The miracle of childbirth is a precious moment in any parent’s life. However, as with any life-changing event, there can be challenges that come with joy. One such obstacle that many mothers face after giving birth is discomfort and pain in the perineal area, making the postpartum recovery period particularly demanding (1).
Luckily, there is an easy solution to alleviate some of the pain and discomfort: postpartum ice packs. These handy tools not only help to soothe soreness and reduce inflammation, but they also provide a welcome coolness that can be soothing during a time when heat and sweat can be bothersome.
But with a plethora of options available, it can be quite a task to select the best postpartum ice pack for your individual needs. In this guide, we’ll dive deeper into some of the top postpartum ice packs on the market to aid you in finding the ideal product to help you navigate your postpartum recovery period with ease.
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall: Frida Mom Postpartum Perineal Ice Maxi Pads
- Best Budget: ICEWRAPS Reusable Perineal Ice Packs
- Best Fit: VagiKool Reusable Postpartum GelCold Pack
- Best With Sleeves: PhysioNatural Perineal Ice Packs
- Best Reusable Postpartum Ice Packs: TendHer Reusable Perineal Ice Packs
- Best Disposable Postpartum Ice Packs: LEONNS Perineal Ice Packs
- Best Postpartum Ice Packs Set: Lansinoh Hot and Cold Pads
In This Article
HappyBabyHub’s Best Postpartum Ice Packs Picks
Frida Mom Postpartum Perineal Ice Maxi Pads – Best Overall
- Perfect for sleeping especially during those first few postpartum weeks
- They are super soft
- They are a perfect size and don’t make you feel like you’re wearing a diaper
- Great absorbency
- This instantly cools your lady parts, but it doesn’t last for a long time
These disposable pads are designed to streamline your healing process and minimize any additional stress during this already challenging time. With no artificial colors or perfumes, the pads contain only medicinal witch hazel, ensuring the safest and most gentle experience possible.
The pads are longer than most maternity pads on the market, covering the full length of the perineal region. This helps reduce edema and speeds up the healing process. The pads can be stored in the refrigerator for a cooling and comforting experience. The pack is lightweight and compact, making it easy to store without taking up too much space.
ICEWRAPS Reusable Perineal Ice Packs – Best Budget
- They are light enough to lay on your stomach or back without causing extra discomfort
- The gel is nice and you don’t feel like the ice is too cold and painful
- They work great for both heating and cooling
- Stays cold for a long time
- The edges are a bit sharp so you might need to wrap them around
IceWraps is a premium supplier of gel ice packs that are made from 97% filtered Canadian water. These medical-grade hot and cold packs are designed to provide fast and effective therapy for a variety of conditions.
Unlike other ice packs that become stiff and rigid when frozen, these packs retain their flexibility, allowing them to conform to the contours of your body for maximum effectiveness.
IceWraps gel ice packs comply with strict US safety regulations and are made from materials that are BPA-free and impermeable to punctures. This makes them suitable for use on sensitive skin, providing a non-toxic and secure option for your therapeutic needs. Plus, each pack is designed for a 20-minute treatment session.
VagiKool Reusable Postpartum GelCold Pack – Best Fit
- Stays cold long
- The fit is streamlined to be way more comfortable to wear even combined with a pad
- Comfortable
- Thick
- For best soothing, freeze for an hour
These gel packs are made from medical-grade polyvinyl, a material that is designed to provide effective and safe therapy. The packs can be easily frozen or warmed (by placing them in hot water) to provide the desired level of relief.
One of the key benefits of these gel packs is the polyvinyl’s ability to retain its flexibility even when frozen. This means that the packs can be comfortably molded to the shape of your body, providing targeted and effective therapy. Additionally, the white medical gauze sleeves included with the gel packs protect against exposure to the cold.
They are also latex-free and non-toxic, ensuring that they are safe for use by individuals with sensitive skin or allergies. This makes them an ideal choice for postpartum women who are already dealing with discomfort and the added stress of a new baby.
Additionally, the sleeves are reusable and hand-washable in hot, soapy water, allowing you to use them multiple times. They are also designed to be worn comfortably with your underwear, allowing you to move forward or backward as needed.
PhysioNatural Perineal Ice Packs – Best With Sleeves
- The covers are great and easy to clean
- Reasonably priced
- Very soft
- Stays cold for a while
- Sometimes, the button closure on the winged covers is a little uncomfortable and rubs
These ice packs are designed to provide fast and effective relief to the perineal region, helping to reduce pain and discomfort associated with postpartum and other conditions.
The ice packs are composed of six elegantly smooth, understated black sleeves that are made from a high-tech fabric. This fabric is specifically designed to wick away sweat, keeping you feeling dry and comfortable even during extended periods of use. The sleeves are also made from a soft-touch, medical-grade film that is gentle on your skin.
In comparison to other ice packs, these are filled with a gel that maintains its flexibility when frozen. This means that the packs can be molded to the shape of your body, providing targeted and effective therapy. Additionally, the high volume of gel in each pack allows them to maintain their coldness for longer periods, making them more effective than other ice packs.
TendHer Reusable Perineal Ice Packs – Best Reusable Postpartum Ice Packs
- They are the perfect size
- Thin
- These don’t get super cold but just the right amount of coldness for such a sensitive area
- They do not put any extra pressure on the area
- A bit expensive
These ice packs are significantly more comfortable and effective than ordinary ice packs and hospital ice packs. The gel pads are composed of soft-touch, medical-grade film that maintains its flexibility and pliability when frozen. Additionally, the pads are designed to be washable and reusable, making them a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly solution.
They are made with a natural gel formula that is non-toxic and manufactured completely of vegan components. Plus, the gel does not include any artificial preservatives.
One of the unique features of these ice packs is that they are made by Pariday, the only manufacturer of perineal ice packs that are officially owned by women.
LEONNS Perineal Ice Packs – Best Disposable Postpartum Ice Packs
- They are even better with a witch hazel pad liner on top
- They last long
- Pretty comfortable
- They’re easy to crack and the adhesive strip is a great addition
- There might be too much air on some packs
Leonns’ postpartum ice packs are a great disposable option for reducing discomfort and suffering during the postpartum period. The padsicles feature an adhesive strip that makes it easy to keep them in the most comfortable position. This allows you to wear them without having to worry about them slipping or sliding.
In addition to offering unrivaled cooling comfort for up to 20 minutes, Leonns’ padsicles are also designed to act as an absorbent maxi pad, providing leak-proof protection for your postpartum lochia. The top layer of the pad is soft and comfortable, offering a layer of protection that is both gentle and effective.
Lansinoh Hot and Cold Pads – Best Postpartum Ice Packs Set
- This kit comes with 3 items: a peri bottle, a herbal spray, and a pair of cool/hot pads
- Beads change color with cold/heat
- They’re easy to use
- Provides up to an hour of relief
- Doesn’t warm as long
Lansinoh’s Hot & Cold Postpartum Therapy Packs are designed to provide new mothers with soothing relief and pain reduction following labor. These therapy packs can be utilized in both hot and cold temperatures, making them a versatile solution for postpartum discomfort.
The therapy packs come with 12 disposable sleeves and 2 reusable packs, making them a cost-effective option for long-term postpartum pain relief. They are also free of harmful substances such as BPA, BPS, and phthalates, ensuring that you and your baby are safe from any potential health risks.
How To Choose The Best Postpartum Ice Pack?
- Comfort: Look for an ice pack that is specifically designed for postpartum use and fits comfortably in your underwear.
- Material: Choose a pack that is made of soft, flexible, and non-irritating material.
- Features: Consider any additional features the ice pack may have, such as the ability to be used as a heat pack or added therapeutic benefits.
- Reusability: Check if the pack is reusable or disposable, depending on your preference.
- Ingredients: Be aware of any ingredients or additives used in the pack to avoid any potential allergies or irritations.
How Long Should I Use Ice Packs After Birth?
You usually use ice packs for the first 24-48 hours after giving birth, or until the swelling and discomfort have subsided (2). After that, you can switch to using heat or continue using ice packs intermittently as needed for comfort.
How To Use Postpartum Ice Packs?
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling the ice pack.
- Take the ice pack out of the freezer or refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften it slightly.
- Remove any packaging from the ice pack and place it inside a clean, disposable, or reusable underwear or pad.
- Position the ice pack over the vaginal area or perineum, where you are experiencing discomfort or swelling.
- Keep the ice pack in place for no longer than 20 minutes at a time. You can repeat this process every 1-2 hours as needed.
- After using the ice pack, clean the area with warm water and pat it dry.
