How to Make Padsicles for Postpartum Healing

Postpartum healing deserves just as much preparation as labor and delivery. One of the simplest yet most powerful tools for comfort after birth? Padsicles — soothing, frozen pads that bring relief to your tender perineum. Let’s walk through what padsicles are, why they help, how to use them, and several natural recipes to prepare for your own healing journey.

What Are Padsicles?

Padsicles are postpartum pads that have been soaked with healing ingredients and pre-frozen to offer cooling relief after vaginal birth. They help reduce inflammation, swelling, and soreness from stretching, tearing, or an episiotomy. Think of them as a natural, gentle way to support your perineum as it recovers.

Why Use Padsicles After Birth?

• Soothe perineal soreness and swelling

• Reduce inflammation and cool the area naturally

• Keep the area hydrated and nourished

• Promote faster healing with natural remedies

• Encourage mom to rest and care for herself

Padsicles are especially beneficial within the first 5–7 days postpartum, when discomfort and swelling are typically at their peak.

How to Use Padsicles

1. Remove one padsicle from the freezer about 5–10 minutes before using it (a great task for your support person).

2. Let it thaw slightly so it’s not too icy on sensitive skin.

3. Place it inside your underwear like a regular pad.

4. Use a waterproof liner or adult diaper if needed to prevent leaks.

5. Change every 2–4 hours as needed.

Basic Padsicle Recipe

Ingredients:

• Organic overnight or postpartum pads (unscented)

• 100% pure aloe vera gel (alcohol-free)

• Witch hazel (alcohol-free)

• Optional: Lavender or frankincense essential oil

• The amount of each depends on how thick the pads are and how much liquid they absorb

Instructions:

1. Open each pad, keeping the wrapper attached so you can reseal it.

2. Spread a generous amount of aloe vera gel down the center.

3. Lightly spray with witch hazel to cover the surface.

4. (Optional) Add 1–2 drops of essential oil for extra healing.

5. Fold the pad back into its wrapper and place it in a freezer-safe bag.

6. Freeze for at least 6–8 hours before use.

Herbal Padsicle Recipe

This version uses healing herbs traditionally used in sitz baths for postpartum care.

Ingredients:

• Organic postpartum pads

• Herbal sitz bath tea (red raspberry leaf, comfrey, calendula, chamomile)

• Aloe vera gel

Instructions:

1. Brew a strong herbal tea by steeping 1/4 cup of herb mix in 2 cups boiling water. Let it cool.

2. Pour cooled herbal tea over each pad.

3. Add aloe vera gel on top of the soaked pad.

4. Wrap, seal, and freeze.

You can also soak cloth postpartum pads and layer them with the herbal tea + aloe and then freeze in reusable bags for an eco-friendly version.

Cooling Cucumber + Aloe Padsicle

This refreshing version is great if you're experiencing heat or inflammation.

Ingredients:

• Organic pad

• Cucumber juice (blend and strain)

• Aloe vera gel

• Witch hazel

Instructions:

1. Mix cucumber juice with aloe and witch hazel in a spray bottle.

2. Spritz onto pad until well saturated.

3. Freeze in sealed bags.

Tips for Making and Storing Padsicles

• Make 10–20 before your due date to be ready for early postpartum.

• Store flat in a large gallon ziplock bag or airtight container in the freezer.

• Label with the recipe or ingredients if you make multiple kinds.

• Don't oversaturate — you want them moist, not dripping wet.

Final Thoughts

Padsicles are one of those beautifully simple remedies that can make a world of difference during your sacred postpartum window. Whether you choose a minimalist recipe or go all out with herbs and oils, your body will thank you.

At Anointed Births, we believe every mother deserves rest, comfort, and support as she heals. Preparing your postpartum essentials like padsicles in advance is one way to support your future self — and create space for deep, natural healing.

Want more natural postpartum tips?

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Helpful Resources

• Evidence Based Birth – Perineal Tears

• Mama Natural – Postpartum Recovery Essentials

Anything stated in this blog is not medical advice.

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