Padsicles are a postpartum must have for optimal perineum healing and support after vaginal delivery.

Swelling, bruising and even stitches can be common with childbirth. Thankfully there are some easy ways to ease your pain while recovering. One of my favorite tools is the oh so loved padsicle. At first thought, putting something frozen on your vagina may seem a little odd, but trust me, when the time comes you will love having these on hand.

How to Make Padsicles

To get started, you only need a few basic items, which you may already have in your home (if not, I’ve added links to shop for these products online).

Supplies Needed:

• Cookie sheet
• Spoon
• Gallon Freezer Bags
• Large, overnight pads (organic, non-toxic is best)
• Witch hazel
• Aloe Vera
• Essential oils*
  • Lavender
  • Peppermint (optional)
  • Geranium (optional)
  • Frankincense (optional)
  • Helichrysum (optional)

Step-by-step instructions:

Step 1: Put cookie sheet on counter

Step 2: Unwrap pads (how ever many will fit on sheet – usually 6-8) leaving the adhesive cover on, and place on cookie sheet

Step 3: Mix all ingredients in a bowl

• 1 Cup water
• 1/2 C olive oil
• 1/2 C Witch Hazel
• 1/4 C Aloe Vera
• 12 drops Lavender
• 12 drops Peppermint
• 12 drops Geranium
• 5 drops Helichrysum
• 5 drops Frankincense

Step 4: Spoon the mixture onto the pads, focus on the center but go top to bottom

Step 5: Place cookie sheet in the freezer for 2 hours

Step 6: Wrap pads back up and place in freezer bag

Step 7: Place in freezer

How to Use Padsicles

Once you’re ready to use a padsicle, take it out of the freezer and allow it to thaw for a few minutes, so that it’s not too cold. Since the padsicle is nothing more than a sanitary napkin, you can wear it inside your underwear like you would wear a regular pad, however, I have found using adult diapers are much more comfortable to wear while healing.

While a padsicle can provide relief from pain, swelling, and inflammation, the coolness of a pad gradually wears off. Even so, it will continue to offer healing benefits due to the witch hazel, aloe vera and essential oils.

Once the coolness wears off, you can replace the padsicle with another one. As a general rule of thumb, make sure you change a padsicle at least every 4 hours, just like you would change a regular pad.

Having natural relief for healing postpartum is so important, this is precious time with your newborn. You want to have as many tools on hand to support your body and mind as possible. Unfortunately, you can’t buy padsicles in stores, so if you want to use these pads for physical relief, your only option is to make your own and stock up before your due date.

Trust me, you’ll be glad that you did.

**I always recommend using doTERRA essential oils for purity, potency and safety