Having a baby, whether it’s a vaginal delivery or c-section, is no joke. Whether you have a fast labor, a long labor, one that is relatively easy or sheer hell-

You are gonna need to do some postpartum planning for pain relief and care- here’s a full postpartum recovery checklist!

Pushing a baby out takes tremendous strength and will power. It leaves all your tissues inflamed and you may need stitches which just sucks.

With my first baby, I did need stitches. It hurt to pee, it hurt to sit, it hurt to sneeze. I wasn’t prepared and sent my husband out to go get a bunch of random shit for me which was fine but I would have liked to be better prepared!

Enter- DIY PADSICLES. 

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WHAT ARE PADSICLES?

Padsicles are made by putting common ingredients onto a pad (preferably a giant one), closing it back up and placing in the freezer.

Some people like to use ice packs but let’s face it, they’re super uncomfortable to use down there. A pad is perfect for down there and won’t feel as uncomfortable or bulky.

The extra healing ingredients help to soothe any inflammation or pain cause by stitches or bruising.

All you need is:

• Pads: Preferably large ones like these that will fit in the disposable underwear you brought home from the hospital.
• Witch hazel: Anti-inflammatory and anti-viral. Reduces skin irritation.
• Aloe vera gel: Anti-bacterial and accelerates wound healing.
• Lavender essential oil: Anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-septic, anti-microbial.

HOW DO YOU MAKE  HOMEMADE POSTPARTUM PADSICLES?

Open up your pad but don’t take the paper off the back. Spread it open.

Grab your aloe vera gel and generously apply, in a zigzag pattern from top to the very bottom.

Pour 1 teaspoon of witch hazel down the very center.

Add a couple of drops of lavender essential oil to the center as well.

Re-fold the pad. Repeat for as many as you want.

Place in a freezer safe bag in the freezer. Take out as necessary!

I DON’T WANT TO MAKE THEM. WHERE TO BUY PADSICLES?

I get it. You have a lot going on. Sometimes DIY’ing something is the last thing you want to do!

You can totally buy premade padsicles. They’re called Tucks and are supposed to be specifically for hemorrhoids but you can use them for this instance too! Grab some Tucks here.

WHERE CAN I FIND THE INGREDIENTS IF I DO WANT TO MAKE THEM?

You probably have at least one or two of these ingredients in your home.

Witch Hazel can be found in almost any grocery store or pharmacy. So far, we love the Thayers because it’s alcohol free! You can find it here.

Lavender essential oil can be found at health food stores or in the natural aisle at some grocery stores. So far, this kind has been my absolute favorite for a reasonable price.

Aloe vera gel you can get pretty much anywhere! I do recommend buying a brand that doesn’t have dyes or other weird ingredients since it will be in a sensitive area. This one is on Amazon for a good price and only has natural preservatives on the ingredient list aside from the aloe gel.

If you are just wearing panties, try to get some pads that have the sticky wings to attach it better.

If you’re going with the disposable underwear, grab the big pads with no wings. I like to have an assortment of different styles and sizes when I get home from the hospital.

Looking for more postpartum advice?

• What To Do If Your Baby Has Colic
• Breastfeeding Tips For New Moms
• No Bullshit Breastfeeding Essentials
• What Do You Need For A Newborn? 
• Natural Energy Supplements For Moms
• Postpartum Recovery Checklist

HOW TO MAKE PADSICLES