How to Make Padsicles for Postpartum Healing

The easiest DIY padsicles to help with postpartum recovery while also provide soothing releif. Get the secret tips from the doulas from what supplies are the best and how to store them.

[@kayleighsides3557]

I love the Kotex brand always have since I was 13 I've always felt the Always brand to be very uncomfortable in general. I'm 24 now and 4 weeks away from my second baby I'm so happy I found out about this method of padsicle and that the kotex pads are still the same soft cotton feel

[@Thesidsentinel]

Overnight pads (not always because they have plastic lining). Drizzle thayers witch hazel over and fold back into original package. Put back into freezer.

[@HelpingHandsDoula]

You got it!

[@amberbamber001]

Do you take them straight out of the freezer and apply them or do you have to let them sit first?

[@butterflyforeve]

I feel blessed my 1st baby was 9lbs and I was cut pretty open and had stitches and I never had pain from it. I never used the spray and I had him on a Friday I was shopping for clothes because he didn't fit in newborn clothing.

[@HelpingHandsDoula]

Congratulations.

[@babiirae729]

Same! My first was a 9lb baby. 2nd degree

[@GR-sx9ri]

Thank you for this video 🩷

[@HelpingHandsDoula]

You are very welcome!

[@pipiolo888]

Ty

[@HelpingHandsDoula]

You are welcome!

[@sumedharaju4113]

Can I use their facial toner (thayers witch Hazel facial toner)

[@Nancy-rk9zp]

Thayers with aloe has two options: with alcohol and alcohol free. Does it matter which one?

[@HelpingHandsDoula]

Alcohol wouldn’t do any harm but might sting a bit. We would suggest alcohol-free to be more comfortable for you.

[@Firyuza]

Sorry, I have one more question: these pads should stay in for about 20 minutes until they get warmer and then need to be removed cause they start leaking?

[@HelpingHandsDoula]

No need to remove until you would like to change them out. As you don't drench the pad, there is room for absorption and shouldn't leak. If that happens, you are filling the pad too much with fluid before freezing.

[@carolinestewart8645]

Is witch hazel safe for sensitive skin? Seems like it would be but I'm curious as I have naturally more sensitive skin. Thanks!

[@HelpingHandsDoula]

There is conflicting information on witch hazel for sensitive skin. You definitely want to avoid alcohol as an ingredient. We would recommend testing it on a small spot in a sensitive area before making up a bunch of postpartum padcicles with it. And as always contact your family doctor or OB/midwife for a more detailed information!

[@SarahRRedman]

I’m confused where does the aloe come in and can you use aloe with lidocaine

[@HelpingHandsDoula]

Aloe is in the Thayers aloe and which hazel formula. well.ca/products/thayers-original-witch-hazel-with_13209.html?gclid=CjwKCAjw9MuCBhBUEiwAbDZ-7sOiTpDLqzRiW2JmyCX3tm950KMA9b6sx_5BGP5S3LcAxryw9h1q2BoCvycQAvD_BwE

[@imurfrd]

Hi! I am just packing my hospital bag, since they are in the freezer now, should I put them in a cooler so they stay cold? Or it doesn't matter

[@HelpingHandsDoula]

Keep them in the freezer to use when you get home. They wont travel well because they defrost quickly. Some hospitals do provide something similar while you are there!

[@rubys3660]

Can you recommend any other brand apart from Always? I am based in the UK. Thank you x

[@HelpingHandsDoula]

Kotex is a great option. Since this video has been filmed, Always has come out with a version without the plastic lining. But not all of them have changed, just one specific product.

[@rubys3660]

@@HelpingHandsDoula Thank you so much. I will check it out x

[@rivkalevi2345]

@@HelpingHandsDoulaHi:) do you mean that I can use the their new series of organic cotton ones🙏?

[@HelpingHandsDoula]

Most likely! As long as they are absorbant and dont have the plastic layer that can be irritating

[@jonickaogundaini4519]

Hello, would this be the witch hazel facial toner?

[@HelpingHandsDoula]

Yes it sure is!

[@raghadbajowda4911]

Can I use this method on cloth pads?

[@HelpingHandsDoula]

Yes you can!

[@loribaxter1873]

Isn't that facial toner / cleaner and not just witch hazel?

[@HelpingHandsDoula]

Thayers has a facial toner as well. They do have plain witch hazel

[@gracekantz7742]

Can I use witch hazel 14% by volume?

[@HelpingHandsDoula]

We would recommend checking the other ingredients as well. You want minimal ingredients and no alcohol

[@andreabaez7159]

Can this also be used for c-section wound? Thank you

[@HelpingHandsDoula]

It’s best to leave the incision and keep it dry until it’s healed. Any ointments would be integrated later on. Best to check with your health care provider for pain relief options!

[@pinkxue5183]

Where can I buy witch hazel?

[@HelpingHandsDoula]

You can get witch hazel at any health food store, amazon has it as well

[@ItsMeDeeDee]

What a person who is very sensitive down there can this cause yeast infection?

[@HelpingHandsDoula]

We would definitely recommend checking with your healthcare provider. Witch hazel is good for sensitive skin but we are unsure if it would cause a yeast infection

[@animalqueenplays]

Can these be used on a c-section incision?

[@HelpingHandsDoula]

It’s best to leave the incision and keep it dry until it’s healed. Any ointments would be integrated later on.

[@yaeyaeslife1512]

How many days / weeks should you use these for? I’m due in 12 weeks

[@HelpingHandsDoula]

Congratulations! It is hard to say how long you will need them for, everyone is different. For sure the first week, and from there you will know if you need to continue. They are definitely nice to have on hand!

[@Mom_of_lionesses]

How often to use it in a day? And for how long hours?

[@HelpingHandsDoula]

Use as much as you need to throughout the day. You should feel some relief for a while after using one. You can leave it on until the freezing melts

[@greatnessgodsaidit9891]

Can this cause yeast infections or bv?

[@HelpingHandsDoula]

It is a possibility if you are prone to them. We would recommend checking with your ob or midwife

[@hetalbenpatel807]

Hello, can i use witch hazel original with fragrance??

[@HelpingHandsDoula]

Sure. The lavender was a nice one.

[@hetalbenpatel807]

I bought witch hazel aloe original formula which is not unscented ,will that irritate skin ?

[@HelpingHandsDoula]

@@hetalbenpatel807 that should be fine as long as you don't have any sensitivities to aloe or witch hazel. Unscented is typically the way to go for most people. Have fun making them!

[@hetalbenpatel807]

@@HelpingHandsDoula thank you very much for responding🙂, I really really appreciate it . God bless you for such a wonderful job that you are doing , take care ❤️

[@Firyuza]

Hi, can I do the same thing with adult diapers? Aren't they more effective for postpartum bleeding?

[@HelpingHandsDoula]

You can actually use the pads in the adult diapers and that way you can get more wear out of them. Those adult diapers (hate the name of them by the way LOL) are more expensive so it is better if you can use pads inside and that way you have the security if the pad gets full and change the adult diapers once or twice a day. Hope that helps.

[@Firyuza]

Thank you so much!

[@jessicagomes6410]

The only Thayers witch hazel I can find says “facial toner” on the bottle. Is this ok?

[@HelpingHandsDoula]

Yes. That’s the one.

[@jessicagomes6410]

Perfect! Thank you so much for the quick reply 😊

[@ameenatabassummughal7203]

When to use these? Immediately after giving birth or??

[@HelpingHandsDoula]

For a vaginal delivery, in most cases, you can apply immediately after birth until the first few weeks postpartum. Ask your health care provider what is right for your recovery!

[@ameenatabassummughal7203]

@@HelpingHandsDoula okay great😊 Thank you.

[@missz6496]

How is an astringent not irritating to a tear in such a sensitive area? Seriously, just asking a question.

[@HelpingHandsDoula]

You would think so but actually this brand is very good. You get the cleaning properties without the sting. ;-)

[@TheCrystalBruja]

I used this method for after my homebirth with my sun and they were a miracle worker. Completely different healing experience from with my first birth and the cooling affect was very necessary for comfort. I am preparing some now for the arrival my third.

[@allypoo8414]

Why can’t I use always pads. Thats what I bought omg 😭😂

[@HelpingHandsDoula]

The plastic over liner can be irritating postpartum (especially if there are any stitches post birth!)

[@allypoo8414]

Helping Hands Doula thank you for telling me bc I had my baby five days ago and I did end up having to get stitches!

[@HelpingHandsDoula]

allypoo congratulations!! Hoping your recovery is smooth 💜