Postpartum Padsicles- How To Make And Use | Soothe Soreness

The first days after a vaginal birth can feel tender in a way that surprises you. Swelling, bruised tissue, and stitches can make sitting, peeing, and even walking feel prickly. A padsicle is a simple fix: a pad turned into a soft cold pack that sits right where you need it.

Below you’ll get clear steps for making padsicles, using them safely, and keeping them clean in your freezer. You’ll also see when cold helps most, when to switch to warmth, and the signs that mean you should call for medical care.

Why Cold Therapy Works Best Early

Cold can numb the surface for a short time and can calm swelling. Many postpartum care instructions mention icing the perineum early on. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says an ice pack or cold gel pack can be used on the perineal area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time, and that it tends to help most in the first 24 to 72 hours. ACOG postpartum pain management

The padsicle version is just easier to wear. It stays put inside underwear, and you can prep a small batch ahead of time so relief is ready the moment you want it.

Who Padsicles Fit And When To Skip Them

Padsicles are meant for vaginal birth recovery: tearing, an episiotomy, and general soreness. They can also feel good if hemorrhoids are acting up, since cold can dull the area.

Skip cold therapy on skin that already feels numb, on a rash that worsens with cold, or on any area that looks raw and irritated. If you had a C-section, you may still need pads for bleeding, but padsicles won’t treat incision pain.

Get medical care fast if you have fever, chills, foul-smelling discharge, heavy bleeding that soaks a pad in an hour, faintness, or pain that suddenly ramps up instead of easing.

What You Need To Make A Batch

• Maternity pads: long, absorbent, fragrance-free.
• Zip-top bags: one per pad so nothing touches freezer surfaces.
• A clean tray: to freeze pads flat.
• A marker: to label bags if you make more than one style.

Optional add-ons that many people tolerate well:

• Plain aloe vera gel with a short ingredient list.
• Alcohol-free witch hazel if your skin handles it.

If you’re unsure about an ingredient on tender tissue, go with plain cold. The simplest padsicle still does the job.

Postpartum Padsicles- How To Make And Use

There are two reliable styles: a plain damp pad and an add-on pad. Both start the same way: keep the pad clean, keep gel away from the edges that touch skin, and seal each pad before freezing.

Make A Plain Damp Padsicle

1. Wash your hands and clear a clean counter.
2. Open a maternity pad, absorbent side up.
3. Run a small stream of cool water over it. Aim for damp, not dripping.
4. Fold it back into shape and slide it into a zip-top bag.
5. Freeze it in a gentle curve so it fits your underwear.

This mirrors UK maternity guidance: dampen a pad, freeze it, and keep a clean layer between skin and the cold source. Cambridge University Hospitals perineum care

Make An Aloe And Witch Hazel Padsicle

Mayo Clinic notes that a chilled witch hazel pad can be placed between a sanitary napkin and the perineal area for comfort. That’s the same idea as an add-on padsicle. Mayo Clinic postpartum care after vaginal birth

1. Open the pad on a clean surface.
2. Spread a thin layer of aloe gel down the center.
3. Drizzle a small amount of witch hazel over the gel.
4. Fold, bag, and label if you made more than one version.
5. Freeze flat on a tray, then store upright once firm.

Keep layers thin. Thick gel can freeze stiff and feel bulky.

How Many Pads To Prep

Most people do well with 6 to 12 pads in the freezer. That covers the first couple of days when cold tends to feel best, without leaving you with a pile you never use. If your freezer space is tight, make six, see what you reach for, then restock once you know your rhythm.

Build Options And Safety Notes

More ingredients can mean more irritation. Use this table to keep choices simple and skin-friendly.

Option	When It Helps	Watch Outs
Plain damp pad (water only)	Good first choice for most people	Use a bag; discard after one use
Instant perineal cold pad (store-bought)	Steady cooling with no freezer prep	Follow label timing; don’t over-wear
Aloe vera gel	Can reduce friction against tender skin	Stop if you feel burning or itching
Alcohol-free witch hazel	Common on postpartum pads for comfort	Alcohol versions can sting sore tissue
Chilled witch hazel pad insert	Easy swap without changing the pad	Place it between pad and skin, not directly on stitches
Cold gel pack over underwear	Cold without moisture on the pad	Wrap it; never press ice on bare skin
Warm peri bottle rinse	Can reduce stinging while you pee	Use clean water; pat dry afterward
Scented oils, menthol, strong herbal blends	Often added for a “cool” feel	Skip them; fragrance can irritate tender tissue

How To Use A Padsicle Safely

Cold should feel soothing, not painful. Keep sessions short and give your skin time to warm back up between them. If you notice sharp stinging, pale skin, blotchy redness, or numbness that lingers, stop and take longer breaks before trying cold again.

Timing That Matches Common Postpartum Advice

Start with 10 minutes. Extend toward 15 or 20 minutes only if your skin still feels comfortable. If you’re tempted to keep it on longer because it “feels good,” pause and let the skin warm. Over-icing can leave you sorer once the numbness fades.

Step-By-Step Use

1. Wash your hands.
2. Let one padsicle sit in its bag for a minute so the surface softens.
3. Place it in underwear like a normal pad. Keep plastic off your skin.
4. Set a timer for 10 minutes.
5. Remove and discard. Don’t refreeze a used pad.

If you’re using a damp pad style, change it once it warms. Sitting in a wet pad too long can leave skin soggy, and that can feel rough.

Toileting Tips That Pair Well With Padsicles

A padsicle helps with soreness, but bathroom care matters too. The goal is less stinging and less rubbing.

Use Water, Then Pat Dry

• Spray warm water while you pee.
• Spray again after.
• Pat dry with soft paper or a clean cloth.

If patting still feels too scratchy, try a gentle press-and-lift motion with folded paper instead of wiping side to side.

Switch To Warmth When Cold Stops Feeling Good

Many people like cold early on, then find warm water soothing a few days later. A short warm sitz bath or a warm shower can help you relax the area. Keep water clean and skip scented products.

Day-By-Day Use Guide For The First Week

Your body sets the pace, but this table can help you plan. Adjust based on comfort and skin response.

When	Cold Use	Other Care
0–24 hours	10 minutes at a time, with breaks	Warm water rinse; gentle pat-dry
Day 2	After bathroom trips or when swelling spikes	Change pads often; rest with hips propped
Day 3	Use as needed, then taper if skin feels tender	Try a brief warm soak if it feels better
Days 4–5	Occasional cold, not on a schedule	Warm soaks; gentle walking; hydration
Days 6–7	Many people stop cold by now	Avoid long sits on hard chairs; keep toilet care gentle

Clean Storage And Freezer Habits

• Bag each pad before freezing, then store bags inside a larger container.
• Label the container so nobody mistakes it for food.
• Prep with clean hands; use clean hands each time you change pads.
• Toss any pad that looks torn, dried out, or contaminated.

If you prepped pads long before birth, open one bag and check smell and texture. If anything seems off, toss the batch and make fresh pads.

Common Snags And Simple Fixes

It’s Too Hard Or Too Bulky

Use less liquid, keep gel layers thin, and freeze pads with a curve. Let a pad sit in the bag for a minute before use.

It Feels Too Cold

Add a barrier layer. The NHS warns against putting ice directly on skin because it can damage tissue. NHS guidance on ice packs after birth

Stinging After Witch Hazel

Drop the add-on and switch to plain cold pads. Tender tissue can react to ingredients that feel fine on normal skin.

When You Should Call For Help

Call your maternity unit, midwife, or clinician if pain keeps rising, if you can’t pee, or if you notice pus, spreading redness, a strong odor, fever, or heavy bleeding. Padsicles can make you more comfortable, but they can’t treat an infection or a wound problem.

Simple Checklist For Your Freezer

• Prep 6–12 pads and freeze flat.
• Use 10 minutes at a time, then take breaks.
• Rinse with warm water while peeing and pat dry.
• Stop cold therapy if skin looks irritated or numb.