hazel pads have been a postpartum staple for generations. They are simple, effective and entirely customisable. Whether you want cooling comfort throughout the day, targeted relief for haemorrhoids, or the extra cold therapy of a frozen padsicle, the same basic recipe covers all three.
What Are DIY Witch Hazel Pads?
DIY witch hazel pads are maternity pads or cotton wool rounds soaked in alcohol-free witch hazel solution, used to soothe and cool the perineal area after birth. They work in the same way as commercial witch hazel pads or "Tucks pads" — a popular US brand — but use a full-size maternity pad, which provides better coverage and can be frozen for additional relief.
The witch hazel provides anti-inflammatory and cooling action. Aloe vera, if added, gives a moisturising and soothing layer. Together, they create a simple but effective postpartum compress.
What You Will Need
- Alcohol-free witch hazel (available at most UK pharmacies)
- Unwrapped maternity pads or large cotton rounds
- Pure aloe vera gel (optional but recommended)
- A few drops of lavender essential oil (optional)
- Cling film or foil if freezing
How to Make Witch Hazel Pads: Step-by-Step
- Unwrap your maternity pads and lay them flat on a clean surface.
- Pour or spray alcohol-free witch hazel evenly over each pad. The pad should be well soaked but not dripping.
- If using, apply a thin, even layer of aloe vera gel along the length of the pad.
- Add 1–2 drops of lavender oil per pad, if desired.
- Use immediately, or wrap in cling film and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
- Apply to the perineal area inside clean underwear. Change every 2–3 hours.
How to Make Witch Hazel Wipes: Step-by-Step
- Mix 120ml alcohol-free witch hazel with 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel in a clean, lidded container.
- Add 2–3 drops of lavender or chamomile essential oil if desired.
- Place cotton wool rounds or soft cloth squares into the solution, ensuring they are fully soaked.
- Store in the refrigerator and use within 5 days.
- After using the bathroom, pat the perineal area gently with a soaked cotton round. Never rub or wipe vigorously.
Prefer a ready-made option?
Postpartum Peri Spray
If you want the benefits of witch hazel without the preparation — especially in the first hours after birth — our Peri Spray delivers the same soothing results in a ready-to-use bottle. Witch hazel, chamomile, lavender and cucumber, already formulated for postpartum use.
Shop Peri Spray →Can You Freeze Witch Hazel Pads?
Yes — frozen witch hazel pads are known as padsicles, and they are one of the most widely recommended postpartum comfort tools. The cold provides additional pain relief and reduces swelling beyond what room-temperature pads achieve.
To freeze: wrap prepared witch hazel pads individually in cling film or foil and lay flat in the freezer for at least 2 hours. They keep for up to 6 months. Remove 2–3 minutes before use. See our full padsicles recipe and guide here.
How Long Do Homemade Witch Hazel Pads Last?
Witch hazel pads used at room temperature should be prepared fresh daily and used within 24 hours. Refrigerated witch hazel solution (without preservatives) should be used within 5 days. Frozen padsicles keep for up to 6 months when individually wrapped.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make DIY witch hazel pads at home?
Unwrap maternity pads and lay flat on a clean surface. Pour or spray alcohol-free witch hazel evenly across each pad, adding a thin layer of aloe vera gel if desired. Use immediately or freeze for cold therapy. Apply to the perineal area 3–4 times daily for the first 1–2 weeks after birth.
What is the difference between witch hazel pads and Tucks pads?
Tucks pads are a commercial US brand of pre-soaked witch hazel cotton rounds. Homemade witch hazel pads use the same principle but with full-size maternity pads, providing more coverage and the option to freeze them as padsicles for additional cold therapy.
Can you use witch hazel wipes to clean after using the bathroom postpartum?
Yes. Witch hazel wipes are suitable for gentle cleansing of the perineal area after urinating or a bowel movement. Always pat gently rather than wiping. A peri bottle filled with warm water is also widely recommended by midwives for rinsing when using the bathroom.
How long do homemade witch hazel pads last?
Room-temperature witch hazel pads should be used within 24 hours. Frozen witch hazel pads (padsicles) keep for up to 6 months when individually wrapped in cling film or foil.
Are witch hazel pads safe for a perineal tear or episiotomy?
Yes. Alcohol-free witch hazel pads are generally safe for use around perineal tears or an episiotomy site. Their anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce swelling. Always pat rather than press and check with your midwife if you have any concerns.
Read our related guides: How to use witch hazel for postpartum healing and How to make padsicles.