The Benefits of Witch Hazel for Postpartum Care
Share
Witch hazel pads, wipes and sprays all use the same active ingredient, witch hazel extract, but work in different ways. Pads are soaked cotton rounds placed directly in your maternity pad for sustained relief. Wipes are used for gentle cleansing. Sprays are the most convenient option, delivering witch hazel directly to the perineal area with no contact required. This guide helps you understand each format and choose what works best for your recovery.
After a vaginal delivery, the perineal area often feels warm, swollen and tender. Witch hazel has been used in postpartum care for generations for its natural cooling and anti-inflammatory properties. Knowing how to use it effectively and in which format, can make a real difference in how comfortable those first days of recovery feel.
What Is Witch Hazel and Why Is It Used Postpartum?
Witch hazel is derived from the bark and leaves of the Hamamelis virginiana plant. Its natural tannins give it anti-inflammatory and mild astringent properties that are particularly well-suited to postpartum care. When used externally after birth, it helps:
- Reduce perineal swelling and inflammation
- Relieve stinging and irritation from stitches or tearing
- Soothe haemorrhoids, which are very common after birth
- Provide a cooling, refreshing sensation during the recovery period
Always choose alcohol-free witch hazel for postpartum use. High-alcohol formulations, including many commercial facial toners, are too drying for sensitive postpartum skin.
Witch Hazel Pads: What They Are and How to Use Them
Witch hazel pads are absorbent cotton pads that have been soaked in an alcohol-free witch hazel solution. They are placed directly in your maternity pad, or held gently against the perineal area, to provide sustained cooling and soothing relief.
How to use witch hazel pads: Place a soaked pad directly inside your maternity pad. Change every 2 - 3 hours alongside your pad. For extra cooling comfort, you can refrigerate soaked pads before use.
Witch hazel pads are particularly effective for relief from haemorrhoids. Fold a soaked pad and tuck it gently into the affected area for direct, targeted relief.
You can buy ready-made witch hazel pads, or make your own at home in minutes. Here's our simple DIY witch hazel pads recipe.
Witch Hazel Wipes for Postpartum: When and How to Use Them
Witch hazel wipes are pre-moistened wipes suitable for gentle cleansing of the perineal area after using the bathroom. They are a convenient alternative to a peri bottle when you are away from home.
How to use witch hazel wipes: After urinating, pat the perineal area gently rather than wiping, friction can aggravate tender tissue and stitches. Do not rub. Use alcohol-free wipes only.
Witch hazel wipes are safe to use around perineal stitches, provided you use a light, patting motion. If you have significant tearing or an episiotomy, check with your midwife before using any topical product.
Witch Hazel Spray: The Most Convenient Application Method
A witch hazel perineal spray is the most hygienic and convenient way to use witch hazel after birth. A fine mist delivers the active ingredients directly to the perineal area with no contact, no wiping and no preparation.
How to use a witch hazel spray: Spray directly onto the perineal area after using the bathroom, after changing your pad, or whenever you need cooling relief. Allow the mist to settle naturally. Use as often as needed, a purpose-made postpartum perineal spray is safe for regular use throughout the day.
For extra relief, keep your spray bottle in the refrigerator. The chilled mist provides a noticeably more intense cooling sensation that is particularly helpful in the first few days after birth.
Ready-made witch hazel spray
Postpartum Peri Spray
Our alcohol-free Peri Spray blends witch hazel with chamomile, lavender, cucumber and tea tree — a thoughtfully formulated alternative to applying witch hazel alone. No diluting, no preparation. Gentle from day one.
Shop Peri Spray →Witch Hazel Pads vs Wipes vs Spray: Which Should You Choose?
All three formats are effective. The right choice depends on when and how you want to use them.
| Format | Best for | Practical notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pads | Prolonged cooling and soothing throughout the day | Place inside maternity pad; can be frozen as padsicles for extra cold relief |
| Wipes | Gentle cleansing after using the bathroom | Pat, never wipe; useful when away from home without a peri bottle |
| Spray | Touch-free relief; easiest to use | Most convenient for daily use; refrigerate for extra cooling effect |
Many women use a combination: a spray for immediate relief after using the bathroom, pads for sustained comfort during the day, and wipes when away from home. There is no reason to limit yourself to one.
How to Make Your Own Witch Hazel Pads at Home
Making your own witch hazel pads takes less than 10 minutes and costs very little. You only need alcohol-free witch hazel, maternity pads and optionally aloe vera gel. You can also freeze the soaked pads to make padsicles, the cold adds an extra layer of pain relief in the first days after birth. Read our full step-by-step recipe here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Witch Hazel Pads, Wipes & Sprays
What are witch hazel pads used for postpartum?
Witch hazel pads are pre-soaked cotton pads applied directly to the perineal area to reduce swelling, relieve soreness from stitches or tearing, and soothe haemorrhoids after birth. They can be placed inside your maternity pad or applied directly for targeted relief.
Are witch hazel wipes safe to use on stitches after birth?
Alcohol-free witch hazel wipes are generally safe for gentle use around perineal stitches. Always pat rather than wipe to avoid disturbing healing tissue. If you have significant tearing or an episiotomy, check with your midwife before using any topical product.
How often can you use witch hazel pads postpartum?
Witch hazel pads can be used 3 - 4 times daily for the first 1 - 2 weeks after birth. You can also place a cooled witch hazel pad inside your maternity pad throughout the day for continuous soothing relief.
Which is better for postpartum, witch hazel pads, wipes or spray?
For immediate relief, a spray is the most convenient and hygienic option. Pads are excellent for prolonged soothing throughout the day. Wipes are most useful for gentle cleansing after using the bathroom. Many women use a combination of all three.
Can you freeze witch hazel pads?
Yes. Frozen witch hazel pads, called padsicles, provide additional cold relief for swelling in the first days after birth. Soak maternity pads in alcohol-free witch hazel, freeze flat in foil or cling film, and apply as needed. They keep for up to six months in the freezer.
Shop our full postpartum recovery range - natural products made for new mums, including our Peri Spray, Perineal Balm and Postpartum Herbal Bath Soak.