Postpartum PADsicles!

Postpartum Padsicles 

Once you get home with the baby, you will need to be sure you not only are taking care of your child, but also yourself. To help with that, go ahead and make some padsicles prior to delivery. A good time would be around 34 weeks.  These are not fancy or glamorous, but they will help with your perineal pain postpartum. I did not come up with these, however, they are so useful and relieving, that I strongly encourage their use!

What will you need?

Overnight pads (go with the largest ones you can get) 

Witch Hazel

Aloe vera gel (unscented and dye free) 

Freezer bag 

How do you make these?

It’s pretty easy and doesn’t take too long!  

Unwrap and open the pad.  Keep the wrapping attached. (If you mess up that part, don't worry, you can easily just put the pad (sticky part down) on some aluminum foil, and store them that way.) Pour about 2-4 tablespoons of witch hazel right onto the pad.  

Next, pour some aloe vera down the entire length of the pad.  Once on, use a clean & washed back of a spoon to spread the aloe so it creates a layer on the entire pad.  

Finally, you will just refold and wrap up the pad and freeze. Really, it is that easy!!!  You can put them all in a freezer bag, a gallon would be a good size.  

Making these prior to delivery is just one way to help relieve some of the postpartum perineal pain. Go ahead and invest in some extra large panties, too. Please be sure to take your pain relievers (like ibuprofen) to help with the pain as well.  Be sure to always handle the perineal area with clean hands. Good luck, and if you ever have any questions or concerns, you know you can always reach out to our OB team! We are here to help!

Author

Amanda Murphy, PA-C Amanda Murphy, PA-C is a board-certified Physician Assistant at Premier OB-Gyn with offices in Maitland and Oviedo, Florida. Amanda was born and raised in Palm Harbor, Florida. She attended Florida State University and obtained her undergraduate degree in Biochemistry. Amanda’s brother received a life-saving heart and double lung transplant, which shaped Amanda’s goals for her future. She attended the University of Texas Medical Branch and obtained her Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies. Amanda was the president of her class and involved in several organizations on campus. Amanda practiced Pulmonary Critical Care for nearly three years where she gained a wealth of knowledge and experience. She always had a passion for Women’s Health and started working in OB/Gyn, and completely fell in love with providing care for women. She enjoys delivering care to women of all ages and stages of life. She and her husband, Brendan, have two beautiful little girls named Abigail and Paige.