Homemade Padsicles tutorial: relieve swelling of the perineum after childbirth
The preparation takes approx 5 minutes for around fifteen towels. The ideal: prepare them at the end of pregnancy so that they are ready in the freezer on the big day. 🧊
🌿 Open the towel
Completely unfold a thick disposable sanitary napkin (maxi or overnight size), without removing the protective paper.
💧 Spray the witch hazel hydrosol
Generously spray the entire absorbent surface. Witch hazel, also called "witch water", is astringent and soothing.
🌱 Spread the aloe gel
Spread 1 to 2 tablespoons of pure aloe gel over the towel to soothe and moisturize the tissues.
❄️ Close and pack
Fold the towel, put the protective paper back on, then slip it into a resealable freezer bag, indicating the date.
🕒 Freeze flat
Place the napkins flat in the freezer. They are ready in a few hours.
Before use: leave to cool for a few minutes — never hard as an ice cube.
Are you about to give birth? Prepare for what comes next.
Padsicles soothe the body; our doulas soothe everything else. Rest, meals, baby care and caring listening: our relief service in Montreal accompanies you at home during the first weeks. Insurance receipts available.
What ingredients to choose and how many to prepare?
The basic recipe comes in three elements: an absorbent towel, witch hazel hydrosol and pure aloe gel. Here are the details and quantities per towel.
Disposable sanitary napkin (maximum or night) - absorbent base that holds freshness and soothing products. → 1 towel
Witch hazel hydrosol (witch water, alcohol-free) - astringent and soothing, often used for tissue comfort. → spray generously
Pure aloe gel - soothes and hydrates sensitive skin. → 1 to 2 tbsp. soup
Filtered water (optional) - adds a little freshness if the towel is not very damp. → a light spray bottle
💡 How much to prepare? Plan on a dozen to fifteen padsicles. Cold is especially useful during the first 24 to 72 hours, when swelling and pain are most pronounced; this is where you will use the most.
How and when to use a padsicle safely?
Short answer: in short periods, with a clean barrier, especially the first days. Direct and prolonged cold on weakened skin can cause frostbite - the goal is comfort, not thermal shock.
❄️ Our benchmarks, aligned with the recommendations of the SOGC and theACOG :
⏱️ 10 to 20 minutes maximum by application, then we remove.
🔁 We can repeat every 1 to 2 hours during the first 24 to 72 hours, as needed.
🧻 Always keep a clean barrier (the towel itself, panties, fine linen) between the cold and the skin; never place ice directly.
🌡️ The padsicle must be fresh, not frozen hard : let it temper for a few minutes before wearing it.
🩹 Change it like a regular towel to keep the area clean and dry between applications.
Beyond the first few days, many families find that sitz bathing in lukewarm water becomes more comfortable than cold.
Be born and grow suggests 10 to 15 minutes, several times a day, especially after having a bowel movement.
When the cold is not enough: what signs should alert you?
The padsicle relieves normal discomfort in the first few days. It does not treat a complication. There are certain signs that require you to contact the place where you gave birth or a healthcare professional without delay.
Check if you notice:
🌡️ Of the fever or chills.
🩸 A bleeding that increases instead of decreasing, or filling more than one towel per hour.
👃 Of the unusual smelling discharge or nauseating.
🔴 Of the redness, discharge or opening at the level of the tear or episiotomy.
📈 A intensifying pain instead of calming down as the days go by.
🚽 A pain or burning when urinating which persists for several days.
These benchmarks are based on the recommendations of Be born and grow and theAmerican College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). When in doubt, trust yourself and call your doctor: no one knows your body better than you.
All your questions about padsticles
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To not forget anything, download our maternity suitcase list free.
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Well packaged in a resealable freezer bag and dated, they will keep for several months. Use a clean container and avoid refreezing them once thawed.
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The padsicle targets the perineum, which is less stressed during a cesarean section. If you still have vulvar swelling, it can provide comfort. For the abdominal scar, follow the instructions of your healthcare team instead; you will find good recovery benchmarks on Be born and grow.
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If you want to, first confirm with your midwife, your doctor or someone doula in Montreal trained in perinatal care.
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In increments of 10 to 20 minutes, allowing the skin to warm up between two applications, especially during the first 24 to 72 hours. Continuous and prolonged cold should be avoided. These benchmarks are in line with the recommendations of theACOG, and the review Cochrane remember that the cold mainly relieves discomfort, without replacing follow-up.
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Our relief service in Montreal supports you at home: rest, meals, baby care and listening||To discuss it, book one free discovery meeting.
This article is informative and does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional. For any decisions regarding your recovery, consult your midwife, doctor or the place where you gave birth.
Émilie Péru — doula and perinatal naturopath
Member of the AQD (2020) and the ANPQ, specialized in breastfeeding, perinatal hypnosis, carrying, Spinning Babies® and twin deliveries. Since 2023, she has taught at the Mère et Monde school, where she trains the new generation of doulas in Quebec.