Pregnancy is a magical journey filled with anticipation, excitement, and endless preparations. From picking out names to decorating the nursery, expectant mothers are often consumed by the joy of welcoming their little one into the world. We meticulously plan the announcement, research every baby-related topic under the sun, and ensure our hospital bags are packed to perfection. But amidst all the baby-focused preparations, there's one essential aspect that can sometimes be overlooked: self-care for postpartum life.

The truth is, while the focus tends to be on the well-being of the baby, a happy and healthy mom is equally important. That's where postpartum self-care steps in to make the journey more comfortable and bearable. We're here to introduce you to a postpartum lifesaver known as "padsicles."

What Are Padsicles?

Padsicles, as the name suggests, are frozen pads soaked in soothing and healing solutions designed to provide much-needed relief to your postpartum lady bits. Think of them as a frozen treat for your sore exit, as humorously coined by Pregnant Chicken.

What Do They Do?

Padsicles are your secret weapon against postpartum discomfort. They work to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and promote healing in the sensitive area, making the initial post-birth phase more manageable.

C-Section Moms, They're for You Too!

While I was fortunate to experience a vaginal birth, it's worth noting that padsicles can offer relief to C-section moms as well. The soothing properties of these frozen wonders aren't limited to a specific delivery method.

How Many Do You Need?

The number of padsicles you'll require depends on your body and the type of birth you had. As a general guideline, I prepared 24 padsicles to have on hand for my postpartum recovery, and I made an additional 12 before discontinuing their use.

When Should You Make Them?

It's advisable to prepare your padsicles about a month before your due date. However, if you decide to make them a bit earlier, around two months before, that's perfectly fine as well. The goal is to have them ready and waiting when you need them.

What You Need to Make Padsicles

Making padsicles is a breeze, and you'll need just a few simple ingredients:

• Several packs of organic postpartum pads

• Lavender essential oil

• Pure aloe vera gel

• Witch hazel

How to Make Padsicles

The process couldn't be easier:

1. Clear some space in your freezer to accommodate the pads.

2. Unwrap the postpartum pads without removing the protective wrapper.

3. Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to the pad.

4. Pour about a tablespoon of witch hazel over the pad.

5. Finish with a generous layer of pure aloe vera gel (another tablespoon will do).

6. Gently spread the mixture over the pad's surface.

7. Fold the pad back up and wrap it securely.

8. Store all your prepared pads in a sealed bag in your freezer, ensuring they're readily available when you return home after giving birth.

Padsicles are a postpartum essential, offering comfort, relief, and support during a time of physical healing and adjustment. These frozen wonders are a tangible way to prioritize self-care and ensure that you're feeling your best as you embark on this beautiful and challenging postpartum journey.