DIY Postpartum Padcicles: Your Complete Guide

Padcicles are chilled, herbal postpartum pads that soothe soreness, reduce swelling, and support healing after birth. Using natural ingredients like aloe vera and witch hazel keeps them gentle and safe. Here’s everything you need to know to make and use them effectively.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup 100% pure aloe vera gel (dye-free, fragrance-free)

• 1/4 cup witch hazel (alcohol-free preferred)

• Optional: 1–2 drops lavender or chamomile essential oil (if cleared by your provider)

• Clean panty liners or organic cotton pads

• Small ice cube tray or silicone mold (to hold pads while freezing)

• Plastic wrap or small freezer bags

  
  

Instructions:

1. Mix Ingredients:

   • Combine aloe vera gel and witch hazel in a small bowl.

   • Add essential oil if desired and stir until smooth.

2. Prepare Pads:

   • Lay out your panty liners or cotton pads.

   • Coat each pad evenly with the aloe/witch hazel mixture using a spoon or dropper.

3. Freeze:

   • Place the coated pads in an ice cube tray, silicone mold, or wrap individually in plastic wrap.

   • Freeze for at least 2–3 hours until solid.

4. Use:

   • Remove a padcicle from the freezer when ready.

   • Peel off plastic wrap and place directly in your underwear for 5–10 minutes.

     
     

Choosing the Right Pads

• Overnight pads: Best for heavy bleeding immediately after birth.

• Unscented & dye-free: Prevent irritation and infection.

• Organic cotton or bamboo pads: Gentle on sensitive skin.

• Panty liners: Useful for lighter flow days or for extra comfort under padcicles.

  
  

How Many to Make & When

Days 1–3 (Heavy Bleeding):

• 10–15 padcicles per day

• Freeze in daily batches for freshness

Days 4–7 (Moderate Bleeding):

• 8–10 padcicles per day

After Week 1 (Light Bleeding/Comfort):

• 4–6 padcicles per day

Tip: Make extra frozen pads, they’re handy when bleeding is heavier than expected.

How to Use Daily

1. Remove from freezer, peel off plastic wrap.

2. Place directly in underwear for 5–10 minutes at a time.

3. Always use a fresh pad for hygiene.

4. Repeat as needed throughout the day, especially after heavy flow or when soreness is pronounced.

   
   

Storage Tips

• Keep padcicles in a labeled freezer bag or container.

• Freeze in small batches so you can rotate fresh ones daily.

• Only thaw what you plan to use immediately to maintain firmness and freshness.

  
  

Extra Tips

• Bathing & hygiene: Use gentle, unscented wipes or baths; less is more to avoid irritation.

• Optional herbs: You can infuse witch hazel with chamomile or calendula for extra soothing.

• Cooling duration: Avoid leaving padcicles on for too long—5–10 minutes is sufficient.