How to make postpartum pads at home
Postpartum pads, also known as padsicles, are among the postpartum essentials new moms rave about. In addition to the ready-made ones available in supermarkets and pharmacies, you can make your own. In this article, we will share with you the benefits of these DIY pads and how to easily make them at home.
What are the best postpartum pads?
There are several options available on the market and online. However, women’s health experts advise using the ones made at home with natural and healing ingredients, for more comfort, and pain relief, and to expedite healing postpartum.
Benefits of using homemade postpartum pads
After hours spent during the different stages of labor and after pushing the baby through the birth canal, your vagina needs the care to recover and heal. Whether you went through an Episiotomy or not, using padsicles is essential for postpartum recovery. But what about cesarean deliveries? You probably tried to push your baby before your doctor decided to do a C-section, this would have caused pressure and possible tearing that needs care and healing during a C-section.
Additional benefits
- Padsicles contain Aloe vera which is a great pain reliever for cuts and burns and is a natural anti-inflammatory solution.
- Homemade postpartum pads contain witch hazel that is effective in relieving swelling, pain, and itching that may occur postpartum. It is also a great treatment for hemorrhoids that can happen after birth.
- Adding Lavender essential oil can give additional anti-inflammatory properties to the pad and can help in reducing stress and anxiety.
- These pads are used cold after taking them out of the freezer, which relieves pain and discomfort.
How to make postpartum pads at home
Buy the ingredients and make the padsicles before your due date, keep them in the freezer to use upon your return from the maternity hospital.
Ingredients:
- Maxi pads, or postpartum pads.
- Natural, scent-free, and chemicals-free Aloe Vera gel.
- Alcohol-free Witch Hazel.
- Lavender essential oil (optional).
Steps:
- Spread aluminum foil over the counter or table you will work on.
- Place the pads and the rest of the ingredients on the aluminum foil.
- Partially open the pad.
- Put two tablespoons of Aloe Vera gel and spread it all over the pad.
- Spray a little Witch Hazel over the pad.
- Add two drops of Lavender essential oil (optional).
- Close the pad and wrap it in aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer.
- Remove the pad from the freezer 10 minutes before using it.
- Use it like any sanitary pad and change it every few hours.
Check out What to Avoid during Postpartum?
