Quick answer
You can make postpartum padsicles at home with maxi pads, aloe vera, and witch hazel, or use a ready-made product like Lansinoh's Postpartum Padsicles for no-prep cooling relief.
Why use padsicles for postpartum recovery
After childbirth, your perineum may be sore, swollen, or tender. Padsicles—frozen pads infused with soothing ingredients—provide targeted cooling relief that can reduce swelling and ease discomfort during the first few days postpartum.
Both homemade and store-bought options work, but they differ in convenience and ingredient control. Homemade padsicles let you customize the mix, while ready-made pads save time and ensure consistent, gynecologically tested safety.
Choosing between homemade and store-bought
Homemade padsicles cost less and let you adjust the ratio of aloe to witch hazel, but they require prep time and careful freezing. Store-bought pads like Lansinoh's are individually wrapped, fragrance-free, and ready to freeze—ideal if you're short on energy or want a guaranteed sterile option.
One trade-off: homemade padsicles may leak if you over-saturate the pad, while store-bought pads are designed to hold the infusion without dripping.
How to make and use postpartum padsicles
- Step 1: Gather your supplies: For homemade padsicles, you need unscented maxi pads (with wings), 100% pure aloe vera gel, and witch hazel (alcohol-free). For store-bought, simply have Lansinoh Postpartum Padsicles on hand. Avoid scented or alcohol-based ingredients to prevent irritation.
- Step 2: Assemble the padsicles: Open a pad and lay it flat. Mix equal parts aloe vera gel and witch hazel in a small bowl. Using a spoon or spatula, spread a thin, even layer of the mixture over the pad’s center, avoiding the edges to prevent leaking. Don't oversaturate—too much liquid can freeze into a hard, uncomfortable slab.
- Step 3: Freeze properly: Place each pad back in its wrapper or stack them with wax paper between layers, then seal in a zip-top bag. Freeze flat for at least 2 hours. Store-bought pads can go straight into the freezer in their individual wrappers. Label the bag with the date; use homemade pads within 3 months for best freshness.
- Step 4: Apply safely: Remove a frozen pad from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 1–2 minutes to soften slightly. Place it inside your underwear with the absorbent side facing your skin. Wear for 20–30 minutes at a time, then take a break to let your skin warm up. Never use a frozen pad directly on skin—it can cause ice burn. Always soften it first.
- Step 5: Know when to stop: Use padsicles for the first 24–72 hours postpartum when swelling is at its peak. After that, switch to regular pads to allow your perineum to heal naturally. If you notice increased pain, redness, or unusual discharge, stop use and consult your provider. Padsicles are for short-term relief, not a substitute for medical care if symptoms worsen.
Product spotlight
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Postpartum Padsicles: Lansinoh’s Postpartum Padsicles are infused with organic aloe vera and witch hazel, individually wrapped, and ready to freeze. No prep work means you can freeze a few pads in advance and grab one whenever you need relief, without worrying about spills or ingredient ratios.
Postpartum Padsicles
