Childbirth pain is notoriously among the top most painful events a woman can experience in her lifetime. However, labor partners can help mothers to find significant relief from labor pain just using a few simple items in their hospital bag such as an ice pack.
Ice Packs are Versatile and Can Be Used for Any Mother in Labor
One of the best things about ice packs is that they are so versatile. If a mother needs to spend her labor in bed, she may be unable to use the other forms of heat or cold, such as tub.
Ice Packs Provide Great Relief from Back Labor
Back labor occurs when a mother has back pain not only during contractions, but even in between contractions when she should be having a break from the pain. Ice or cold packs can work well to give her a different sensation to focus on, i.e. “cool relief” to take the edge off the back pain, but if the lower back pain has been around before the pregnancy then you may want to consider seeking medical attention to know whether or not you need something like herniated disc treatment.
Ice Packs are Handy When the Mother is Hot and Perspiring
Labor is hard work. It is common for mothers to feel hot and sweaty once active labor starts. At times, mothers may go back and forth from feeling hot and perspiring to chilled. Ice packs can help the mother to cool down when she feels overheated, such as during pushing. Applying an ice pack or cool washcloth soaked in ice to her forehead, neck and chest can provide relieve for a hot and perspiring labor mother.
Where to Find a Commercially-Made Ice Pack to Pack in Your Hospital Bag
Ice packs can be found in pharmacies and some large department stores. Ice packs are often made from a liquid or gel that can be frozen. Commercially-made ice packs are often made for people with arthritis or sports injuries and made have convenient straps with Velcro to hold them in place.
Store-bought ice packs range in price from $4 for a single use ice pack to $20 or more for re-usable ice packs such as the ones athletes often use.
How to Make an Ice Pack to Take in Your Hospital Bag
There are several ways to make your own ice or cold pack to use during labor. One of the easiest ways to have an ice pack is just to buy a bag of frozen vegetables such as peas. Keep them stored in a small cooler stored with a second ice pack used for cooler foods. They work great and they are flexible enough to mold to the mother’s back. When you are finished with the bag of vegetables, you can re-freeze it for more uses as an ice pack or throw them away.
You can also take a small Ziploc bag and fill it with crushed ice. Seal the bag and wrap it in a hand towel or large face cloth. Tie the ends to prevent the bag from slipping out.
If you are already at the hospital, you can make your own ice pack with supplies available at your place of birth. Take some nitrile gloves and fill them with crushed ice. Tie the opening of the gloves to close it.
Another way to make a cold pack is to use rice and a tube sock. Fill a new or clean men’s white tube sock about two thirds of the way with uncooked rice. Tie the end of the sock to seal it. Freeze it for two to three hours and the rice sock can be used for about an hour during labor to provide cool relief before it needs to be re-frozen.
Guidelines about Using Ice Packs Safely During Labor
Ice packs can be a great tool to use; however, you need to be sure you follow guidelines for safe use. Do not put the ice pack directly on the mother’s skin. If it is not already wrapped in a towel, be sure to put at least one layer of clothing such as mother’s hospital gown or a pillowcase between the ice pack and her skin to avoid damage to her skin.
