How to Make & Use Padsicles: Frozen Pads for Pain Relief

A step-by-step guide to help cool and soothe your vagina after childbirth

Co-authored by Aly Rusciano

Last Updated: December 10, 2022 References

Having a baby is beautiful and magical, but boy, can it be painful! But what if we told you a frozen pad could help soothe your discomfort? Padsicles are just what they sound like—pad popsicles. No, you can’t eat these, but these perineal ice packs can help relieve vaginal bruising, swelling, and soreness after childbirth. Making padsicles is a piece of cake, and all you need are a few simple ingredients.

Things You Should Know

Spread witch hazel, aloe vera, and lavender essential oil on a maxi pad to ease inflammation and promote healing.
Freeze your soaked pad for at least an hour before using it, and then change it every 4 hours or so.
Use 100% pure and organic ingredients for your padsicles to avoid irritating your perineal area more.

1

Unfold a pad, leaving it attached to the wrapper.

Pads are the base for DIY padsicles—they’re in the name, after all! Carefully unwrap the pad of your choice. Leave the sticky side attached to the wrapper; we’ll seal everything back up later.^{[1]
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- The type of pad you use is totally up to use, but postpartum mothers recommend maxi or overnight pads because they can absorb the most blood.
- Look for organic and chemical-free pads to avoid further irritation and promote healing.^{[2]
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2

Pour witch hazel onto the pad.

Alcohol-free witch hazel helps relieve itch and inflammation. Coat the pad with this healing ingredient, squirting a thin layer over the entire pad. Just make sure to avoid the wings (if your pad has them), so they won’t be wet when you use them later.^{[3]
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- Try putting your witch hazel in a spray bottle to have more control of where it goes.^{[4]
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- Witch hazel is a great natural remedy for hemorrhoids, as it can reduce swelling and pain.^{[5]
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  Harvard Medical School
  Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public
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3

Spread aloe vera on the pad.

100% pure, unscented aloe vera helps soothe vaginal discomfort. Squeeze a glob of aloe vera onto the middle of the witch hazel-soaked pad. Then, use the back of a spoon or your fingers to smooth it around. Spread the gel all over the pad (excluding the wings, if your pad has them) until it’s completely covered.^{[6]
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- Avoid aloe vera gels with added scents or chemicals, as these could irritate your vagina and vulva more.
- Aloe vera is one magical ingredient! Not only does it cool and soothe, but it also relieves inflammation, eases pain, and speeds up the healing process.^{[7]
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  Trustworthy Source
  PubMed Central
  Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
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4

Add 1 to 2 drops of lavender essential oil to the pad.

Lavender is naturally calming and can help relieve pain in the perineal area.^{[8]
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Trustworthy Source
PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source} Putting 1 or 2 drops of the essential oil on your padsicle is optional, but it can add an extra layer of anti-inflammatory benefits (not to mention it'll make them smell nice).^{[9]
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- Make sure your lavender essential oil is 100% pure and has no additives; otherwise, it could irritate your vagina more.
- Never apply lavender essential oil directly to your perineal area. The aloe vera and witch hazel in your padsicle act as a diluter, making it safe to use.

5

Fold the pad up and stick it in the freezer.

Padsicles take about 1 hour to freeze. Gently roll the pad back up as if it were never opened. Place it in a plastic freezer bag and put it in the freezer. Let it freeze for at least an hour before using it.^{[10]
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- Make multiple padsicles and store them in a gallon-sized freezer bag, so you have plenty to use later.

6

Thaw your padsicle and use it like a regular pad.

A padsicle helps soothe pain while absorbing postpartum blood flow. After your padsicle’s been in the freezer for at least an hour, take it out and let it thaw for 3 to 5 minutes. Then, unwrap and peel it away from the wrapper and stick it in your underwear like you would a regular pad.^{[11]
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- Aim to replace your padsicle every 4 hours or when it’s full.
- Try wearing your padsicles inside an adult diaper if you have a heavy postpartum flow.