This may be old news to most of you, but there are many first-timers here, so I thought I'd pass on this little tidbit for those of us still waiting to give birth.
disclaimer: I know many of you are using mama cloth. I truly admire your dedication. Unfortunately, I know it's beyond me in the pp period, so I use 'sposie pads. I know they are not very enviro-friendly,
: but they are post-partum perineum friendly. I have no idea if the "ingredients" will harm mama cloth.
I made up a few (5 - 8 maybe?) of these pads before my dd was born 4 years ago, and they were HEAVEN. They really helped ease pp pain and swelling. I used them for the first few days, alternating between these and regular/non-doctored pads. I think I'll make more like 12 this time.
You need:
-overnight maxi pads
-witch hazel
-lavender oil
-water
-tin foil
Unwrap each pad, and pour a little witch hazel, a little water, and 3-4 drops of lavender on each pad. You want the pad damp, but not soaked. Wrap each pad in tin foil and stick them in the freezer. Be sure to warn your family about them so they don't get a surprise while hunting for something to make for dinner.
You can also add a little bit of aloe vera gel (this is an edible liquid, not a topical ointment. Lily of the Desert is a popular brand. You can find it in any health food store). You can find witch hazel in any store with a pharmacy department - I found it with the first aid items. Lavendar essential oil can be purchased anywhere you can buy essential oils. I found some in the health food section of my local grocery store and a regular health food store. Witch hazel and lavender are natural astringents, so they'll help reduce swelling, and the aloe and the cold are very soothing.
disclaimer: I know many of you are using mama cloth. I truly admire your dedication. Unfortunately, I know it's beyond me in the pp period, so I use 'sposie pads. I know they are not very enviro-friendly,
: but they are post-partum perineum friendly. I have no idea if the "ingredients" will harm mama cloth.I made up a few (5 - 8 maybe?) of these pads before my dd was born 4 years ago, and they were HEAVEN. They really helped ease pp pain and swelling. I used them for the first few days, alternating between these and regular/non-doctored pads. I think I'll make more like 12 this time.
You need:
-overnight maxi pads
-witch hazel
-lavender oil
-water
-tin foil
Unwrap each pad, and pour a little witch hazel, a little water, and 3-4 drops of lavender on each pad. You want the pad damp, but not soaked. Wrap each pad in tin foil and stick them in the freezer. Be sure to warn your family about them so they don't get a surprise while hunting for something to make for dinner.
You can also add a little bit of aloe vera gel (this is an edible liquid, not a topical ointment. Lily of the Desert is a popular brand. You can find it in any health food store). You can find witch hazel in any store with a pharmacy department - I found it with the first aid items. Lavendar essential oil can be purchased anywhere you can buy essential oils. I found some in the health food section of my local grocery store and a regular health food store. Witch hazel and lavender are natural astringents, so they'll help reduce swelling, and the aloe and the cold are very soothing.
they were awesome- they absorbed an insane amount and I wasn't worried about leaks. trim also. i think i used them the first 2 days, then switched to normal pads. I'm taking notes on all these recommendations- good thread.
