Thursday, November 29, 2012

Postpartum Padsicles

I am a complete nutcase when it comes to being as prepared as possible. I have done hours upon hours of research about all the little things doctors don't tell you about. Like how pushing a watermelon out of you who-ha hurts for weeks after. Oh, and your insides continue to fall out of you like a freaking waterfall for weeks too. Of course I didn't think it was all push baby out and I'd be up a running within a few days or that everything would just snap back to normal like a rubber band. But holy crap, I'm scared for my poor lady parts. One of the best things I read about was the "padsicle". I asked a nurse about these and she said they even have some in the hospital but will only give one to you if you ask. Hello! You should advertise these puppies! Since my little one has a few more weeks to cook, I figured I would get a jump start and have a bunch of these babies ready to go for when I get home. After all of the research I had done, I decided to NOT put any essential oils in there (like lavender) mainly because I can not stand the smell of lavender. Plus, most Witch Hazel comes with some sort of smell. However, you can add a few drops of an essential oil if you'd like. Here's what you'll need:

  • Maxi pads (I got 2 kinds. Maximum strength w/ wings and Overnight Heavy Flow)
  • Thayers Witch Hazel (Doesn't have to be Thayers but this was the only kind I could find that didn't have alcohol in it. I also got the Rose Petal kind for a nice scent but any kind will do)
  • Aloe Vera Gel (Has to be gel. Don't get the concentrate or juice!)
Then the steps are easy..

Open the pad and cover the middle with Aloe Vera Gel..
Spread out the aloe with a spatula or spoon. Squirt on Witch Hazel enough to make the pad wet but not enough to soak through the pad. You still need some absorbency in there for your mess. Close the wings (if you got ones with wings) back over the middle and recover the adherent with paper..
I used Always Maxi Pads mainly because of this point.. their plastic covering can stay on when you are making these and then you can just close it back up using the tape that they originally had on them!! However, if you can't keep the original plastic that your pad comes in then you can either use plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Either way, wrap the pad back up into its form..


Store the pads in a large gallon size zip lock bag or extra plastic grocery bag so you don't have pads hanging out all over your freezer. Once you are done, place the bags in the freezer and you're ready to go!
I really don't know how many I made. I did make some that only have Witch Hazel in them because I ran out of aloe. Otherwise, I can't wait to try these out. Plus, seeing how both aloe and witch hazel have healing properties in them, I can only imagine they will be amazing!!





4 comments:

  1. What i love about these is you never run out of supplies and they can be used for mom and baby ..and you never run out :)

    http://hyenacart.com/HomesteadEmporium/mt/269/32104/Mama-Baby-Raw-Silk-Healing-Liners

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  2. These helped me so much!! Thank you for sharing!

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  3. Did you have any problems reopening them since you froze them closed up? I'm about to make some (this baby is due to pop out ANY TIME NOW!) and I want some on hand. Thanks!

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  4. I'm about to make these! I'm due in 18 days and can't wait to see who they help!

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