How to Make Frozen Pads for After Birth
After giving birth, many mothers experience discomfort and soreness in their pelvic area. One way to alleviate this discomfort is by using frozen pads. Not only do they provide temporary relief, but they can also help reduce swelling and promote healing. In this article, we will discuss how to make frozen pads for after birth, including the necessary supplies to use, how to prepare and wrap the pads efficiently, ingredients to add for maximum relief, and potential problems associated with using them.
Supplies Needed
Before making frozen pads, it’s essential that you have all the necessary supplies on hand. Some of the items needed include:
- Maxi pads – preferably the longer night-time ones without wings.
- Witch hazel – this helps reduce inflammation.
- Aloe Vera gel – this helps soothe and moisturize the skin.
- Water – used for dilution of witch hazel, if needed.
- Freezer bags – used for storage of the frozen pads.
- Bowl – used for mixing ingredients.
- Clean scissors – used to cut open the pad packaging.
These supplies are readily available at most drugstores or online.
Preparing for Making Frozen Pads
Before you begin making frozen pads, it’s crucial that you have a clean and sanitized workspace as well as equipment. Start by thoroughly cleaning all surfaces with soap and water. Use a disinfectant spray or wipe to eliminate bacteria from surfaces. Next, sterilize your scissors to avoid contamination during assembly.
Preparing the Pads
When preparing pads for use after birth, select those designed to hold more liquid, such as a nighttime pad. Also, consider purchasing non-perfumed pads to avoid skin irritation. While you can use either disposable or reusable cloth pads, disposable ones tend to be less messy.
Once you have chosen the right type of pad, open the packaging and unfold it. Next, fold the pad in half lengthwise, making sure that the adhesive side is on the outside. This step will ensure that any added ingredients are directly applied onto the needed areas.
Adding Ingredients
After folding the pad, it’s time to add ingredients to enhance your experience. Witch hazel and Aloe Vera gel are commonly used because they’re anti-inflammatory and help soothe skin irritation.
To apply witch hazel to pads:
- Pour a small amount of witch hazel into a bowl.
- Dilute with water if too strong.
- Gently apply the mixture onto both sides of pad.
To use Aloe Vera gel on pads:
- Pour a small amount of Aloe Vera gel into a bowl.
- Gently spread the Aloe Vera on both sides of folded pad
Make sure that you use enough but not too much to avoid leakage or pullage from frozen pad. Place those pads in an empty freezer bag and squeeze out extra air
Wrapping & Freezing
After adding ingredients onto the pad, wrap it properly before putting it in a sealed freezer bag. Wrapping it appropriately ensures that there is no sticking to other items during storage or freezing. Here’s how to wrap frozen pads before storing:
- Fold over each end by about two inches towards the center.
- Place another folded-up pad on top of it, then add another folded one, until you have a pile of three pads.
- Gently press on the pile of the wrap to help it stick together.
- Pack them into a ziplock bag and remove excess air before sealing tightly.
When freezing several pads, use another ziplock bag to hold all the bags to avoid misplacing them in the freezer.
Thawing & Using Frozen Pads
After freezing your pads for at least twenty-four hours, they are now ready for use. Plan to have some pad stored thawed out and ready beforehand for easy access after birth. When it’s time to use them:
- Remove a single pad from the freezer and let it thaw for a few minutes on its own before using it.
- Once thawed, place the pad onto underwear’s crotch section with the icy or cold side touching your skin.
- Wear snug-fitting underwear to keep your frozen pad in place without slipping or sliding
Tips & Tricks for Maximum Relief
To increase comfort, incorporate essential oils into your frozen pads. Some oils that can be beneficial after birth include lavender oil, which soothes and relaxes muscles, tea tree oil, which has antibacterial properties and another is chamomile oil which aids in reducing inflammation.
Remember: Don’t wait too long before using up your frozen pads as they tend to lose their cooling effects over time.
Potential Problems & Solutions
Although frozen pads can provide relief and promote health after childbirth, there are also potential issues that you must be aware of. Overly tightening straps or having extended periods of sitting down can lead to leakage or pulls on the frozen pad. This can be easily solved by wearing snug-fitting underwear and changing frozen pads frequently enough.
Some mothers may also experience irritants from the added ingredients used. If this happens, set the pad aside and wait for your skin to heal before using another one. Avoid adding more ingredients if you experience any irritation.
Final Thoughts: Conclusion & Reminder
Frozen pads are an excellent way to alleviate discomfort and promote healing after childbirth. By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to make your frozen pads right at home. Remember to use non-perfumed pads, sterilize equipment, add necessary ingredients like witch hazel or aloe vera gel, wrap and freeze properly, and thaw pads ahead of time for when they’re needed. Be cautious about potential problems associated with using frozen pads such as skin irritation and leakage but don’t be afraid to try using them out after birth for better postpartum recovery.
7 FAQs About How to Make Frozen Pads for After Birth
1. Why should I make frozen pads for after birth?
Making frozen pads can help alleviate pain and swelling in your perineal area after giving birth. The cold temperature helps to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Additionally, the herbs that you can add to the pads may have additional medicinal benefits.
2. What materials do I need to make frozen pads?
- Clean, chemical-free menstrual pads
- A large bowl
- Herbs (such as chamomile or lavender)
- Witch hazel
- Aloe vera gel or juice
- Pure water
- A plastic bag for each pad
3. How do I prepare the herbs and witch hazel?
Start by brewing a strong infusion of the dried herbs in hot water for at least 20 minutes. Strain the liquid and set it aside to cool. For the witch hazel, choose an alcohol-free version and pour some into a small bowl.
4. How do I assemble the frozen pads?
- Open each pad and place it in the large bowl.
- Add a few tablespoons of the cooled herb infusion to each pad, making sure to saturate it evenly.
- Add a tablespoon or two of witch hazel to each pad.
- Add a small amount of aloe vera gel or juice to each pad.
- Fold the pad back up and place it into a plastic bag. Repeat for all pads.
- Place the bags of pads in the freezer until they are frozen solid.
5. How many frozen pads do I need?
It is recommended to make at least 20-24 frozen pads, as you will be using them frequently during the first few days after giving birth. You may want to make even more if you anticipate a longer recovery time.
6. When should I start using the frozen pads?
You can start using the frozen pads immediately after giving birth, as soon as you feel ready. They can be used every few hours or as needed for pain relief and swelling reduction.
7. How long do the frozen pads last?
The frozen pads can last up to 6 months in the freezer. It’s a good idea to write the date on each plastic bag so that you know how long they have been stored.
keys takeaways
4 Tips for Making Frozen Pads After Birth
If you’re preparing for postpartum recovery, frozen pads can provide soothing relief. Here are four key takeaways to ensure your frozen pads are effective:
1. Choose the Right Supplies
Gather maxi pads, aloe vera gel, witch hazel, and zip-lock bags. You may also want to include lavender or tea tree oil for added comfort.
2. Follow Proper Preparation Steps
First, apply a thin layer of aloe vera gel to the pad. Then add a tablespoon of witch hazel to the pad and lightly mix it in. Place the pad in a zip-lock bag to freeze overnight.
3. Know When to Use Them
You can start using your frozen pads as soon as you come home from the hospital. Use them for 10-20 minutes at a time throughout the day and night for relief.
4. Don’t Overdo It
While frozen pads can be beneficial, it’s important not to overuse them or leave them on too long as they can cause skin irritation. Use them as needed, but also take breaks and alternate with regular fresh pads to maintain proper hygiene.