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Amazing friend makes postpartum ‘padsicles’ for new mom: 'This really works'

This woman should get a BFF-of-the-year award for making a cooling postpartum sanitary napkin she calls a “padsicle” for her friend after giving birth!

For new parents experiencing the pain and soreness that follows a vaginal delivery, “padsicles” are a must.

The term is a mash-up of “pad” and “Popsicle,” and it describes a chilled sanitary napkin that is placed in your underwear to relieve pain after a vaginal delivery.

During labor, the perineum stretches and may tear, which can require stitches. The healing period afterward can be painful, so many post-labor parents use ice packs or cold packs to ease the pain and reduce swelling. Others use padsicles — which can either be store-bought or homemade.

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For those who choose the homemade route, TikTok creator Leilani Gonzales (@adore_d.or) has got you covered.

Postpartum DIY

She filmed herself making a supply of padsicles for her friend who had just given birth and posted it on TikTok to spread the knowledge. The best part is that her DIY padsicles contain only three ingredients: sanitary napkins or pads, witch hazel and aloe vera gel.

First, she opens the pad and spreads some aloe vera gel on it. In addition to the cooling and calming sensations that aloe vera gel promotes, it can shorten the healing period of wounds, according to the Mayo Clinic.

After she’s covered the pad with aloe vera gel, she adds some alcohol-free witch hazel. Witch hazel can be used to soothe pain, swelling and itching, according to WebMD. It can also relieve discomfort caused by hemorrhoids, which are a common postpartum condition.

After squirting on the layer of witch hazel, Gonzales makes about 35 more padsicles and then packs them into sealed plastic bags. While her instructions don’t include placing them in the freezer or fridge, doing so is a step experts recommend because the cold temperature helps reduce swelling and soreness.

‘This is the absolute sweetest thing’

The comments on Gonzales’ video were overwhelmingly positive and appreciative.

“This is the absolute sweetest thing. You will be such a great auntie for her child,” wrote one touched commenter.

“You so awesome. I’m a labor and delivery nurse. This really works. Pro tip: put it in the fridge/freezer,” chimed in another.

“YOU A BADDIE FOR THIS ONE ITS PROBABLY THE LAST THING SHE THINKING ABOUT BUT THE FIRST THING SHE GONNA NEED,” wrote one very enthusiastic TikToker.

To which Gonzales replied, “My sister blessed me with these when I came home after having a baby. I didn’t even know they were a thing!!”

Just a mom paying it forward!

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If you enjoyed this story, check out this funny dad on TikTok who isn’t here for complaints about being ‘tired’ — unless you have kids!

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