While bringing new life into this world is one of the most beautiful and meaningful experiences, it’s no secret that the postpartum period can bring varying levels of discomfort and swelling—especially in the perineal area (specifically following vaginal births). As my second birth becomes imminent, I am doing all I can now to prepare for postpartum round-two as I now know how involved the recovery can look. DIY Padsickles saved me following my first birth, but now I’ve improved my recipe and strategy, hoping they bring me even more cooling, natural relief this time around.

So, what are DIY Postpartum Padsickles? Well, while I wish I can say I came up with such a clever concept (and name), these have been a staple in the natural birth community for many years. Padsickles are frozen, herbal pads that simply involve spraying and lathering soothing, pure ingredients onto a store bought maxi pad and freezing them in preparation for postpartum perineal recovery. They are a time-tested way to reduce inflammation, ease soreness, and promote faster healing after childbirth. While you can buy freezable perineum recovery pads, I prefer to make them myself as I can be sure the ingredients I am using are natural and pure with no added fillers, preservatives, or artificial fragrances—which I find to be especially important considering the vulnerable region I am placing them on. The DIY recipe I’ve provided is simple (and modifiable), natural, and perfect for those looking to support their body gently, yet effectively, during postpartum recovery.

Why Use Natural DIY Padsickles?

• Soothe Swelling & Inflammation: The cooling effect of padsickles helps reduce swelling and calm inflammation, while soothing ingredients like witch hazel act as a natural astringent to tighten tissues and minimize puffiness. Aloe vera adds an extra layer of relief with its anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties, helping to ease discomfort.
• Ease Pain from Tearing, Stitches, or Hemorrhoids: The cold naturally numbs pain, while witch hazel reduces irritation and swelling, especially around tears, stitches, or hemorrhoids. Aloe vera’s gentle cooling and hydrating effects further soothe tender skin, and lavender essential oil adds a calming, pain-relieving touch.
• Promote Tissue Healing Naturally: Healing botanicals like aloe vera and calendula support skin repair and reduce inflammation, while witch hazel helps prevent infection with its antiseptic properties. Lavender essential oil boosts cell regeneration and offers mild antimicrobial benefits, working with the cold to accelerate healing.
• Offer Cooling Relief During Tender Postpartum Days: The icy temperature eases overall discomfort, while the blend of witch hazel, aloe vera, and lavender calms irritation, supports skin recovery, and provides emotional comfort through lavender’s relaxing aroma—helping new moms feel soothed and supported in those delicate first days.
• Minimizes Risk of Infection Naturally: Ingredients like witch hazel and lavender offer natural antiseptic and antimicrobial properties, helping protect sensitive areas without harsh chemicals.
• Reduces Postpartum Bleeding Discomfort: The cold can help constrict blood vessels, potentially slowing excessive postpartum bleeding (lochia) and easing the associated cramping and heaviness.
• Supports Emotional Well-Being: The calming aroma of lavender essential oil not only aids in physical healing but also helps reduce anxiety, promote relaxation, and support mood balance—helpful during the emotional shifts of postpartum.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 8-12 maxi pads (preferably organic/non-toxic, or at least unscented. My favorite organic brand is Rael: https://amzn.to/3CRAKst)
• Large baking sheet (needs to be able to fit in freezer)
• 1-2 small spray/spritzer bottles (preferably glass)
• Large freezer-safe Ziplock bag
• Witch hazel: Witch hazel is renowned for its powerful anti-inflammatory and astringent properties, making it ideal for reducing postpartum swelling and irritation. It helps constrict blood vessels, which can minimize bruising and speed up healing around the perineal area. Its soothing nature also helps ease pain from minor tears, stitches, or hemorrhoids.
  • Look for 100%, alcohol-free witch hazel with no added ingredients. I often use the witch hazel from the company Revive as a cost-effective, yet still very pure, option: https://amzn.to/3D6YDw3
• Lavender essential oil: Lavender essential oil is a perfect addition to padsickles due to its soothing, healing, and antimicrobial properties. It promotes tissue repair, reduces inflammation and swelling, and helps ease pain from tearing or stitches. Its gentle antiseptic qualities also protect sensitive postpartum areas from infection, while its calming aroma supports relaxation and emotional balance—offering both physical relief and a sense of calm during recovery.
  • Look for a good–quality, lavender essential oil, preferably organic.
• Aloe vera gel (optional): Aloe vera is a natural cooling agent that provides instant relief to tender and swollen areas. Its gel-like consistency forms a protective barrier on the skin, locking in moisture while encouraging cell regeneration and tissue repair. Aloe’s gentle nature makes it perfect for soothing postpartum discomfort and aiding in the healing process.
  • It’s more difficult than you’d think to find a pure aloe vera gel. The best one I’ve found for quality, purity, and price is the organic aloe from Seven Minerals: https://amzn.to/3Qrr8rs
• Chamomile tea(optional): Chamomile is a gentle yet effective anti-inflammatory herb that soothes irritated skin and reduces redness. Rich in antioxidants, it supports skin repair and offers a calming effect on both the skin and the mind. Using chamomile tea in padsickles adds an extra layer of natural healing and comfort.
  • I prefer loose leaf organic chamomile, but pre-packaged tea bags will also work just fine—just ensure there are no other ingredients, that it’s just pure chamomile flowers.

How to Make Postpartum Padsickles:

1. Brew a strong chamomile tea (if using) by steeping 2 TBSP herb in 1 cup of boiling water for 8-10 minutes. Let it cool completely.
2. Unwrap your maxi pads (but keep them attached to their wrapper) and place flat on clean baking sheet.
3. Add 10-15 drops of lavender essential oil to about 2 oz of witch hazel in a small spray bottle.
4. Moderately saturate each pad with witch hazel and lavender mix—enough to moisten but not soak through (for me, the 2 oz concoction is just enough for 8-10 pads).
5. Spread a thin layer of aloe vera gel across the pad for its cooling and healing properties.
6. Add the cooled chamomile tea to a small spritz bottle and spritz over each pad (if desired).
7. Cover baking sheet and place in freezer for at least 3-4 hours (it’s ok to stack pads on baking sheet as long as you keep them flat and separated by their wrappers- the first time I made these I folded them back up and that wasn’t the best approach when it came time to using them).
8. Once frozen, remove from baking sheet and place in large freezer-safe bag.

Tips for Using Padsickles:

• Apply directly to the perineum for instant cooling relief as soon as you can following birth—or upon returning from the hospital.
• Use 1-2 padsickles daily during the first week postpartum, or as needed.
• Combine with a sitz bath, natural perineum spray of balm, and/or peri bottle for added soothing relief.

Natural Postpartum Healing, The Gentle Way

Postpartum recovery takes time, love, and patience. DIY padsickles are a simple yet powerful tool to help ease discomfort and support your body during this tender healing phase. By using natural ingredients like witch hazel, aloe vera, and lavender, you’re giving your body gentle, restorative care—because you deserve it. Yes, it takes a few extra moments to prepare, but I promise you will not regret having these on hand when it comes to your perineum recovery. There are so many benefits, and it’s such a simple addition to your postpartum routine.

Want more natural postpartum care tips? Stay tuned for more recipes and holistic postpartum tips, and check out these other natural-mama postpartum self-care ideas:

The Ultimate Postpartum Survival Guide for Natural Mamas: Essentials, Healing Tips & Holistic Care

Loving Your Body in the Postpartum Period: Self-Love Series

Sip, Soothe, and Heal: Essential Hydration Tips for Postpartum Recovery

Wrapped in Warmth: Ayurvedic Abhyanga for Postpartum Renewal

Sweat Smart: A Mindful, Modern Ayurvedic Path to Postpartum Exercise