Although I am still waiting for baby #2 to make his appearance, I’ve started to prepare for all the after birth discomfort. For my first I knew that postpartum bleeding could last for a while, but going through it while healing from an episiotomy was hands-down the most uncomfortable thing about the birthing process, in my opinion.
Postpartum bleeding, also known as lochia, can come as a surprise to first-time moms. It’s like your body saved up for the biggest period ever! Make sure your properly prepared for what’s to come after that darling miracle.
Postpartum hemorrhage
Of course, we want to think of the positive and beautiful changes that happen after delivery. Since I have your attention, I would not be doing my due diligence if I didn’t take this opportunity to talk to you about a possibly fatal complication.
Postpartum hemorrhage is one of the most common causes of maternal death. Bleeding in excess of 1 pad an hour 24-48 hrs after delivery can be a sign of this condition. If a large amount of bleeding is accompanied by pelvic pain and fever please do not hesitate to let your nurse or provider know.
What Can You Do?
A simple measure to help prevent this is immediately breastfeeding after birth. This causes natural oxytocin secretion, contracting the uterus naturally and expelling retained placenta.
Postpartum Padsicles
For normal postpartum bleeding, I have the DIY solution to make after birth recovery more pleasant …..Postpartum Padsicles. These blessed my nether region the moment I put them on in the hospital. Cooling ✔️ Healing✔️ Refreshing Smell✔️. Get this simple solution prepared around 36 weeks, pop them in the freezer and you are ready to go on delivery day!
I prefer using a Depends absorbent underwear versus a traditional pad for convenience and comfort. This way you don’t have to risk bleeding through. This recipe will work for either.
- 1 package of pads or Depends
- Lavender oil
- Witch Hazel
- Aloe Vera Gel
1. Sprinkle a generous amount of Witch Hazel down center of pad
2. Repeat with Aloe Vera
5. Add 5 to 10 drops of lavender oil
6. Place Padsicles in a ziplock or grocery bag
7. Place in freezer until needed
Most importantly, come back and let me know how much you loved these padsicles. Don’t forget to grab a couple for your hospital bag on the way out the door.
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I love what you are doing here. I am also a Physican Assistant (12+ yrs of practice) who now homeschools and blogs 🙂 I like that you’re incorporating practical medical education with lifestyle and family topics here! You’ve got a new subscriber! #PAsRule
So, why didn’t I know about padsicles 14 years ago. Those sound amazing. I have some friends who just had babies. I’m going to pass this info along. Thanks for sharing.
Great Info! I wish I had known more about this when I had my children a couple of years ago! Great Info!
I have not had any children so I was totally unaware of this after birth side effect. I wonder why this is not discussed more openly? I am sure expecting moms will be grateful for you sharing this experience if they have not heard about it already.
Wow, never heard of padsicles. I will be sure to share with my friends that are expecting. I had c-sections with my kids so although I bled, it wasn’t too bad. The pain was in the incision.
Ok this lowkey freaked me out I am not a mom yet. Well I pinned this for the future I need to be honest and prepaed for this one day.
Okay. These padsicles – sound aaah-may-zing! I wish I knew about them during my pregnancies because they would have been such a comfort!
Leave it to a woman to create exactly what we need. An episiotomy sounds painful. I’m thankful I didn’t have one. My bleeding was manageable after each pregnancy. I did breastfeed both kids so that was helping and I didn’t even know.
This is a great idea! I wish I had known about this before I had my kids. It would’ve helped so much. Thanks for sharing.