The 10 Best Postpartum Ice Packs to Help Recovery

As any new mom can attest, the recovery process after giving birth can be physically and emotionally challenging. One of the most common postpartum discomforts is pain in the perineal and abdominal areas.

Whether it’s reducing swelling, relieving discomfort, or promoting healing, these ice packs are designed to provide much-needed relief during the postpartum period. With step-by-step instructions, individuals can learn how to use perineal ice packs correctly, ensuring maximum comfort and a speedy recovery.

Luckily, there are products available to us that help ease this discomfort and substantially quicken the recovery process. One of the most popular options for doing so is postpartum ice packs.

 Quick shop: 

1.  Highly Rated: Medline Perineal Cold Pack

2.  Coupon Available: World-Bio Disposable Perineal Cold Pad

3.  Mom’s Favorite: Frida Mom Instant Ice Maxi Pads

4.  Contoured Shape: VagiKool Cold Pack

5.  Full Coverage: ICEWRAPS Instant Perineal Cold Pack

6.  Hot and Cold: Lansinoh Hot and Cold Pads

7.  Budget-Friendly: HI FINE CARE Reusable Perineal Cooling Pad

8.  For Cesarean Births: Frida Mom C-Section Recovery Band

9.  Non-Toxic Materials: PhysioNatural Reusable Perineal Ice Packs with Washable Sleeves

10.  Outer Sleeve: Pariday TendHer Feminine Cold Packs

11.  Bonus!  Gentle Heat Maxi Pads: Instant Heat Maxi Pads

We will dive into some of the best postpartum ice packs on the market, all of which are designed to provide lasting and convenient relief.

Whether this is your first child or you’ve been down this road before, we hope this guide will help you find the comfort you deserve during this life-changing time.

Ice packs can be a beneficial tool during the postpartum period. After giving birth, many mothers experience pain and tenderness whether they’ve had a vaginal or c-section delivery.

Applying a reusable or disposable ice pack to the affected area can drastically help reduce inflammation and provide soothing relief, allowing moms to relax further when it’s important.

Postpartum ice packs can be a simple yet effective tool for moms to use while they’re healing from childbirth, and they can make a massive difference in comfort and recovery.

Ice packs are now even recommended for navigating mastitis (instead of the old recommendation of heat).

Pro tip: Did you know that 72 hours after birth, heat is more beneficial for healing than cold? Check out these instant heat maxi pads to add to your postpartum recovery toolkit.

The relief that an ice pack can provide when you’re postpartum is pretty much unmatched.

For mothers who have delivered vaginally, the most common way to apply a postpartum ice pack is by inserting it into your underwear or postpartum diaper and holding it to the sore area as you rest. It can provide proven relief for the perineum.

To use the ice pack, follow the directions indicated on the packaging (some are disposable, and some are reusable), and simply place it on the affected area for around 20 minutes at a time, several times a day.

Just be sure the ice pack is wrapped in some cloth if it doesn’t come with a sleeve so it’s not directly touching your skin.

For mothers who have delivered via c-section, ice packs can also be beneficial for reducing pain and swelling around the incision site.

In this case, you’ll want to place the ice pack on the lower abdomen, just above the incision. Again, apply the ice pack wrapped in a cloth or towel for around 20 minutes at a time, several times a day, for amazing relief.

Both heat and cold can be super helpful when you are postpartum. Ice packs are generally recommended for reducing inflammation and providing substantial pain relief. 

On the other hand, heat therapy can help boost circulation and encourage healing. While applying ice packs is ideal during the initial days you’re postpartum, heat can be super beneficial after the third day. 

A warm compress, heating pad, or eco-friendly heating wrap can relieve tense muscles. Of course, always talk to your healthcare provider and see what they recommend for your needs.

Convenient, affordable, and practical, the Medline Perineal Cold Packs are a favorite among moms everywhere. This cold-pack pad combo is great for on-the-go since you just crack them in half to activate the cooling effects, which lasts for the recommended 20 minutes.

Shop now

Not all postpartum ice packs are made equally, but you genuinely get all the best aspects with the World-Bio perineal cold packs.

These cold packs don’t require a freezer; just squeeze the liquid pouch inside, shake it, and adhere it to your underwear. They stay cold for 20 minutes and are even quite absorbent, which isn’t the case with many cold packs.

Shop now

The Frida Mom Instant Ice Maxi Pads are a favorite. These pads offer a soft, absorbent top layer infused with gentle and cooling witch hazel for ultimate relief.

You need to fold these pads in half until you hear a popping sound, shake them up to distribute the cooling properties, and adhere them to your underwear to find the relief you’re looking for.

Shop now

One of the top choices for postpartum recovery is the vagina ice pack, known for its soothing properties and effective relief for new mothers. Having reusable ice pack options on hand is always a great idea. 

The VagiKool Cold Packs were designed with women in mind –  these cold packs have a contoured shape that fits perfectly in your underwear without being bulky or noticeable. You can freeze these as often as possible; just wash them between uses.

Shop now

Another great option that doesn’t require a freezer, the ICEWRAPS Instant Perineal Cold Packs provide 20 minutes of incredible cooling relief. These cold packs are also impressively absorbent, long enough for full coverage, and come with adhesive strips so that they stay in place.

hop no

As we now know, cold and heat are great for healing from childbirth. Ice is the way to go during the first two to three days after you give birth.

The Lansinoh Hot and Cold Pads offer the best of both worlds – you can stick these in the freezer and relish in the cooling relief, and then after a few days, when you’re ready for heat therapy, warm these pads in the microwave to alleviate soreness and cramping.

Shop now

The HI FINE CARE Reusable Perineal Cooling Pads are one of the most affordable options we have on our list, and they get the job done. These come in a pack of two, can be used as many times as you need, come with super soft insertion sleeves, and can even be used as a warm pad when you need it.

Shop now

For the mamas out there that have had a c-section delivery, the Frida Mom C-Section Recovery Band might just be your new best friend.

Designed specifically for those who delivered via cesarean, this band offers supreme support and protection around your belly and back. Cold and warm packs can be inserted into the band so you can experience remarkable hands-free relief. 

Shop now

The PhysioNatural Reusable Perineal Ice Packs are flexible, durable, and comfortable. The washable sleeves are contoured and complete with wings (similar to your typical pad), so the ice pack doesn’t budge.

The gel inside the packs is made with non-toxic materials and freezes quickly, so you can quickly get the relief you need.

Shop now

The Pariday TendHer Feminine Cold Packs provide fantastic relief and remain pliable, even when frozen. Created by women, for women, these packs can be used for heat or cold relief and are designed to fit perfectly inside the underwear.

Pariday even suggests spraying witch hazel on the sleeves for even greater alleviation.

Shop now

Did you know that after 72 hours post-birth, heat is more beneficial than cold for postpartum recovery and healing? These super-absorbant instant heat maxi pads offer protection and gentle, soothing warmth to encourage recovery.

Shop now

The postpartum period isn’t always easy since you focus on healing and your precious newborn. However, with the help of products like postpartum ice packs, it’s possible to find significant relief while speeding up the recovery process. 

From reducing inflammation to providing immediate pain relief, ice packs can benefit mothers recovering from childbirth.

We hope this guide has helped you discover the best postpartum ice packs for your individual needs and that you can find the comfort you deserve during this time. Be sure to prioritize your healing and take care of yourself as much as possible as you adjust to life with your new addition to the family.

• The 10 Best Picks for Postpartum Diapers for New Moms 
• Birthing Gowns: A Round-Up of the Best Ones for Birth 

• The 10 Best Postpartum Pads You’ll Want for Recovery 

• The 12 Best Postpartum Jeans for Every Body Shape and Size 

Hello Postpartum participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

CARLEY SCHWEET  

A two-time c-section mom, Carley Schweet is the founder and editor of Hello Postpartum and is deeply passionate about supporting other new parents as they navigate life after birth. She is a published author of two self-care books, and her work is featured on platforms such as Bustle, Forbes, MindBodyGreen, and more, and is a certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach.