Postpartum Padsicles: How to Make and Use Them Safely

Quick answer

To make postpartum padsicles, open an extra-long maternity pad, spread 1–2 tablespoons of pure witch hazel and a thin layer of aloe vera gel down the center, then wrap and freeze for at least 2 hours. Wear one for 15–20 minutes at a time during the first 24–48 hours after birth to reduce swelling and numb soreness. If you prefer no prep, ready-made perineal cooling pads are already infused and can go straight from the fridge or freezer to your underwear.

What you need before you start

Gather unscented, extra-long maternity pads, pure witch hazel (no alcohol), aloe vera gel, and a clean tray or freezer bag. Avoid pads with a mesh cover if you can — they can feel scratchy against stitches. Work on a clean surface and wash your hands first.

• Maternity pads: choose the heaviest absorbency you have, because lochia flow is heaviest in the first days.
• Witch hazel: check the label for alcohol-free and no added fragrance.
• Aloe vera gel: plain, 100% gel is best; skip lotions with alcohol or perfumes.
• Storage: a labeled freezer bag keeps padsicles separate from food.

How to make padsicles step by step

Keep the pad wrapped and only open the top half. Squeeze witch hazel along the center of the pad — about 1–2 tablespoons is enough. Add a thin line of aloe vera gel over the witch hazel. Press the pad closed, rewrap it, and place it flat in a freezer bag. Freeze for at least 2 hours or overnight. Do not soak the pad until it drips; too much liquid freezes into a hard block that will not conform to your body.

How to wear a padsicle safely

Take one padsicle from the freezer and let it sit for 1–2 minutes if it feels rock-hard. Place it in your underwear with the infused side against the pad, not directly on stitches if that feels too intense. Wear it for 15–20 minutes, then remove it. You can repeat every 2–3 hours as needed. Never leave a frozen pad on for more than 20 minutes — longer contact can irritate skin or reduce healing blood flow.

When to use padsicles and when to skip them

Padsicles are most helpful in the first 24–48 hours after a vaginal birth, when swelling and perineal soreness peak. After that, many people find they still help after long periods of sitting or walking. Skip padsicles if you have reduced sensation in the area, a diagnosed skin condition, or if your midwife or doctor has advised against cold therapy. If you had a C-section, padsicles are not for the incision — use them only if you also have perineal soreness.

Ready-made padsicles vs. homemade

Homemade padsicles cost less and let you control the ingredients, but they take prep time and freezer space. Ready-made versions are pre-infused with witch hazel and aloe, individually wrapped, and flexible even when frozen — so you can grab one without mixing anything. If you are packing a hospital bag or want a backup for the first week, a ready-made option removes the guesswork.

Your padsicle routine at a glance

1. Step 1: Prep your supplies: Set out extra-long maternity pads, alcohol-free witch hazel, and plain aloe vera gel on a clean surface. Mistake to avoid: using witch hazel with alcohol or added fragrance, which can sting stitches.
2. Step 2: Infuse each pad: Open the pad halfway, add 1–2 tablespoons of witch hazel and a thin layer of aloe vera gel down the center. Checkpoint: the pad should feel damp, not soaked. Too much liquid freezes into a hard block.
3. Step 3: Freeze flat: Rewrap the pad, place it flat in a labeled freezer bag, and freeze for at least 2 hours or overnight. Mistake to avoid: freezing pads in a crumpled pile — they will be lumpy and uncomfortable.
4. Step 4: Wear for 15–20 minutes: Take one padsicle out, let it soften for 1–2 minutes if needed, and place it in your underwear against the pad. Checkpoint: set a timer. Do not leave a frozen pad on for more than 20 minutes.
5. Step 5: Repeat as needed: Use a fresh padsicle every 2–3 hours during the first 24–48 hours, then taper off as soreness eases. Next step: if you want zero prep, keep ready-made perineal cooling pads in the fridge or freezer.

Product facts

• Postpartum Padsicles: Ready-made, aloe vera and witch hazel infused perineal pads that are flexible and super soft even when frozen. They conform to your body for cooling comfort without the prep or mess of homemade padsicles.
• Extra Absorbent Maternity Pads: 0-2 weeks post-birth: Super-absorbent maternity pads designed specifically for lochia, made from soft, breathable, dermatologically tested materials. Use these as your base pad if you make your own padsicles, or as your everyday pad once cooling is no longer needed.