Witch hazel pads for postpartum recovery are a soothing and effective way to heal the body after birth. Witch hazel is an astringent that can reduce inflammation caused by common end of pregnancy and postpartum complaints like hemorrhoids, bruising, tearing, and stitches. Curious about how witch hazel can help you? Let’s get started!
Witch Hazel Pads for Postpartum Recovery are Amazing!
What are Witch Hazel Pads?
Witch hazel pads are round cotton pads that are soaked with a witch hazel solution. Tucks are the most commonly used witch hazel pads women use during pregnancy and postpartum.
Does Witch Hazel Shrink Hemorrhoids?
Many women report relief from hemorrhoids by using witch hazel soaked pads on the affected area during pregnancy and postpartum!
How Do You Use Witch Hazel Pads Postpartum?
Use a witch hazel or tucks pad every time postpartum pads are changed or as needed. Place the wet, round pad between the injured area and a maternity pad for relief of hemorrhoids and postpartum swelling.
Just stack the Tucks on a pad like a subway sandwich artist putting salami on a sub and voila, a refreshing compress for your tender lady bits!
Some women find even greater relief using frozen witch hazel pads for postpartum recovery. Frozen postpartum pads, or padsicles, are something that need to be prepared in advance.
Simply spread a witch hazel solution over each pad, wrap the pad back up, and place in the freezer. Some use witch hazel alone, and some add other healing ingredients like aloe and lavender.
Can I Buy Witch Hazel Pads or Products for Postpartum?
There are many amazing products that aid in postpartum recovery and healing. Here are some of my favorite postpartum products that can be found on Amazon.
Earth Mama Perineal Spray
Earth Mama’s perineal spray is one of my favorite ways to sooth swollen ladybits during those first weeks after giving birth. Witch hazel, antibacterial lavender, and cooling peppermint, are the stars of the show in this must-have product. Harsh chemicals are not part of the ingredient list! Spray the vulva after going to the toilet, right after using the peri bottle.
Frida Mom Perineal Healing Foam (with Witch Hazel)
Similar to Earth Mama’s Perineal Spray, Frida Mom’s Perineal Healing Foam soothes swollen skin and relieves hemorrhoids. Some moms rave about this product, but a few that tore and had stitches found it to be painful, probably because alcohol is in the ingredient list.
Frida Mom Upside Down Peri Bottle
Frida Mom took the hospital “ketchup bottle” peri bottle, did a redesign, and made it much more user friendly. After using the toilet, parents can now spray the affected area without spraying themselves and the entire bathroom. Such fun!
What Are the Best Pads to Use After Giving Birth?
Here are the best postpartum pads for the first six weeks after birth.
Week 1, Part 1: Maximum Absorbency Adult Diapers
In the first week or so, bleeding is heavy, especially the first couple of days. Postpartum diapers are the way to go! There’s no worry of leaking with an adult diaper. It’s so easy! When it comes to postpartum, I’m a big fan of easy.
My favorite adult diaper for postpartum is the Depend Silhouette for Women. They are soft and less bulky than the average adult diaper.
SHOPPING TIP: Buy 1-2 packs of 12 adult diapers for labor and the first week. 24 adult diapers should be more than sufficient and you’ll likely have leftovers. Gift your leftovers, along with your postpartum pad tips and tricks to another mama due after you. She’ll be so appreciative!
Cold for Bruising, Pain and Swelling
- An adult diaper makes using padsicles super simple. First put on the adult diaper, and then place the frozen pad in the adult diaper and you’re good to go! With an adult diaper there’s no worry of the padsicle melting and making a mess in the sheets.
- When the padsicle melts, or you need a new pad, simply throw the pad out and replace it while re-using the same adult diaper. There’s need for a new adult diaper unless it has become soiled.
- If padsicles aren’t for you, many parents love these reusable ice packs made just for postpartum.
- If you need something even easier, try these disposable icepacks that work amazingly well!
Mesh Panties + Maternity Pads
Many parents rave about mesh panties coupled with the big, bulky maternity pads. Personally, I wasn’t a fan. I found the pad to slip all over the place, and because it didn’t have wings I leaked on the sheets! No, thank you.
I highly recommend using adult diapers in the beginning in lieu of the mesh panties. I have a hunch that if parents had both Depend Silhouette for Women and mesh panties in the bathroom, the
NOTE: Some parents that gave birth by cesarean do prefer the mesh panties over the adult diapers because there’s less pressure on the incision site. That makes sense!
Week 1, Part 2: Extra Heavy Flow Overnight Pads
After about 3-7 days, adult diapers become overkill because bleeding has slowed considerably. Congratulations! Your body is healing and you are ready to graduate to a heavy flow pad!
I love the Always Maxi “purple pads” which are their overnight extra heavy flow pads. These are the big guns, but don’t feel too big or bulky when wearing them.
(You can make padsicles with these pads.)
SHOPPING TIP: Buy two packs of 20 “purple pads”. 40 overnight extra heavy flow pads should be more than sufficient. If you have any leftovers, gift them to another mama due after you. This is how you make mom friends!
Week 2-4: Regular pads
After a week or so of wearing heavy flow pads, you’ll be ready to wear a regular sized pad and possibly something heavier for nighttime. Good job! Your body is continuing to heal!
- For daytime I recommend Always Ultra Thin Pads for Daytime.
- For nighttime I recommend Always Ultra Thin Pads for Overnight.
SHOPPING TIP: Buy one pack each of the Always Ultra Thin Daytime and Always Ultra Thin Overnight pads. Keep any extras for when you get your first postpartum period. You’ll need them!
Week 3 – 6: Panty Liners
For the remainder of the six week period of time following birth, unless you’re pushing the body too hard, you’ll likely only see brown spotting. This is the perfect opportunity for panty liners.
Always makes a pantyliner that is individually wrapped, which is helpful when packing a diaper bag. I like easy!
SHOPPING TIP: One box of pantyliners will do. Be sure they are unscented.
To recap, here is the shopping lists for the best postpartum pads during the first six weeks:
- 1-2 packs of adult diapers for labor and the first few days
- 2 packs of Always Maxi “purple pads”
- 1 pack of Always Ultra Thin Pads for Daytime
- 1 pack of Always Ultra Thin Pads for Overnight
- One box of Always Individually Wrapped Pantyliners
Do You Think Witch Hazel Pads for Postpartum are Amazing?
What was your experience with witch hazel pads for postpartum? What did you think? Did they help with hemorrhoids, swelling, and pain? Leave a comment and let us know.