A padsicle is a pad soaked in herbal tea and then frozen to be used not only to help soothe the tissues of the perineum and the vulva after a vaginal birth, but also to promote and expedite the healing process. The tissues of the perineum, vulva, and vagina are quite tender and swollen after birth regardless of whether or not stitches were needed.

Padiscles can dramatically improve the healing process and can help decrease painful sensations of discomfort. I suggest making these during the week of your guess date or in early labor. This is also a great task for partners, postpartum doulas, friends, or family that want to be helpful. My husband and I gathered all the supplies ahead of time and made these during labor. It was a great distraction during early labor and I was beyond grateful to come home to these!

What you’ll need:

• – Spray bottle

• – Gallon Ziplock Bag/Tupperware/Glass baking dish with a lid

• – Parchment paper

• – 6 quarts of distilled water

• – 30 overnight/super maxi pads

• – Pure Aloe Vera Gel-This ingredient is optional! If you do choose to incorporate this ingredient avoid using dyes and fragrances.

• – Postpartum sitz bath herbal blend. You can order this blend or make your own:

  • 1/2 cup comfrey root

  • 1/2 cup calendula flowers

  • 1/4 cup lavender flowers

  • 1/4 cup witch hazel bark

It is always important to be selective about the products you use for menstrual care, but it is especially important following birth as the tissues of the vulva, vagina, and perineum will be particularly sensitive as they heal. It is best to avoid products containing chlorine, plastics, perfumes, dyes, and other toxic ingredients. When your skin comes in direct contact with chemicals, those chemicals are absorbed into the bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream these chemicals often accumulate as our bodies typically lack the enzymes necessary to break them down. Be sure to read the listed ingredients as some products that are branded as “natural” or “free & clear” are often misleading. These pads are a fantastic choice.

Instructions:

• – Bring distilled water to a boil.

• – Add the postpartum sitz bath herbs to the pot of boiling water. Stir the herbs, cover the pot, and remove the pot from the heat. Allow the herbs to steep for 20 minutes.

• – Strain the herbs and fill a spray bottle with the tea. Save the remaining tea in a pitcher or mason jar(s) in the fridge for your peri bottle and sitz baths.

• – Unwrap each pad.

• – If you are using the aloe vera: Using a butter knife or spatula spread a thin layer of aloe vera gel covering the surface of the pad.

• – Spray each pad with the tea concentration on where your sore perineum will make contact. Use enough tea to dampen the pad but don’t saturate the pad as you want to preserve some of the absorbency of the pads for postpartum bleeding.

• – Wrap the pad in parchment paper and place in your chosen container. Once container is full place it in the freezer until you are ready to use the padsicles.

• – When you are ready to use them, unwrap the padsicle and let thaw for 3 minutes before using. Use 2-5 daily for the first two weeks postpartum.

• *To use in peri bottle: Fill your peri bottle 1/2 way with warm water and then add the tea until the bottle is full. Use this mixture every time you use the bathroom.

• *To use in a sitz bath: Fill your bathtub with just enough water to cover your lap and then add 1 cup of tea. Soak for 10-20 minutes. Repeat 1-3 times daily.

Written By Jamie Huberty-Koerner is, a mother, birth doula, placenta encapsulator, student midwife, and a childbirth educator at Blooma.