The Most Genius Alternative To Padsicles

Are you giving birth soon and looking for something like a padsicle without the extra hassle? Here is a genius alternative!

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If you are preparing for a vaginal birth, it’s important to know that you will feel very sore for the first few weeks after giving birth. During this time, it’s important to take it easy and rest whenever you can. If you experienced tearing, it might take you even longer to recover depending on the degree of the tear.

It’s no secret that postpartum healing is no easy feat! It would be one thing if you could lay in bed or sit in the bath all day but you can’t because you have a newborn to take care of. And maybe even other kids! Thankfully, there are different natural products that can make the healing process a little more bearable and are extremely budget friendly. My favorite one is such a great alternative to padsicles.

This post is all about the best alternative to padsicles.

You keep saying padsicles, what are they?

A “padsicle” is a frozen pad with added ingredients that is very popular for postpartum healing. The cooling effect, as well as the fact that it’s made with a regular pad is where the name “padsicle” comes from.

They usually contain:

Witch hazel- A plant extract that has healing and soothing properties; Studies have shown that it helps improve hemorrhoids, as well as irritation
Aloe vera- Similar to witch hazel in the sense that it also has healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s naturally in a gel form and I’ve actually used it as part of my skincare routine before! It’s great for acne.
Essential oils- Most commonly lavender because it’s known for its anti-inflammatory properties just like witch hazel and aloe vera. It also smells wonderful.

You can’t buy padsicles in stores, which is why you’ve probably seen many tutorials or guides on how to make them! They’re simple to make and are a great option if you’re looking for a small project in your third trimester.

But if you’re anything like me and just don’t feel like going through the hassle of making them, you might be wondering what else you can use that has pretty much the same benefit.

The most genius alternative to padsicles

If you’re looking for the quickest way to have a similar feeling to padsicles without having to make them, the Tucks Medicated Cooling Pads are incredible, cost-effective, and easy to use.

They were given to me at the hospital and I was blown away by the instant relief I got the second I put them in my giant pad (yes, the hospital will give you giant pads after birth). I had a second degree tear and the burning, irritation, and soreness from the stitches stopped immediately. It was a godsend.

I instantly bought another tub of my own because they were that great. They are also low absorbent so although blood from postpartum bleeding will get on them, they won’t soak. So they are perfect to put right on your pad or in your adult diaper.

How to use the Tucks Medicated Cooling Pads

The way you use Tucks Cooling Pads is very simple:

The first step is to buy pads or adult diapers- By the time you leave the hospital, your bleeding may have lessened a lot. It’s common to have some adult diapers as back up, as well as some pads in different absorbencies.
The second and final step is to take 2 or 3 of the Tucks pads and put them right on top of your pad or in your adult diaper- Using 3 worked best for me. I would then replace the Tucks pads, as well as my regular pad every time I used the bathroom. You can roll them up right into your regular pad (or diaper) and dispose of them that way.

Benefits of Tucks Pads

Tucks pads have different uses and benefits, which is why it’s such an amazing product:

Relief- The cooling effect provides immediate relief from any discomfort resulting from hemorrhoids, as well as itching and burning.
Witch hazel- Which has natural soothing and protection properties and it the primary active ingredient.
Hygiene- In the reviews for this product, I read that many people actually use it to cleanse rectal and vaginal areas. The fact that they are also fragrance-free is great for this use!
Moist compress- This is one of the reasons it’s so great for treating hemorrhoids. Placing the medicated wipe directly on inflamed tissue can alleviate discomfort right away.

Why you should use Tucks pads instead of padsicles

You are not looking to DIY- With the amount of time that I spent nesting in those last few weeks, I didn’t really want to make padsicles. And if you already have children, you may be really busy caring for them in addition to preparing for your baby. It’s easier said than done to find that extra time during the day to make them.
You are still getting witch hazel- Although padsicles have aloe vera as well, the witch hazel is the most important ingredient that you will need to manage irritation, hemorrhoids, burning, and soreness in your perineal area.
- Witch hazel and aloe vera also share many of the same healing and soothing properties. By using a product with witch hazel, you are getting many of the same benefits that aloe vera would give you.
They are easy to use- Tuck pads are incredibly easy to use. All you have to do is put them in your pad (or adult diaper) and go. They are extremely hassle free and portable as well!
They are budget friendly- You can buy a pack of 100 Tucks pads for less than $10. That’s less than $0.10 for each medicated pad. You can’t beat it honestly.