The postpartum healing journey after a vaginal birth can be long, uncomfortable, and—let’s be real—pretty chaotic. Especially when you’re running on no sleep, your meds are off schedule, and you accidentally down stool softeners thinking they were painkillers. 😂
I was trying to recover and take care of my newborn mostly solo—her dad hadn’t started parental leave yet—and I was exhausted. I wanted all the help I could get.
Enter: padsicles.
What Are Padsicles, and Should You Bother Making Them?
If you’re prepping your postpartum recovery kit, you’ve probably seen the viral TikToks recommending DIY frozen pads—a.k.a. padsicles—soaked in aloe vera, witch hazel, and other soothing ingredients.
If you’re adding them to your list, hit pause. Unless you’re bringing them to the hospital or plan to use them in the first day or two at home, they’re probably not worth the effort.
Instead, consider TUCKS Medicated Cooling Pads (affiliate link). These ready-to-use, witch hazel–infused pads provide instant relief for sore, swollen, and irritated perineal tissue—without the prep work. Keep them chilled in the fridge for added cooling power, and they’re perfect for those early postpartum days when time and energy are limited.
My Padsicle Mistake: A Freezer Full of Nothing
Before giving birth, I proudly made a full batch of DIY padsicles. I imagined myself at home, healing like royalty with my soothing, chilled creations.
Spoiler alert: The joke was on me.
By the time I got home from the hospital, the worst pain and swelling had already passed. I barely needed cold relief anymore. Every frozen pad I’d prepped with love ended up in the trash.
Why Padsicles Only Help in the First Few Days After Birth
Here’s what I wish I knew: Padsicles are only effective during the first 24 to 72 hours postpartum—when swelling, inflammation, and acute perineal pain are at their worst.
In that early phase, cold therapy:
- Constricts blood vessels
- Numbs soreness
- Reduces swelling
After day 3, your body starts to shift into repair and regeneration mode, which means:
- Heat therapy (think warm compresses or postpartum sitz baths) becomes more effective
- You’ll want to promote blood flow and muscle relaxation
✅ According to the Cleveland Clinic, cold therapy is recommended right after birth for inflammation relief, while warm sitz baths and heat packs are better suited for ongoing healing.
Key Takeaways for Postpartum Healing
💡 Make 1–2 padsicles if you plan to use them at the hospital or during the first 1–2 days at home.
💡 Keep a jar of TUCKS Medicated Cooling Pads in your postpartum care kit for fast, no-fuss perineal relief.
💡 After the first few days, transition to sitz baths or warm compresses to support natural healing.
💡 Most importantly: Healing looks different for every mom. Trust your body, and do what makes you feel supported and soothed.
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