Witch hazel on maternity pads - really?

[BeginnerSAHM]

Hi - I'm 35 weeks with number 3 and had stitches after DCs1 and 2. (Very rapid labours so not surprising.) I've read on MN a few times about a recommendation to soak a maternity pad with witch hazel to help with the swelling after/make things more comfortable but it says in the bottle not to out it on cuts or wounds. Has anybody actually used witch hazel? Just trying to organise my hospital bag (again)... Thanks!!

I was advised to use witch hazel pads when my ds was born 16 years ago, but I was told not to continue for more than a couple of days or it would make the area soft and it wouldn't heal as effectively. But that was a long time ago and advice might have changed since then.

It did help though, and I was glad of it at the time.

I used witch hazel on pads 2 years ago when I had an episiotomy.

Worked a wonder, so soothing.

You can't do it all day though, you need to 'air' it out a bit and let it dry up. Not easy when you're bleeding but just spend a bit of time with a dry pad on.

Another tip is lavender and tee tree oil in the bath and bath once a day. Not easy with a newborn but it's great if you can.

They actually gave me those in hospital after I had dd . I think they worked in making things a bit more comfortable

I use witch hazel on cuts and broken skin all the time. You can dilute it with water if you are worried about it stinging.

Brill - thanks all! I'll give it a whirl (and also the lavender and tea tree...). Really hoping I don't tear so much this time though... Sure things are supposed to be, err, 'stretchier' with third babies!

I didn't really soak the pad - just tipped a little bit out of the bottle and it was nice and cold and cooling and I guess a little antiseptic to help with the healing.

I actually found tea tree oil to be better but I used both. I had a couple of stitches and used to pour warm water between my legs when I peed and drop tea tree oil on my pad. Worked wonders!

I kept the witch hazel in the fridge, poured on a pad it was cooling soothing heaven.

My midwife recommended putting some which hazel on a pad and storing in the freezer. Use until it warms to room temp then chuck. Very soothing apparently, I'm 40 weeks now so will be testing the idea soon :)

Thanks all!! Will definitely give it a whirl. 36 weeks tomorrow and counting... DC2 born at 36 weeks (DC1 at 38 weeks). Am slightly surprised DC3 isn't here already . Bet I have to be induced in 2015 now....

Where do I buy witch hazel? Can someone send a picture of the bottle please.

@jo4nn492 get spritz for bits it's amazing.

@20viona I have heard both good and bad feedback for that. Do I spray that on maternity pads too?

Myself and all my friends have used it I had an episiotomy and second degree tear and I used the spray straightaway in hospital. Doused my pads in It and also sprayed directly on myself it truly is so soothing.